Grilling is one of the most popular cooking techniques in Mexican cuisine. From juicy carne asada to flavorful tacos al pastor, grilled Mexican dishes are loved by many.
If you’re a fan of Mexican food and want to try your hand at grilling, you’re in luck! I am sharing the top 10 grilled Mexican recipes that I love to try for my family and friends.
Mexican cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients, and grilling is the perfect way to enhance those flavors. If you prefer spicy or mild, meat or vegetarian, there’s a grilled Mexican recipe out there for everyone.
From classic dishes like grilled fajitas to lesser-known gems like grilled elote (Mexican street corn), these recipes are guaranteed to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey through Mexico.
Essentials of Mexican Grilling
1- Choosing the Right Ingredients
When it comes to Mexican grilling, the key is to choose fresh and flavorful ingredients. Opt for high-quality meats, such as skirt steak, chicken thighs, or pork tenderloin.
Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn are also great options. Don’t forget to consider the spices and seasonings you’ll be using, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
2- Grill Setup and Safety
Before you start grilling, make sure your grill is clean and properly heated. For gas grills, preheat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes.
For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are white-hot before cooking. Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby and follow basic safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and using long-handled utensils to avoid burns.
3- Marinades and Seasonings
Marinades and seasonings are essential for adding flavor to your grilled Mexican dishes. A simple marinade of lime juice, garlic, and olive oil can work wonders for meats like chicken and beef.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends, such as achiote paste or adobo seasoning. Just be sure to marinate your meats for at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Top 10 Grilled Mexican Recipes
As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I have compiled a list of the top 10 grilled Mexican recipes. These dishes are perfect for any occasion, be it a backyard barbecue or a weeknight dinner. So, let’s dive right in!
1- Carne Asada
Carne Asada is a classic Mexican grilled beef dish that is perfect for any occasion. The key to making a great Carne Asada is to marinate the beef for at least 4 hours before grilling it.
The marinade should include ingredients such as lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Once the beef is marinated, it can be grilled and served with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.
2- Pollo Asado
Pollo Asado is another classic Mexican grilled dish that is perfect for those who prefer chicken over beef. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection. Once cooked, it can be served with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
Grilled Mexican Recipes
3- Grilled Fish Tacos
Grilled Fish Tacos are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional beef or chicken tacos. The fish is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection.
Once cooked, it can be served with tortillas, cabbage slaw, and a spicy chipotle sauce.
4- Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, also known as Mexican Street Corn, is a popular Mexican grilled dish that is perfect as a side dish or snack. The corn is grilled and then coated in a mixture of mayo, lime juice, and chili powder.
Once coated, it can be topped with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
5- Grilled Shrimp with Salsa Verde
Grilled Shrimp with Salsa Verde is a delicious and healthy grilled Mexican dish that is perfect for seafood lovers.
The shrimp is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection. Once cooked, it can be served with a homemade salsa verde made with tomatillos, jalapenos, and cilantro.
6- Tlayudas (Oaxacan Grilled Pizza)
Tlayudas, also known as Oaxacan Grilled Pizza, is a unique and delicious Mexican grilled dish that is perfect for those who love pizza.
The dish consists of a large, thin tortilla that is grilled and then topped with refried beans, cheese, and a variety of toppings such as chorizo, avocado, and salsa.
7- Grilled Quesadillas
Grilled Quesadillas are a simple and delicious Mexican grilled dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The tortillas are filled with cheese, chicken, or beef and then grilled until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
8- Chiles Rellenos
Chiles Rellenos are a classic Mexican grilled dish that is perfect for those who love spicy food. The dish consists of large, mild chili peppers that are stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables and then grilled until the cheese is melted and the pepper is slightly charred.
9- Alambre Skewers
Alambre Skewers is a delicious and healthy Mexican grilled dish that is perfect for those who love grilled vegetables. The skewers consist of grilled chicken or beef, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Once cooked, they can be served with tortillas, guacamole, and salsa.
10 –Camarones a la Diabla
Camarones a la Diabla, also known as Devil Shrimp, is a spicy and flavorful Mexican grilled dish that is perfect for those who love seafood. The shrimp is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection. Once cooked, it can be served with tortillas, avocado, and lime wedges.
Serving and Presentation
When it comes to serving and presenting grilled Mexican dishes, there are a few things you can do to make your meals more authentic and visually appealing.
Traditional Sides and Condiments
One of the best ways to complement your grilled Mexican dishes is to serve them with traditional sides and condiments.
For example, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo are all excellent options that can add a burst of flavor to your meals. You can also serve your dishes with Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled vegetables to create a more complete meal.
If you’re looking to add a bit of heat to your meals, consider serving them with hot sauce or chili peppers. You can serve your dishes with a cooling side, such as sour cream or crema, to balance out the flavors.
Plating Techniques
Plating your grilled Mexican dishes can also make a big difference in their overall presentation. One simple technique is to use colorful plates or bowls that complement the colors of your dishes.
You can also use garnishes, such as cilantro or lime wedges, to add a pop of color and freshness to your meals.
Another technique is to layer your dishes to create a more visually appealing presentation. For example, you can stack grilled vegetables on top of each other or layer your meats with cheese and salsa to create a more complex dish.
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!
