22 Copycat Mexican Restaurant Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the #1 order to never make at a Mexican restaurant according to chefs? ›

Skip the restaurant fajitas and make them at home instead.

"I would never order fajitas at a restaurant. They're really nothing more than sautéed onions and peppers with a protein. Nothing exciting," said Montiel.

Despite the introduction of wheat and rice to Mexico, maize is the most commonly consumed grain in almost all areas of the country and serves as the main ingredient in many local recipes (e.g. maize tortillas, atole, pozole, menudo, tamal).

Worst: Chimichanga

This is code for “deep-fried burrito.” Think that sounds unhealthy? You're right. The dish has more than 1,500 calories and 93 grams of fat. Factor in toppings like guacamole and sour cream, and you'll get most of your day's calories and sodium in one meal.

Mix and match healthy options like grilled meat (chicken, fish, shrimp), ceviche (raw seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice and other seasonings), black beans, brown rice, avocado salad, sautéed veggies, or tortilla soup.

Manteca is basically a semi-rough form of pork lard. It's pure pork fat, not as filtered as standard lard and has a yellow or caramel coloring. This oil is common in Mexican and other Latin American fast food restaurants.

Basically is a Poblano type chili, lightly cooked and stuffed with chopped meat (some people like it with beef others would use pork or both) and a candy made from Biznaga (a cactus). It is covered with a sweet cream made with walnut and pomegranate. Chile en Nogada is the most authentic Mexican dish.

What is the most popular Mexican dish? For most people, Quesadillas are the most popular Mexican dish! They consist of a folded tortilla stuffed with cheese and vegetables or meat, usually cooked in an oven until they become crispy.

A grape for each chime of the clock at the stroke of midnight is said to bring good luck in the new year. For Mexicans, eating a spoonful of cooked lentils is meant to bring good fortune in the coming year. Alternatively, a bag of dried lentils is left outside the front door.

That's why, whether it's a cheap steak or a predictable pasta, chefs agree that the number one main dish to never order is the one that cuts corners in the kitchen. Because at the end of the day, if you really want mac and cheese, you can just whip it up at home later.

Try to avoid deep fried dishes like chalupas, taquitos and chimichangas. Opt for healthier items like grilled chicken or shrimp and chicken or veggie fajitas. If you're in the mood for a taco salad, order it without the deep-fried taco bowl. It's basically one, big, fried tortilla chip!

What are the rules for Mexican dining? ›

Dining Etiquette:

Do not begin eating until the host says, “Buen provecho!” Mexicans do not switch knives and forks. The knife remains in the right hand, and the for remains in the left. When the meal is finished, the knife and fork are laid parallel to each other across the right side of the plate.

Ordering food in Mexico at restaurants

Some servers can understand a little bit of English, but it's best to try ordering food in Spanish when possible. Even if you fumble with your Mexican food phrases, the servers will appreciate the effort.