Mexican Appetizers

January 16, 2015

From a zesty seafood cocktail to thick tortillas bathed in two types of salsa and garnished with shredded chicken, and more, these eight recipes for small bites and first courses are gathered from across Mexico.

Casa Dragones Guacamole

Casa Dragones Guacamole
This guacamole features chiles, onions, and tomatoes. Get the recipe »Todd Coleman

Seafood Cocktail (Coctel de Mariscos)

Seafood Cocktail (Coctel de Mariscos)
This zesty mix of fresh seafood, tomato and lime juices, and hot sauce is a refreshing snack or light meal eaten along Mexico's coasts. Get the recipe »Todd Coleman

Tostadas de Camaron Seco (Shrimp Tostadas)

Tostadas
A mix of dried shrimp, eggs, and tangy achiote makes an intensely savory topping for fried tortillas in this simple dish, eaten as an appetizer or snack in coastal Oaxaca. Get the recipe for Tostadas de Camaron Seco »Todd Coleman

Chalupas Poblanas (Thick Tortillas Fried with Salsa)

Thick Tortillas Fried with Salsa
These thick tortillas, bathed in two types of salsa and garnished with shredded chicken, are a popular street snack in Mexico. See the recipe for Chalupas Poblanas »Todd Coleman

Pan-Fried Crabs in Chipotle Sauce (Jaibas Enchipotladas)

Pan-Fried Crabs in Chipotle Sauce (Jaibas Enchipotladas)
To simplify this recipe from Tabasco state for pan-fried crabs in a smoky chipotle sauce, ask your fishmonger to clean and cut the live crabs in half for you. See the recipe for Pan-Fried Crabs in Chipotle Sauce (Jaibas Enchipotladas) »Todd Coleman

Squash Blossom Soup (Caldo Xochitl con Flor de Calabaza)

Squash Blossom Soup (Caldo Xochitl con Flor de Calabaza)
Mexico's soups are famous for their freshness and simplicity. This one marries delicate squash blossoms with chiles, queso fresco, and shredded chicken in an enriched chicken broth. See the recipe for Squash Blossom Soup (Caldo Xochitl con Flor de Calabaza) »James Oseland

Ancho Chile Soup with Avocado, Crema, and Chile Pasilla (Sopa de Chile Ancho)

Ancho Chile Soup with Avocado, Crema, and Chile Pasilla (Sopa de Chile Ancho)
The heat of this deep-red ancho chile soup and its pasilla chile garnish is balanced by the addition of cooling crema and thinly sliced avocado. Get the recipe »James Oseland

Ricotta Scramble with Tomatoes (Requeson Revuelto)

Ricotta Scramble with Tomatoes (Requeson Revuelto)
This scramble of fresh ricotta, flavored with chiles, onions, and tomatoes, is delicious wrapped in warm tortillas or piled on toasted bread. Get the recipe »Penny De Los Santos

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