I love all forms of Mexican food. When I crave authentic, I visit the low-key place serving the best tacos in town. But on road trips, I can be tempted by the fake Mexican allure of Taco Bell.
After three long years I finally went back to California to see my friends, and it was glorious. It was on this trip that I was reminded of how ubiquitous good Mexican food is there. Angelenos take it for granted that most Mexican joints wouldn't dare serve tacos topped with shredded yellow cheese.
In Virginia, knockout Mexican restaurants don't often have margarita happy hours, and are harder to find in general. Those in the know whisper it like a trade secret, but I'd rather democratize down-home Mexican cooking. Let's blow the top off this thing!
So what makes real Mexican food so much better?
All of the citrus
No one should eat a taco without a wedge of lime. The acidic tang complements the meat - whether it's fried fish or carnitas. When Mexicans marinate carne asada, they soak the beef in orange juice to tenderize the meat and boost the flavor profile.
Unpopular opinion? Lard
There are the beans that come from a can, and then there are the creamy beans with a deep, almost smoky umani flavor that could make a bean and cheese burrito stand on its own. That would be the lard speaking. Pork fat and beans are mates for life, and the sooner we embrace it, the better the beans will be.
So corny
The only reason people like flour tortillas is because they're bendy. Flavor-wise, it's almost a void that dulls the flavor of foods it wraps around. Corn tortillas are much more malleable if you apply heat to them. Butter or grease a pan a little bit, flip and lightly salt for a minute, and not only do you have a bendier, tastier taco - you have a stronger one that won't rip or get soggy.
Switch toppings from blah to aaahhh
Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king.
I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt. The sour cream I get - it works. But if you are going to go for cheese, use cojita. It's crumbly for spreading and salty for a flavor boost.
Meat matters
A lot of Tex-Mex-style Mexican restaurants use ground beef in their lunch specials and combo meals, because it's a cheap cut and some people wouldn't know any better.
This is not the case with authentic recipes, where the meat options for sopes, burritos and tacos are carnitas (roasted pork), carne asada (marinated steak) and chicken, which is often char-broiled. Meat does take center stage when it comes to quality food.
Going back to California really put things into perspective, culinary-wise. Throughout my trip, I dined on fish tacos, white mole with pomegranate seeds, and burritos stuffed with carnitas and salsa made from cactus (nogales).
It's my hope that we can incorporate more bold flavors into our Mexican food. Citrus, fire, and umami create fuller flavors. And if you're not into that, there's always Taco Bell.
FAQs
Mexican food is packed with spices and natural flavorings. There is no such thing as bland Mexican food! Moles, salsas, guacamoles, and pico de gallo can be found on many popular Mexican dishes, adding extra flavor and fun to every dish. Everybody loves a deal, and Mexican food is notably affordable.
Why does food taste better in Mexico? ›
Mexican dishes are known for their bold and spicy flavors, colorful presentation, and the use of fresh ingredients such as avocado, tomatoes, chilies, and corn. Traditional Mexican flavors like mole, adobo, and salsa add an extra layer of complexity and depth to the dishes.
What makes Mexican food taste authentic? ›
It began with simple, native foods and flavors found only in Mexico. Most of the indigenous ingredients used were beans, vanilla, peanuts, tomatoes, chili peppers, and coconuts. Spices were also abundant and this gave their food a distinct taste.
How is authentic Mexican food different? ›
Mexican dishes do have their own unique flavor compared to what is regularly available throughout the United States. Authentic Mexican food tends to use corn tortillas rather than wheat tortillas. It also uses chili peppers, wild game, and fish. Onion is a staple ingredient in many dishes, as is cilantro.
Why does Mexican beef taste different? ›
When Mexicans marinate carne asada, they soak the beef in orange juice to tenderize the meat and boost the flavor profile.
Why does Mexican restaurant salsa taste so good? ›
Unlike jarred or canned salsa, restaurant salsa is essentially small-batch, freshly made salsa. These establishments have access to high-quality ingredients and equipment to streamline the salsa-making process and ensure a consistent product.
Why do eggs taste different in Mexico? ›
Since they tend to come from local producers compared to coming from long distances from corporate farms. I find that they are fresher and taste better in Mexico.
Why is food in Mexico healthier? ›
One of the most common questions I hear as a dietitian is, “Is Mexican food healthy?” Yes, Mexican food can be very healthy. This is thanks to its base of corn, beans, tomato, and squash. The abundance of fresh produce and spices also helps make Mexican food very nutritious!
Why do nacho Doritos taste different in Mexico? ›
Mexican Doritos are said to have a stronger concentration of flavor, with a greater focus on the cheese and jalapeño aspects. In other words, Mexican Doritos may have more heat than you'd normally expect. This extra burn probably isn't surprising if you live in Mexico, though.
What seasoning do Mexican restaurants use? ›
With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.
Authentic Mexican food is usually cooked in cast iron skillets, steamed or fried. Examples of Authentic Mexican food you can find in Atlanta include salsa, tomatillos, tamales, and enchiladas. You can usually find these Mexican dishes at local Mexican restaurants.
What is the original Mexican flavor? ›
Traditional Mexican cuisine has a distinct taste and it's made up of a few common ingredients. That spicy flavor is due to things like onions, garlic, chile powders, herbs, spices, and a few that are specific to this style of food.
Why does Mexican food taste better? ›
Mexican food is so appealing because it is a mash-up of several cultures. Its unique combination of spices, flavours, and brilliant colours makes for a stunning appearance. Many classic Mexican foods retain their pre-Hispanic roots, making them distinctive.
How to tell if a Mexican restaurant is authentic? ›
Authentic Mexican restaurants prioritize sourcing fresh produce, meats, and spices, and they often make certain items in-house, such as salsas, tortillas, and sauces. Pay attention to the flavors and textures of the dishes, as well as the quality of ingredients used.
What makes Tex-Mex different than Mexican? ›
The Tex-Mex meaning can be most simply summed up by the different types of ingredients used. Tex-Mex recipes feature the use of chili powder, a savory mix of ground chile peppers with spices including cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Alternatively, Mexican recipes call for chile peppers, not the chili seasoning blend.
Is authentic Mexican healthy? ›
Yes, Mexican food can be very healthy. This is thanks to its base of corn, beans, tomato, and squash. The abundance of fresh produce and spices also helps make Mexican food very nutritious! But to fully understand why Mexican food is healthy, let's talk about what a healthy diet is.
Why does everyone love Mexican food? ›
Mexican Cuisine Fuses Many Styles and Traditions
This is the glorious result of Mexico's fusion of Spanish flavors and prehispanic ingredients! Every classic dish is colorful, a feast for the eyes and the stomach. Each dish combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with age-old techniques for preparation.
What is special about Mexican cuisine? ›
Native ingredients such as varieties of tomatoes, squashes, avocados, cocoa and vanilla augment the basic staples. Mexican cuisine is elaborate and symbol-laden, with everyday tortillas and tamales, both made of corn, forming an integral part of Day of the Dead offerings.
Why is Mexican food so different from Spanish food? ›
Spanish cuisine often relies on olive oil, garlic, saffron, tomatoes, and seafood such as cod, anchovies, and squid. Mexican cuisine makes abundant use of ingredients like corn, beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and a wide range of fresh herbs and spices.
