Ali
Hi! I'm Ali. I've been traveling for ten years, collecting recipes from local people from Mexico. Check out our recipes submitted from women around the world with videos and printable PDFs. Explore Fritter >
Alright, let's talk about the real deal when it comes to Mexican cuisine - the side dishes. Because let's be honest, a meal without some kickin' sides is just plain boring. And when it comes to traditional Mexican side dishes, there's no shortage of bold and vibrant flavors to get your taste buds tingling.
Browse our collection of traditional Mexican side dishes from the Yucatan to Oaxaca.
How do Mexican Side Dishes Vary from Region to Region?
Central Mexican Side Dishes
Let's start in central Mexico, where they know how to do rice right.
Arroz rojo and arroz verde are the stars of the show here - tomato or cilantro-based rice dishes that perfectly complement spicy main dishes like chiles rellenos or mole poblano. Because why have plain old white rice when you can have something with a little more flavor, right?
Northern Mexican Side Dishes
Heading up north, we're talking serious cowboy territory. And you know what cowboys love? Meat and beans.
So naturally, frijoles charros are a go-to side dish here. Pinto beans cooked with bacon, chorizo, and tomatoes? Yes, please. And don't forget to pair them with some juicy carne asada.
Side Dishes from the Coast
Moving on to the coastal regions, we're talking seafood central. And what better way to enjoy your catch of the day than with some ceviche?
Made with marinated raw fish or seafood, lime juice, chili peppers, and cilantro, this dish is perfect. No notes, ceviche. You're perf.
Yucatan Side Dishes
Down in the Yucatan Peninsula, things start to get seriously spicy.
Sikil pak is the name of the game here - a dip made with roasted pumpkin seeds and tomatoes that is sure to light your taste buds on fire.
Perfect for pairing with tamales or grilled meats, this dip is not for the faint of heart.
Oaxacan Side Dishes
In Oaxaca, the mole sauce capital of the world, tlayudas are where it's at. These massive, crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and meat are practically a meal in themselves, but why not have them as a side dish too? Because sometimes, one dish just isn't enough.
Side Sides from Veracruz
Over in Veracruz, seafood takes the spotlight again, and ensalada veracruzana is the perfect side dish to accompany your grilled fish or shrimp.
A salad made with oranges, onions, and olives, dressed with lime juice and olive oil - refreshing, zesty, and perfect for those hot summer days.
Side Dishes from Puebla
And let's not forget about Puebla, where they know how to do chiles en nogada right.
Stuffed poblano peppers with a mix of meat, fruit, and nuts, topped with a creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds. Not only is it a feast for the eyes (the colors represent the Mexican flag), but it's also a feast for them taste b's.
That's the lowdown on traditional Mexican side dishes.
Top Mexican Side Dishes
Curated from all over Mexico, these Mexican Side dishes are the perfect partner to Mexican Main Dishes, or often, delectable on their own.
I mean, why not have elote for dinner?
Mexican Corn Bread Recipe (Pan de Elote)
First up: Mexican cornbread. Which is actually a nice hybrid of Southwestern U.S. and Mexican culinary tradtions.
This bad boy, also known as "pan de elote," is the real deal.
It's a traditional side dish that's beloved throughout Mexico, especially in the southern and central regions.
Chiles de Nogada
The combination of savory meat, sweet fruit, and creamy sauce is like nothing you've ever tasted.
Chiles de Nogada is a special and elaborate Mexican Side Dish that hails from Puebla and is used to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Recipe
This Mexican street food is a game changer.
It's a magical concoction of fresh corn, mayo, chili powder, cheese, and lime juice, all served up in a convenient cup.
Trust me, one bite of this creamy and spicy goodness, and you'll be trading popcorn for this.
Papadzules with Pepita Sauce and Egg
This Yucatecan dish is a great thing to try if you like empanadas and um, things that taste good.
The velvety sauce made with ground pumpkin seeds will leave you wanting to lick the plate clean.
This is a version without meat but with hard boiled eggs (sound strange? just try it).
Traditional Mexican Rice
It's a staple in households and restaurants for a reason!
The perfectly cooked grains are infused with flavors of tomato, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
It's the ultimate side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. Tacos? Enchiladas? You name it! And don't even get me started on how delicious it is on its own.
Trust me, traditional Mexican rice always pleases the crowd.
Aguachile Recipe (Shrimp Style Ceviche)
This Yucatecan dish is a great thing to try if you like empanadas and um, things that taste good.
The velvety sauce made with ground pumpkin seeds will leave you wanting to lick the plate clean.
This is a version without meat but with hard boiled eggs (sound strange? just try it).
Elote (Mexican Street Corn) Recipe
This Mexican street food is a game changer.
It's a magical concoction of fresh corn, mayo, chili powder, cheese, and lime juice, all served up in a convenient cup.
Trust me, one bite of this creamy and spicy goodness, and you'll be trading popcorn for this.
Chicharron en Salsa Verde
Crispy fried pork belly or pork rinds simmered in a tangy green salsa made with tomatillos, chilies, and herbs - yes please.
This dish originated in the central Mexican state of Hidalgo, where they know how to cook up some delicious pork. You can enjoy it as a filling for tacos or as a topping for rice and beans.
Frijoles Charros
This traditional dish originated in Northern Mexico and is named after the charros, or Mexican cowboys, who would whip it up while out on the range.
Made with pinto beans, bacon, onions, and a variety of spices, these beans are hearty and flavorful.
And let's be real, they're perfect for any meal (or just as a meal on their own because they're that good). Ride 'em, Cowboy.
Sikil Pak (Mayan Pumpkin Seed Dip)
Ok. Don't snooze on this one. Not only is it a fascinating flavor journey back to the times of the Maya-- but it's also delicious and unique.
It's made with roasted pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, habanero peppers, and a touch of lime, resulting in a complex and addictive flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
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