10 Mexican Meats to Try for Delicious and Authentic Flavors

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors, colorful presentations, and unique combinations of ingredients. The cuisine has a long history, dating back to the pre-Hispanic era, with influences from both indigenous cultures and European settlers. Its popularity has grown significantly over the years, spreading across the globe and making Mexican food a staple in many households and restaurants.

In Mexican cuisine, meats are typically seasoned with various spices, herbs, and other flavor enhancers. They can be prepared in various ways, such as dry roasting or marinating, and are often served alongside fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice. Some of the most common types of meats used in Mexican dishes include beef, pork, chicken, goat, and fish.

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10 Tasty Mexican Meats

Beef Cuts: Carne Asada & Barbacoa

Carne asada is a popular Mexican dish made from thin slices of beef, usually skirt or flank steak, marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs before being grilled. The result is tender, flavorful meat often served in tacos, burritos, or on its own with sides like rice and beans.

Barbacoa, on the other hand, is a traditional Mexican style of cooking where meats like goat, lamb, or beef are slow-roasted in an open pit or wrapped in leaves and cooked in an underground oven. This method imparts a unique smoky flavor to the meat, making it perfect for tacos and other dishes.

Pork: Carnitas & Cochinita Pibil

Carnitas are made from slow-cooked pork shoulder that has been seasoned with a variety of spices and then fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They can be served in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with rice and beans.

Cochinita pibil is a traditional Yucatecan dish made by marinating pork in a mixture of achiote paste, citrus juices, and spices before slow-roasting it in a banana leaf. The result is a delicious, tender meat with a unique tangy and earthy flavor.

Al Pastor

Al pastor is a popular taco filling that combines Mexican and Middle Eastern flavors. It involves marinating meat, usually pork, in a blend of spices, chiles, and pineapple juice before cooking it on a vertical spit, similar to how shawarma is prepared. The sweet and savory combination makes al pastor a favorite among taco lovers.

Chicken: Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga is a flavorful dish made from shredded chicken cooked in a tomato-based sauce with chipotle peppers and onions. It is often served as a filling for tacos, tostadas, or even over rice. Its smoky and slightly spicy flavor makes it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish made by filling tortillas with various ingredients, including meats like shredded chicken, beef, or pork, and then rolling them up and covering them in a chili sauce before baking. The choice of meat can greatly influence the flavor of the enchiladas, making it a versatile and customizable dish.

Goat & Sheep: Cabrito & Machaca

Cabrito is a traditional dish from northern Mexico that involves roasting a young goat, often on an open flame. The meat is tender and flavorful, making it a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

Machaca, on the other hand, is made from dried, shredded beef or goat meat that has been rehydrated and cooked with a variety of seasonings. It is often used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or served with eggs for breakfast.

Seafood & Fish: Huachinango a la Vizcaina

Huachinango a la Vizcaina is a classic Mexican dish made from red snapper cooked in a tomato-based sauce with olives, capers, and spices. It is a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for those looking to explore Mexican seafood options.

Exotic Meats: Lengua, Buche & Tripas

For the more adventurous eaters, Mexican cuisine offers a variety of exotic meats. Lengua, or beef tongue, is often slow-cooked and used in tacos or other dishes.

Buche, or pork stomach, and tripas, or intestines, are also popular ingredients in certain regions of Mexico and can be found in dishes like tacos or stews.

Flavors & Cooking Techniques of Mexican Meats

Mexican meats derive their unique flavors from the use of various spices and herbs, such as oregano, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. These ingredients impart a depth of flavor and complexity to the meats, making them stand out among other cuisines.

Cooking Techniques: Dry Roasting & Marinating

Many Mexican meat dishes involve dry roasting or marinating the meat before cooking. These techniques help to tenderize the meat and lock in flavor, resulting in delicious, succulent dishes that are sure to impress.

Fresh Ingredients: Cilantro & Lime Juice

Fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime juice are often used to enhance the flavors of Mexican meats, adding a bright and refreshing taste that complements the rich, savory flavors of the meat. These ingredients are used both during the cooking process and as a garnish for the finished dish.

Examples of Dishes Made with Mexican Meats

Carne Asada Tacos

Carne asada tacos are a simple yet delicious way to enjoy Mexican meats. Tender, marinated beef is grilled and served in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a favorite among taco lovers.

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada is a traditional Mexican dish that showcases the country’s colors through its ingredients. Poblano chiles are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, fruits, and spices before being covered in a creamy walnut sauce and garnished with pomegranate seeds. The result is a visually stunning and flavorful dish that celebrates Mexico’s culinary heritage.

What are traditional Mexican meats?

Traditional Mexican meats include pork, chicken, beef, goat, and sheep, with seafood and fish being popular along the coasts.

What is the most popular meat in Mexico?

Beef is the most popular meat in Mexico, commonly used in dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.

What are the different meats for tacos?

Different meats for tacos include carne asada, pork carnitas, pollo, al pastor, and chorizo.

What kind of meat do Mexicans use for tacos?

Mexicans typically use carne asada, a spicy marinated grilled steak, or pollo asado, grilled marinated chicken, for tacos.

Final Thoughts

The versatility of Mexican meats allows for a wide variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From classic favorites like carne asada and carnitas to more exotic offerings like lengua and buche, there is something for everyone in the world of Mexican cuisine. We encourage you to explore these flavors and cooking techniques, trying new recipes and expanding your culinary horizons. You may just find that Mexican meats become a staple in your own kitchen!