From tacos to enchiladas: 9 Tex-Mex recipes to prepare at home that everyone will love
The first time you try a good Tex-Mex dish, it's hard to forget it: nachos covered with melted cheese and jalapeños, a quesadilla that melts in your hands or a burrito bathed in spicy sauce. It is not a cuisine for contemplation, but for sharing: direct, powerful and uncomplicated flavors. Born on the Texas-Mexico border, what began as home cooking became a repertoire that crossed borders and today fills restaurant menus halfway around the world.
In this article we review what distinguishes Tex-Mex cuisine from Mexican cuisine and, in addition, we share with you 9 irresistible recipes to enjoy at home.
Tex-Mex vs. Mexican cuisine: what makes them different?
Traditional Mexican cuisine is immense and diverse: from mole poblano to tamales from Oaxaca to tacos al pastor from Mexico City. It is a cuisine of ancestral techniques, based on nixtamalized corn, beans, chili and an amazing variety of local ingredients. That is why UNESCO recognized it as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Tex-Mex, on the other hand, is a child of the border. It was born from the cuisine of Mexican families in Texas, who adapted their dishes to the available ingredients and local tastes. Thus appeared combinations that today we immediately associate with Tex-Mex:
- Minced beef as the base of many stews.
- Melted and abundant cheese, in enchiladas, nachos or tacos.
- Wheat tortillas next to corn tortillas.
- Chili with meat and thick sauces made with cumin, paprika or chili powder.
While Mexican cuisine prides itself on its regional variety and fidelity to tradition, Tex-Mex is defined by abundance, forcefulness and simplicity. Neither is better than the other: they are distinct expressions of the same cultural roots.
The best of Tex-Mex in 11 irresistible recipes
Head for Mexico and let your taste buds travel with a sombrero on your head thanks to our Chili Con Carne! This emblematic Tex-Mex recipe promises a heart-warming meal of spicy flavors. Let yourself be tempted by this delicious blend of meats and...
What if we turned our corn tortillas into bowls to hold a mixed salad? A fluted mold, a trip to the oven, and you're done ;-) We'll explain how we did it in the instructions below ↓ For the rest, just combine the ingredients of your choice ;-)
Travel to Mexico with our homemade quesadillas recipe! Filled with chicken and avocado, you'll love these little triangular sandwiches! Very easy to make, this recipe will give you the chance to use wheat tortillas in a different way than for fajitas...
We love flavorful food, and this is one of those dishes. Enchiladas are a quintessential Mexican dish, truly delicious! There are red and green enchiladas depending on the sauce. We have prepared a version of the red ones, as unfortunately, to make the...
Today we're traveling to Mexico with these delicious Mexican-style chicken drumsticks , for a meal that's super easy to prepare! :-) Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a marinade to die for, the whole family will love it, we guarantee...
Fancy some fajitas but don't feel like doing a lot of washing up? Long live the Air Fryer ;-) Here's how to make a fajita filling cooked in the Air Fryer, by mixing all the ingredients together (chicken and vegetables), in a delicious marinade with...
For a fresh and colorful meal, opt for our tacos! Homemade wheat tortillas to fill according to your desires ;-) Here we offer a vegetarian filling packed with flavors. The ideal meal (to enjoy with your fingers, of course!) for a TV dinner or a...
Perfect for a Netflix and chill night! We have the perfect recipe for you: samosa tacos! Made with tortillas, they will be softer than traditional samosas and just as generously filled. Enjoy them with your fingers accompanied by a spicy sauce ;-)
Planning a picnic? Enjoy our salad jar with delightful Mexican flavors! This recipe is also perfect for a lunch to take to the office. A colorful salad topped with an irresistible dressing! We share our secret in the preparation steps below ↓
Much more than melted cheese
Preparing Tex-Mex at home is, above all, a social act: fill the table, eat with your hands, laugh while someone stains the tablecloth with sauce and enjoy without complications. Few cuisines are so grateful when what you are looking for is flavor, fiesta and closeness in every bite. In Spain, we often confuse it with "authentic" Mexican cuisine. That's okay: both worlds share roots and are enjoyed with equal enthusiasm.
Patricia González
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