5 Authentic Mexican Guisos Recipes You Must Try

Traditional Mexican cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, where every dish tells a story of rich cultural heritage. Among the myriad of culinary delights, guisos—a term referring to Mexican braised, slow-cooked meals—hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate hearty, home-cooked meals. Here are 5 authentic guisos recipes that promise to transport you to the heart of Mexico with every spoonful.

Chilorio

Chilorio is a guisado from Sinaloa known for its tender, flavorful pork, typically served as a filling in tacos or burritos.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup water
  • 6 dried guajillo chilies
  • 2 dried ancho chilies
  • ¹⁄₄ cup vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt to taste
• Steps:
  • Sear the pork until browned, then cook with water until tender.
  • Rehydrate and blend chilies with spices to make a paste.
  • Combine with pork, simmer until flavors meld.

🌶 Note: Adjust the heat level by adding or removing chilies, or use chipotle for a smokier flavor.

Chiles Rellenos en Salsa Roja

This beloved dish features roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or ground meat, bathed in a tomato-based sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 large poblano chilies
  • 1 lb queso fresco or cheese of your choice
  • 1 can tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup chicken broth
• Steps:
  • Roast and peel chilies, remove seeds and stuff with cheese.
  • Prepare the red sauce by blending tomatoes, onions, and garlic, then cook with broth.
  • Simmer stuffed chilies in the sauce until flavors blend.

Coq au Vin Mexicano

A fusion of Mexican and French culinary traditions, this dish uses achiote and tequila to infuse chicken with complex flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • ¹⁄₂ cup tequila
  • 3 tablespoons achiote paste
  • 1 cup red wine
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Vegetables (onions, carrots, etc.)
• Steps:
  • Marinate chicken in achiote, tequila, and spices.
  • Brown the chicken, deglaze with red wine, add vegetables and broth.
  • Simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors are rich.

Birria de Res

Birria de Res, from Jalisco, is a slow-cooked beef stew, known for its tender meat and flavorful consommé, perfect for tacos.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 lbs beef (chuck or shank)
  • 4 dried ancho chilies
  • 4 guajillo chilies
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • Vinegar, spices, and other seasonings
• Steps:
  • Toast, soak, and blend chilies with spices for the marinade.
  • Marinate beef overnight, then slow cook until tender.
  • Serve with tortillas and a side of consommé for dipping.

Mole de Olla

Mole de Olla is a beef and vegetable soup enriched with a unique blend of spices, perfect for a warming, nourishing meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs beef (brisket or short ribs)
  • 1 cup dried ancho chilies
  • Vegetables (corn, green beans, zucchini, epazote)
  • Spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cumin
• Steps:
  • Soak and blend chilies with spices to create the mole base.
  • Brown meat, then cook with mole base and vegetables until tender.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lime wedges.

With these recipes, you can explore the depth of Mexican cuisine, where guisos are not just meals but experiences, rich with tradition and the communal spirit of sharing food. Each dish not only showcases the variety of flavors but also tells a part of the cultural story of Mexico, from the coastal influences in Chilorio to the fusion of traditions in Coq au Vin Mexicano. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, these guisos will bring the warmth and joy of a Mexican kitchen to your table, leaving you with memories as rich as the flavors you've tasted.

What is the difference between a guiso and a traditional Mexican stew?

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While both can be categorized under the umbrella of Mexican cuisine, a guiso typically refers to a braised dish with a sauce that has been thickened with spices, herbs, or chilies, focusing on a slow cooking process that enriches the flavors. Traditional Mexican stews, on the other hand, might not involve such an intensive braising process and can have simpler broths.

Can I make these dishes with chicken or seafood instead of beef?

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Absolutely! Many traditional guisos can be adapted to feature chicken or seafood, altering the cooking time and ingredient proportions to ensure the protein is cooked properly. For seafood, be mindful of not overcooking delicate items like fish or shrimp.

Are these dishes spicy, and how can I adjust the heat?

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The heat level in Mexican guisos can be quite variable. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the number and types of chilies used. For milder versions, remove seeds and use fewer chilies or choose milder varieties like guajillos. For a spicier dish, include more heat-focused chilies like arbol or habanero.