When deciding what to order from a Mexican restaurant, you have a fantastic array of flavorful options, from timeless classics to hearty entrees and lighter choices.
Classic & Popular Mexican Dishes
Mexican cuisine offers something for every palate, whether you're craving something savory, cheesy, or fresh. Here are some highly popular and delicious choices you'll often find:
- Mexican Tacos: A true staple, offering versatility with various fillings.
- Burrito El Toro: Often a substantial and satisfying meal in a tortilla.
- Enchiladas Supreme: A classic dish featuring rolled tortillas with rich fillings and sauces.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: A sizzling and vibrant option packed with fresh vegetables.
- Baja Chicken Salad: A lighter, zesty choice with grilled chicken and fresh ingredients.
- Super Quesadilla: A generously filled and perfectly grilled cheesy delight.
- Chimichangas: A crispy, deep-fried take on the popular burrito.
- Steak With Shrimp: A hearty combination for those who enjoy both meat and seafood.
A Closer Look at Your Options
Let's dive into some details about these popular selections to help you make your choice.
For the Traditionalist
For those who appreciate the foundational flavors of Mexican cooking, these are excellent picks:
- Mexican Tacos: These are a must-try. Typically served in soft corn or flour tortillas (or crispy shells), they can be filled with anything from seasoned beef (carne asada, al pastor) or chicken to pork (carnitas) or fish. They are usually topped simply with cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, allowing the main ingredients to shine.
- Enchiladas Supreme: A beloved dish featuring corn tortillas rolled around fillings like cheese, chicken, or beef, then smothered in a savory sauce (like red chili sauce, green tomatillo sauce, or mole) and baked until bubbling. The "supreme" often implies a combination of fillings or an extra generous topping of cheese and sour cream.
Hearty & Satisfying Meals
If you're looking for a filling and robust meal, consider these options:
- Burrito El Toro: While the "El Toro" implies a specific signature, a burrito generally consists of a large flour tortilla wrapped around a hearty combination of ingredients such as rice, beans, choice of meat (beef, chicken, pork), cheese, and sometimes salsa or sour cream. They are designed to be a complete meal in one handheld package.
- Super Quesadilla: Beyond a simple cheese quesadilla, a "super" version often means it's larger, or comes packed with additional fillings like grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables, along with plenty of melted cheese, all pressed between two flour tortillas until golden and crispy. It's often served with guacamole and sour cream.
- Chimichangas: Essentially a deep-fried burrito, a chimichanga offers a delightful textural contrast. It starts as a filled burrito (commonly with shredded beef, chicken, or pork and cheese), then it's deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining tender and flavorful on the inside. It's frequently topped with cheese sauce, sour cream, or guacamole.
Lighter or Unique Choices
For something a bit different or lighter, these are great alternatives:
- Baja Chicken Salad: This salad offers a refreshing take on Mexican flavors. It typically features grilled chicken served over a bed of fresh mixed greens, often with additions like corn, black beans, avocado, pico de gallo, and a zesty, creamy dressing with a hint of lime or cilantro. It's a great option for a lighter, yet flavorful, meal.
- Steak With Shrimp: For those who appreciate a surf-and-turf combination, this dish pairs a flavorful cut of steak (such as carne asada) with grilled or sautéed shrimp. It's a more upscale and satisfying option, often served with traditional sides like rice, beans, and warm tortillas.
Vegetarian Delights
Don't miss out on flavorful options if you prefer plant-based meals:
- Vegetarian Fajitas: A vibrant and aromatic choice, vegetarian fajitas come sizzling hot on a cast-iron skillet, loaded with colorful grilled bell peppers, onions, and often mushrooms or other vegetables. Served with warm tortillas and classic sides like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, they allow you to build your own flavorful wraps.
Quick Reference Guide
Here’s a concise table to help you compare popular Mexican dishes:
| Dish Name | Common Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Tacos | Corn or flour tortillas with various fillings & toppings | Classic, versatile, customizable |
| Burrito El Toro | Large flour tortilla with rice, beans, meat, cheese | Hearty, complete meal, satisfying |
| Enchiladas Supreme | Rolled tortillas with fillings, smothered in sauce & cheese | Rich, savory, traditional |
| Vegetarian Fajitas | Sizzling grilled vegetables with tortillas & sides | Plant-based, fresh, interactive |
| Baja Chicken Salad | Grilled chicken, greens, corn, beans, avocado, zesty dressing | Lighter, fresh, flavorful |
| Super Quesadilla | Large, generously filled grilled tortilla with cheese & meat | Cheesy, comforting, satisfying |
| Chimichangas | Deep-fried burrito with crispy exterior and tender filling | Crispy, indulgent, unique texture |
| Steak With Shrimp | Combination of grilled steak and shrimp, often with sides | Upscale, surf-and-turf, hearty protein |
No matter your preference, Mexican cuisine offers a delicious and diverse range of dishes that are sure to satisfy.
