Skip to content
Open menu Close menu

Feed your appetite for cooking with Penguin’s expert authors

Easy and authentic Mexican recipes

by Rachel Deeley

published on 7 May 2024, last updated on 23 October 2025

From the fresh, vibrant components of pico de gallo salsa, to the rich and smoky depth of flavour of dried guajillo, chipotle and ancho chillies, it’s no wonder that Mexico is home to some of the world’s most popular dishes.

Whether you’re looking for vegetarian tacos, flavour-packed stuffed peppers, perfectly spiced chicken burritos, or homemade quesadillas, we’ve rounded up the best authentic Mexican recipes that you can easily recreate at home using seasonal UK ingredients.

Tacos de Coliflor Rostizada con Adobo Verde (Adobo Verde Roasted Cauliflower Tacos)

by Susana Villasuso

Marinated in a traditional jalapeño-based adobo verde sauce and slightly charred, these roasted cauliflower florets make the ultimate vegetarian taco filling when topped with fresh coriander, red onion, and a squeeze of lime.

Pollo Mariposa con Mantequilla de Guajillo (Guajillo Butter Spatchcock Chicken)

by Susana Villasuso

Looking for a new twist on the humble roast chicken? We guarantee this recipe featuring a warming mix of spices, butter and zesty lemon finish will be your new go-to favourite.

Papitas Fritas con Nduja (Nduja Pan-fried Potatoes)

by Susana Villasuso

This inventive take on a Mexican classic uses ‘nduja, the spreadable spicy Italian pork sausage, in lieu of traditional chorizo. The result is a warming, flavourful side dish worthy of any good dinner party.

Thomasina Miers short rib tacos with anise, ancho and chocolate

Short-Rib Tacos with Anise, Ancho and Chocolate

by Thomasina Miers

Rich, warming, and beautifully flavoured, these braised short ribs are the perfect centrepiece dish and can be served with a versatile array of sides.

Thomasina Miers Charred Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Bacon and Maple Syrup and Pecan Salsa Macha

Charred Sweet Potatoes with Crispy Bacon and Maple Syrup and Pecan Salsa Macha

by Thomasina Miers

The star of this dish is Thomasina Miers’ take on Salsa Macha: a subtly smoky, garlicky chilli oil infused with dried chillies and peanuts. Once you’ve made it, you’ll want to keep jars of it on-hand as an essential condiment.

Ixta Belfrage’s Chiles Rellenos with Salsa Roja Risotto

from Mezcla

Taking inspiration from the traditional Mexican dish of chile relleno (roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and coated in egg batter), this recipe by Ixta Belfrage uses easy-to-find ingredients to create a delicious and impressive centrepiece.

Chicken Burritos with Pico de Gallo Salsa

Chicken Burritos with Pico de Gallo Salsa

Ideal for when you’re craving a ‘fakeaway’ dinner, this recipe inspired by Rick Stein’s travels across California and Mexico combines all the best components of a hearty burrito.

Ensenada Fish Tacos

Ensenada Fish Tacos

Prepare to be transported to the Baja California peninsula of Mexico with these light and crispy battered fish tacos, complete with salsa, shredded cabbage, avocado and a moreish smoky chipotle sauce.

Blue Corn & Cheese Quesadillas with Courgette Flowers

Blue Corn and Cheese Quesadillas with Courgette Flowers

Plucked from the Xochimilco market on the outskirts of Mexico City, these vegetarian quesadillas use homemade blue corn tortillas, seasonal greens and a mix of melted cheeses to create the ultimate street food snack.

Share

You might also like


View all

Recipe Collections

10 bakes and desserts to make this winter

There are days where we want speed and convenience with the food we make, with recipes that require minimal prep and cooking time. But there are other days where cooking...

Recipe Collections

Tasty one-dish sausage recipes for an easy dinner

A collection of simple one-pot/one-pan sausage recipes: tasty winter-warmers that the whole family will love.

Recipe Collections

One-pot stew recipes you’ll love from Stews by Xavier Bramble

There are few things more comforting or satisfying than a hearty bowl of flavourful stew – and there are few people more knowledgeable about what makes a great stew than...

newsletter

Subscribe to The Happy Foodie email newsletter

Get our latest recipes, features, book news and ebook deals straight to your inbox every week