Latin American

If I had to come up with two words to describe this dish, they would be “tangy” and “tasty.” Onions, lime juice, and roasted tomato are all mixed in with flank steak, which is seared to a crispy and juicy finish. While the dish is made entirely on the stovetop, you’d swear a grill was involved. This is another great option for entertaining because most of the recipe can be done a day in advance.

This classic dish proudly displays the colors of the Mexican flag, which is most likely why it’s referred to as “belonging to Mexico” (a la Mexicana). It’s also where the fajita probably got its start. A quick sauté of traditional ingredients—tomato, onion, and chiles—shows how delicious and simple Mexican food can be.

Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food. And while these are satisfyingly delicious, they also pack a spicy punch. The chipotles add an unexpected smoky heat to the tomato sauce, which only gets better with time. So make them in advance for a no-stress meal, and make sure to make extra so you can have some for leftovers.

The most difficult part of making these ribs is waiting for them to be ready. And the best part is that they practically make themselves. It is said that ribs should be cooked low and slow, and this recipe does just that. Cumin, oregano, and chipotle chiles slowly infuse into the meat of these ribs for 3 hours before they are glazed with honey and adobo. A winning combination!

If you have ever eaten from a taco truck, you will know why carne asada (grilled beef ) tacos are the ultimate Mexican street food. Charred crispy beef is wrapped in a warm and chewy corn tortilla and drizzled with your choice of fresh tomato or tomatillo sauce. It is easy to make and even easier to serve because you can have your guests make their own.

This recipe was inspired by the traditional pibil-style barbecued pork, in which entire pigs are marinated in an achiote marinade and cooked in an underground pit lined with banana leaves. While you won’t need a pit or an entire pig, these pork skewers evoke the same smoky citrus flavor with much less time and effort. Note: You will need eight 6-inch wooden skewers for this recipe.

One of the best characteristics of the Mexican kitchen is that many recipes are an assembly of ingredients and often use up leftovers. This is one such recipe. If you think of a tostada as an edible plate, you will realize the endless options for creating them. A meal is usually made up of two tostadas, which I like to stack because placing them side-by-side looks a bit awkward on a plate. And remember, tostadas are usually eaten with your hands!

These succulent pork chops are perfect for a small dinner party or family dinner at home. If you have the Red Chile Paste and Fresh Tomatillo Sauce made ahead of time, you will have dinner on the table before you know it. I like to serve these with the Shredded Cabbage & Radish Slaw (page 24). Comforting and flavorful—this is sure to become a family favorite.

Mexicans refer to this dish as manchamanteles or “tablecloth stainer” due to the delicious deep red sauce that is made from dried chiles and spices. The sauce has an underlying sweetness that is very addicting. And because this dish improves with age, you can make it days in advance or enjoy left-overs days later.

I promise these enchiladas are unlike any you have ever had before. Although the tortillas are fried, the enchiladas are light and vibrantly flavorful because they are not smothered in cream and cheese. Instead the fresh cheese is crumbled on top and the tangy Mexican crema is served on the side.

This dish, also referred to as escabeche, owes it origin to the Spanish, who created the technique of frying or poaching fish or chicken and then marinating it in a citrus or vinegar mixture as a way of preserving the meat. Because the marinating process can take up to a day, it is left in the refrigerator and as a result is typically served cold or at room temperature. It makes a great dish for a picnic or an outdoor meal because it can be made well in advance and only gets better with time.

I hope the banana leaves will entice—not discourage—you from making this recipe. The leaves may be tricky to find, but they are worth it. Available in most Latin markets or through online sources, the banana leaves give off an intoxicating smokiness you cannot get from any other ingredient. This simple recipe can also be made with fish and shellfish. For this recipe, you will need five 12-inch squares of banana leaves.

The shrimp in this recipe are cooked in a manner that is referred to as enchilado, or in a chile sauce. While the shrimp go well served atop crisp fresh lettuce and a crunchy tortilla, they can also be served over a bed of white rice with extra sauce drizzled on top. Either way, you will find the shrimp to be as versatile as they are delicious.

This recipe serves you summer on a dish. You will see how the tomato and roasted corn salsa pop right off the plate. While the salsa pairs beautifully with the tuna, feel free to pair it with your favorite fish or even chicken. Fast, fresh, and easy—this will soon become your quick dinner fix.

Salpicón—a shredded mixture of fish with herbs and seasonings—is traditionally made with left-over fish that is tossed with fresh ingredients and used as a filling for tacos or a topping for tostadas. I find the sauce so delicious that I like to pair it with freshly seared fish and let it stand on its own. Definitely keep the sauce in mind for times when you do have leftovers!

Although originally from the Mexican state of Veracruz, Snapper a la Veracruzana is served all over the country. Clearly Mexicans know a good thing when they see it! A light tomato broth poaches the fish, while jalapeño, capers, and olives deliver a flavorful punch. This is a great choice for a family meal or a dinner party because the sauce can be made ahead of time, leaving only the fish to simmer in it. Quick and delicious!

If you are looking for an easy and delicious recipe that can feed a crowd, you’ve found it! What’s great about this recipe is that most of the “dirty” work can be done ahead of time, leaving only the actual grilling or sautéing of the shrimp to do right before you are ready to eat. Once you see how enticing the chile-smothered skewers look on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, I guarantee it will become your go-to dish. And if you are not a fan of shrimp, chicken can be substituted easily. Note: You will need eight 6-inch wooden skewers for this recipe.

Watercress is such a hearty and flavorful green that it is best when it stands alone, which is why this is basically a green salad. It is also a great accompaniment to any dish in this book—or any Mexican dish—because it is assertive enough to stand up to bold flavors. And don’t think the dressing is to be used just for salads—it makes a great sandwich spread or vegetable dip.

This is a great main-course salad that brings together many of the fresh flavors of the Mexican kitchen. Similar in nature to a Cobb salad, it has a few fresh components that can be doubled or substituted, making it a great vehicle for using up extra produce.

This is a wonderfully refreshing salad that walks the line between a shrimp cocktail and a ceviche. It’s also incredibly forgiving—so feel free to use as much (or little) of the ingredients as you like. Tangy and fresh, it is a great start to any meal.