5 Must-Try Mexican Starters That Elevate Any Meal

Overview

Mexican cuisine is rich, vibrant, and full of flavors that can tantalize your taste buds. Among the best ways to start a meal is with some traditional Mexican starters. In this article, we’ll explore five must-try Mexican appetizers that not only elevate your meal but also cater to various tastes, making them suitable for everyone—from casual gatherings to sophisticated dinners.

Each dish studied here offers a unique perspective on Mexican culture and regional cuisine. This article will offer prep times ranging from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, with varying difficulty levels. These starters are typically served before meals, as aperitivos, or during parties, lending an authentic touch to any dining experience.

5 Must-Try Mexican Starters

1. Guacamole

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados (approximately 680g / 24 oz)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped (approximately 100g / 3.5 oz)
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced (approximately 180g / 6.3 oz)
• 1 lime, juiced (approximately 30ml / 1 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (approx. 2.5g)
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (approx. 10g / 0.35 oz; also optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
2. Using a fork, mash the avocados until you reach your desired consistency—smooth or chunky.
3. Add the chopped onion, diced tomatoes, lime juice, salt, and optional ingredients. Mix until combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lime as needed.
5. Serve immediately with tortilla chips or cover with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent browning until ready to serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be cautious not to over-mash your avocados to avoid a soupy texture, and always taste before serving to balance flavors.

2. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn, husked (about 600g / 21 oz)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120g / 4.2 oz)
• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled (75g / 2.6 oz)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (about 2g)
• Juice of 1 lime (approximately 30ml / 1 oz)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, approx. 10g / 0.35 oz)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until lightly charred.
3. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder.
4. Once the corn is grilled, coat it with the mayonnaise mixture and sprinkle with crumbled cotija cheese and cilantro.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking; the corn should be tender with a slight crunch and not mushy.

3. Queso Fundido

Ingredients

• 400g / 14 oz of gooey cheese (like Chihuahua or Oaxaca)
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional) (about 15g / 0.5 oz)
• 1/2 cup chorizo, cooked and crumbled (approx. 115g / 4 oz)
• Fresh tortillas for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In an oven-safe dish, mix the cheese, diced jalapeño, and cooked chorizo.
3. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
4. Serve immediately with warm tortillas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to overbake; the cheese should be melty but not hard.

4. Taquitos

Ingredients

• 10 corn tortillas (approx. 200g / 7 oz)
• 2 cups shredded chicken or beef (about 300g / 10.6 oz)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (about 2g)
• Salt to taste
• Guacamole and salsa for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Slightly fry the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until soft.
3. Fill each tortilla with chicken or beef, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick.
4. Fry the taquitos until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Make sure not to overfill the tortillas; they may burst while frying.

5. Sopes

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina (240g / 8.5 oz)
• 3/4 cup warm water (180ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (approx. 2.5g)
• Toppings: refried beans, lettuce, cheese, crema (as desired)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix masa harina, warm water, and salt in a bowl until a dough forms.
2. Preheat a skillet over medium heat.
3. Shape the dough into small discs and cook each for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
4. Create a slight rim to hold toppings, add refried beans, and top with your choice of toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure the discs are thick enough to hold up the toppings without breaking.

Variations & Substitutions

For those seeking dietary swaps, consider using plant-based cheese for queso fundido to make it vegan or gluten-free tortillas for taquitos and sopes. You can also switch up the proteins used in these recipes to suit your preferences—fish or lentils can make great alternatives.

For a creative touch, try adding regional flavors, like incorporating chipotle in the guacamole or serving sopes with unique toppings like roasted poblano peppers.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Many components can be prepared ahead of time. For instance, guacamole can be made a few hours in advance, while taquitos can be fully assembled and stored in the fridge before frying. When storing items like elote or queso fundido, cover them tightly to keep them fresh.

For reheating, place in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness; the microwave can be a bit soggy, so it’s less recommended.

Nutrition (Approx.)

• Guacamole: ~150 calories per serving
• Elote: ~200 calories per ear
• Queso Fundido: ~300 calories per serving
• Taquitos: ~250 calories per two pieces
• Sopes: ~120 calories each

For lighter options, use low-fat cheese or substitute beans and veggies for meats.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these starters with refreshing Mexican wines, spritz cocktails, or homemade aguas frescas for a delightful experience. Serve on wooden boards for rustic charm, garnished with lime wedges and sprigs of cilantro for color. Kid-friendly options can include smaller portions or bites on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go appetizers.

FAQs

Can I make guacamole a day in advance? Yes, but to prevent browning, ensure the surface is covered with plastic wrap.

How do I store extra elote? Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese? Feta cheese is a great substitute if you can’t find cotija.

Can taquitos be made ahead of time? Yes, they can be assembled and refrigerated until you are ready to fry them.

Conclusion

Mexican starters are an essential part of any meal, offering a burst of flavors and textures that can enchant your guests. From creamy guacamole to crispy taquitos, each dish provides an authentic taste of Mexico. Feel free to experiment with regional varieties, and don’t hesitate to combine multiple appetizers for an impressive spread. Share your favorite Mexican starter recipes below, and let’s celebrate the vibrant culture of food together!