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Central American Cuisine

Central American Cuisine

Most of the recipes you'll find here are of Mexican origin but we have others from Costa Rica, Guatemala, and other regions of Central America.

There are some recipes that are considered Central American but really are American creations. Since there is often a fine line between authentic and non-traditional, we've included them here as well.



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Enter a word or two in the box to find recipes within the central america section. You can search the title, ingredients, or entire recipe by selecting the appropriate option.

Recipes  /   central america
recipe for puffy tacos

Puffy Tacos

Can't decide between a hard or soft shell taco? Try a puffy taco instead! Tortillas are cooked in oil until puffed and crispy and then stuffed full with your favorite fillings.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker chicken taco filling

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Filling

This simple 3-ingredient recipe comes in handy for taco night, especially since you can make this ahead of time and freeze it.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   2-5 hours

recipe for slow cooker chipotle chicken tacos

Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Spice up your taco Tuesday with this slow cooked chipotle chicken recipe.

Method:   crock pot, stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for corn bread tamale pie

Corn Bread Tamale Pie

Made with tomatoes, water, black pepper, salt, chili powder, whole kernel corn, green bell pepper, cornmeal

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for corn tortillas

Corn Tortillas

Making your own tortillas is the key to spectacular tacos. Your tacos, enchiladas and other Mexican classics will be downright delicioso in no time.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

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recipe for copycat hungry tarpon's fried shrimp burrito

Copycat Hungry Tarpon's Fried Shrimp Burrito

Fried shrimp, coleslaw, tartar sauce and flour tortillas make these copycat burritos a dinner you'll want to repeat

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for fried chicken tenders tacos

Fried Chicken Tenders Tacos

Crispy chicken tenders are wrapped up neat in soft flour tortillas with a spicy corn salsa, monterey jack cheese, and shredded cabbage.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for leftover turkey burritos

Leftover Turkey Burritos

Use up leftover turkey in a different way with these zesty burritos. All it takes is a few seconds in the microwave and dinner is served.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for mexican beef stir-fry

Mexican Beef Stir-Fry

Think of this recipe as stir-fried fajitas! Your typical beef fajitas are served Asian-style instead of on tortillas

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for shrimp and veggie fajitas

Shrimp and Veggie Fajitas

Think of this as a fusion between fajitas and a stir-fry. The flavorful shrimp and vegetables are quickly cooked in a skillet and served up on warm corn tortillas.

Method:   stovetop, microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for fruit breakfast burrito

Fruit Breakfast Burrito

Flour tortillas are spread with cream cheese and strawberry jam and filled with sliced fresh kiwi fruit.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for texas corn 'n' black bean salsa

Texas Corn 'n' Black Bean Salsa

Delicious salsa with black beans for something a little more substantial than your typical dip. With a bite from jalapeno, this chunky salsa is great on tortilla chips...


Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for chalupa

Chalupa

Made with green chili peppers, oregano, pinto beans, pork roast, water, onion, garlic, salt, chili powder, cumin

Method:   stovetop, crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for grilled portobello mushroom and veggie fajitas

Grilled Portobello Mushroom And Veggie Fajitas

Not all fajitas need meat! Marinated and grilled veggies add plenty of filling and flavor to these fajitas.

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for chipotle corn salsa

Chipotle Corn Salsa

Corn salsa is a fun change of pace to pair with tortilla chips or works outstandingly as a topping for homemade burritos and bowls. Check out this recipe with fresh tomatoes and...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker mexican beef steak

Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Steak

Great flavors come together in this crock pot dinner made with round steak, garlic powder, chili powder, mustard, onion, tomatoes, and kidney beans - all served over...

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for agua fresca de fruta - mexican fruit cooler

Agua Fresca de Fruta - Mexican Fruit Cooler

Learn how to make Agua Fresca de Fruta, a traditional Mexican fruit cooler using just 4 simple ingredients - cold water, ice, soft fruit, and sugar.


Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for shredded chicken burritos

Shredded Chicken Burritos

Made with Mexican cheese, large flour tortillas, whole chicken, taco seasoning mix, stewed tomatoes, onions, green bell peppers, cornstarch

Method:   crock pot, stovetop, oven
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for applebee's chicken fajita rollups

Applebee's Chicken Fajita Rollups

Made with sour cream, white tortilla shell, chicken, pico de gallo, jack and Cheddar cheese mix, lettuce, tomatoes

Method:   oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for new mexican salsa

New Mexican Salsa

Good salsa is all about fresh, so when you see the ingredient list you know this one's a winner. If you prefer a salsa with a bit of a kick, leave some of the seeds from the jalapenos...


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for fresh and easy salsa with blue corn chips

Fresh And Easy Salsa With Blue Corn Chips

A tasty fresh salsa made with tomatoes, green onion, bell pepper, jalapeno, and cilantro and served with festive blue corn tortilla chips.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for crab and shrimp seafood enchiladas

Crab and Shrimp Seafood Enchiladas

Tortillas stuffed with a cheesy mixture of shrimp, crab, and onions get topped in a creamy garlic parsley sauce.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for potato and cheese enchiladas with salsa verde

Potato and Cheese Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

Salsa verde made from scratch with fresh serranos and cilantro elevates this enchilada recipe into restaurant-level territory.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for avocado salsa

Avocado Salsa

Made with creamy avocados, ripe tomatoes, and a hint of lime, this easy-to-make avocado salsa recipe is perfect for snacking or as a topping.


Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for sour cream chicken tacos

Sour Cream Chicken Tacos

Green chili adds a little heat; tomatoey-sour cream sauce with onion and garlic poured over top of the filled tortillas ties the whole dish together.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for stove-top grilled fajitas

Stove-Top Grilled Fajitas

Can't grill? No problem, these chicken fajitas are made in a grill pan with seasonings that taste like it's fresh off the grill.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for vegetarian rice tacos

Vegetarian Rice Tacos

Rice and veggie tacos are an absolutely stand-out option for quick and easy meals. Well-spiced rice with tomatoes and any number of add-ins will always make a tasty taco.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker mexican chicken

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

Salsa is your best friend in this recipe. It majorly cuts down on the ingredient list, and you can pick spicier or milder varieties to suit your tastes.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for chipotle carnitas

Chipotle Carnitas

Carnitas means "little meats" which relates to the chunks of pork. This version has a spicy kick with the addition of canned chipotle chiles.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for authentic tex-mex fajitas

Authentic Tex-Mex Fajitas

There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful fajita. The perfect blend of spices and beef, wrapped up in a soft tortilla, is an undeniably delicious Tex-Mex...

Method:   outdoor grill, oven
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for shrimp and pepper fajitas

Shrimp And Pepper Fajitas

Tasty and easy shrimp fajitas, ready in under 30 minutes. Hint: think outside the box with additional toppings. Guacamole, diced tomatoes, etc can dress these up further.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for pork carnitas

Pork Carnitas

Delicious pork carnitas made by simmering the seasoned pork until tender, then baking it to give it the traditional texture.

Method:   stovetop, oven
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for charred chicken and pepper fajitas

Charred Chicken And Pepper Fajitas

Made with sunflower oil, skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, yellow bell pepper, red onion, dried oregano, chilies, vegetable oil, lime, salt and ground black...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for speedy chicken tacos with creamy chipotle sauce

Speedy Chicken Tacos With Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Shredded chicken is mixed with a spicy chipotle sauce and piled in taco shells with your favorite toppings.

Method:   microwave
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for turkey enchiladas with cumin lime crema

Turkey Enchiladas With Cumin Lime Crema

Made with tomato paste, pinto beans, corn, cumin seed, jalapeno, kosher salt, sour cream, lime, fresh cilantro, Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes


recipe for habanero mango salsa

Habanero Mango Salsa

Mangoes and habanero peppers combine to provide a sweet heat to this salsa. Try this tropical salsa on fish tacos or simply eat with chips.


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for turkey fajitas

Turkey Fajitas

Love fajitas? Try this twist that uses turkey along with the other usual fajita fillings.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for boiled carnitas

Boiled Carnitas

Picture this: tender, juicy pork enveloped in golden, sizzling lard. These boiled carnitas turn flavorful ingredients into hearty bites everyone can appreciate.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   2-5 hours


recipe for grilled shrimp fajitas

Grilled Shrimp Fajitas

Bacon wrapped shrimp and vegetables are served fajita style with barbecue sauce, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and Cheddar cheese.

Method:   stovetop, oven, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for slow cooker carnitas

Slow Cooker Carnitas

Slow-cooked with cilantro and beer, the juicy shredded pork is great for tacos on classic corn tortillas but also in burritos, quesadillas, and stacked up nachos.

Method:   crock pot
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for shredded chicken and tomatillo tacos

Shredded Chicken and Tomatillo Tacos

A few thoughtful touches take a good taco to a great taco. We're talking cilantro leaves on top, a couple jalapenos, and a squeeze of lime. It's not hard to up your...

Method:   stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for fired up southwest fajitas

Fired Up Southwest Fajitas

Made with olive oil, water, lime, flank steak, bell pepper, onion, flour tortillas, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream

Method:   stovetop, outdoor grill
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for dulce zacatecano

Dulce Zacatecano

A delectable dessert from south of the border. Butter-fried bananas are good enough on their own, but top them with sweet, freshly whipped cream and you'll find yourself in paradise.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours

recipe for grilled chicken fajita wraps

Grilled Chicken Fajita Wraps

Made with sour cream, salsa and guacamole, flour tortillas, onions, green bell peppers, vegetable oil, boneless, skinless chicken breast, cheddar cheese

Method:   outdoor grill
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for yummy chicken and rice tacos

Yummy Chicken And Rice Tacos

The rice inside the tacos is a fun change from your typical tacos and the recipe is very flexible so you can change things up however you like.

Method:   stovetop
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for low-fat avocado-tomato salsa

Low-Fat Avocado-Tomato Salsa

This version of avocado salsa goes easy on the avocados to reduce the fat content, but has plenty of flavor to make up for it. Serve it with your favorite tortilla chips or...


Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for crab meat and mashed potato enchiladas in sweet red pepper sauce

Crab Meat and Mashed Potato Enchiladas in Sweet Red Pepper Sauce

A unique combination of crab meat, roasted red peppers, potatoes, peas, and blue cheese.

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes


recipe for polvorones (mexican wedding cakes)

Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cakes)

Made with salt, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, black walnuts or pecans

Method:   oven
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for grilled beef fajitas

Grilled Beef Fajitas

Made with salsa, sour cream, flour tortillas, lime juice, beef sirloin steak, onion, green bell pepper, fajita seasoning

Method:   sandwich maker
Time:   under 30 minutes

recipe for bennigan's fire-roasted salsa and sweet pineapple pepper cream dipping sauce

Bennigan's Fire-Roasted Salsa and Sweet Pineapple Pepper Cream Dipping Sauce

Made with sugar, pineapple juice, mayonnaise, salsa, crushed pineapple


Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for arroz con pollo chapina (guatemala style chicken and rice)

Arroz Con Pollo Chapina (Guatemala Style Chicken and Rice)

Made with chicken pieces, corn oil, salt, black pepper, onion, garlic, tomato, rice, carrots, green olives

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes

recipe for copycat taco bell's grilled chicken burritos

Copycat Taco Bell's Grilled Chicken Burritos

Made with soy sauce, salt, brown sugar, onion powder, liquid smoke, black pepper, chili powder, boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, rice

Method:   stovetop, outdoor grill
Time:   over 5 hours

recipe for curried lentil burritos

Curried Lentil Burritos

Made with milk, parsley, flour tortilla, Monterey jack cheese, cilantro, scallions, ginger, sugar, ground cumin

Method:   stovetop
Time:   1-2 hours


recipe for tamale and hominy casserole

Tamale And Hominy Casserole

Made with Cheddar cheese, pimientos, ripe olives, onion, green bell pepper, oil, cream of chicken soup, hominy, beef tamales

Method:   oven, stovetop
Time:   30-60 minutes




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