Mexican Appetizers

Guacamole is a world-famous buttery delicacy dating back all the way to the Aztec empire of the 1500s. It’s a healthy blend of ripe, mashed avocados, onions, chiles, optional tomatillos and selected seasonings such as sea salt and coriander.... READ MORE

The iconic Caesar salad was named after its creator Cesare (Caesar) Cardini, an Italian immigrant who lived in San Diego but, circumventing Prohibition laws in the United States, operated a popular restaurant in Tijuana, just south of the Mexican ... READ MORE

Chalupa is a thin, crunchy tortilla whose form is reminiscent of a canoe or a cup. The shape is achieved by pinching and baking the masa dough, which is then fried and topped with numerous savory ingredients such as pulled pork, ground beef, shred... READ MORE

Queso fundido is a tasty Mexican comfort food dish that is typically served as an appetizer. It consists of pieces of chorizo, tomatoes, onions, poblano peppers, and gooey, stringy melted cheese. The dish is often prepared tableside in restaurants... READ MORE

Chile relleno is a Mexican dish with origins in the city of Puebla. It consists of chili peppers stuffed with ingredients such as cheese, nuts, cinnamon, and diced meat. Once the peppers are stuffed, they are usually dipped in eggs and flour, then... READ MORE

Aguachile is a simple dish originating from the Mexican state of Sinaloa. It is a type of Mexican ceviche that (in its most classic version) consists of fresh raw shrimp, cucumber, red onion, lime juice, and water-pulverized chilis, givin... READ MORE

Antojitos (lit. little cravings) refers to a variety of Mexican foods that are prepared in market stalls and on the streets. Due to the fact that formal, substantial meals are consumed in the mid-afternoon, most antojitos are eaten either in the m... READ MORE

Camarones a la diabla is a traditional dish originating from Mexico. Although there are many variations, the dish is usually made with a combination of shrimps, tomatoes, garlic, onions, arbol chili peppers, olive oil, and salt. The shrimps are co... READ MORE

Choriqueso is one of the essential Mexican comfort food dishes: pieces of Mexican chorizo topped with melted cheese, tomato chunks, and finely chopped onions and coriander. It can be served as a dip when accompanied by tortilla chips, or stuffed i... READ MORE

Charales is a Mexican specialty dish consisting of small, deep-fried, minnow-sized fish consumed with salt, chilis, and a squeeze of lime juice. They are usually served as a snack or as an appetizer, although charales can also be used as a taco fi... READ MORE

Frijoles puercos is a traditional bean-based dish. This appetizer, side dish, or even a dip is usually made with a combination of cooked beans, chipotle chili peppers, beef or pork chorizo, lard, jalapeños, and Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese (o... READ MORE

Originating from the coastal region around Mazatlán, ceviche de Sierra is a traditional type of ceviche prepared with fresh mackerel as the key ingredient. Other ingredients used in the dish include lime juice, carrots, onions, cucumbers, s... READ MORE

Tiritas pescado is a traditional dish originating from the Guerrero region, and it is especially popular in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area. The dish is usually prepared with fish such as snapper, sailfish, or marlin that is cut into strips, then comb... READ MORE

Colima-style ceviche is made with a combination of finely chopped white fish, lime juice, salt, and onions. The liquid is strained after the fish has marinated, and ingredients such as tomatoes, chili peppers, carrots, olives, vinegar, coriander, ... READ MORE

Nopales con huevo is a traditional dish originating from Central Mexico and consisting of nopal cactus with eggs. The dish is usually made with a combination of diced nopales, lard or oil, eggs, tomatoes, garlic, onions, chili peppers, and salt. T... READ MORE

Ostiones a la veracruzana is a traditional appetizer originating from Veracruz and the Gulf region. The dish is made with a combination of oysters, butter, oil, onions, garlic, tomatoes, jalapeños, flour, white wine, parsley, and seasonings... READ MORE

Avocados rellenos de verduras is a traditional dish that's especially popular in Michoacán. Although there are many variations, it's usually prepared with a combination of ripe avocados, peas, chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, lemon juice, an... READ MORE

Chiles de la Sierra is a traditional dish originating from Sierra de Puebla. It's usually made with a combination of ancho chili peppers, onions, vinegar, salt, oil, oregano, and queso añejo. The chili peppers are heated in order to soften,... READ MORE

Queso fundido al tequila is a traditional dish that's usually served as an appetizer or a dip. It's made with a combination of chorizo, sweet onions, tequila, green chili peppers, flour, tomato salsa, and cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack,... READ MORE

Frijoles puercos estilo Jalisco is a traditional dish originating from Jalisco. These refried beans have a number of varieties, and this is the Jalisco-style preparation that's usually served as a snack with drinks. The dish is usually made with a... READ MORE

Pepinos rellenos de camaron is a traditional dish originating from Baja California. The dish is usually made with a combination of cucumbers, shrimps, cream cheese, lemon juice, hot peppers, salt, pepper, and paprika. The seeds and flesh are scoop... READ MORE

Codzitos is a Yucatecan dish consisting of fried tortilla rolls. The name of the dish is derived from the Mayan word koots (codz), meaning to roll. In order to prepare it, stale tortillas are stuffed with shredded meat (... READ MORE

Botanas de camarón seco is a traditional dish originating from Chiapas. These shrimp fritters are usually made with a combination of dried shrimps, flour, salt, cold water, egg whites, onions, serrano chili peppers, and oil. The shrimps are... READ MORE

Dzik de pescado or fish dzik is a Yucateco dish that is usually served as an appetizer. It is made with a combination of diced white fish, onions, radishes, habanero chilis, coriander, orange juice, lemon juice, and vinegar. All ingredien... READ MORE

Carne cocida en limón is a traditional dish originating from Chiapas. Often served in cantinas and pulquerias, this tasty snack consists of ground meat marinated in lime juice. It's usually prepared with a combination of fresh lime juice, g... READ MORE

Berros regionales is a traditional dish that's prepared throughout Mexico. Often served as a salad or an appetizer, berros regionales is usually made with a combination of watercress, chopped bacon, walnuts, pine nuts, lemon juice, Worcestershire ... READ MORE