20 Popular and Traditional Hispanic Foods to Try Now
These delicious Hispanic dishes are perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner ... and dessert!
From taco recipes stuffed with any filling you can imagine to food trucks parked on city streets selling arepas, Hispanic food is a huge part of the culture in the United States.
Hispanic cuisine refers to dishes from Mexico, Spain, Puerto Rico and Spanish-speaking South American, Central American and Caribbean countries. It encompasses unique regional recipes as well as popular foods enjoyed throughout the world (crispy cinnamon churros, we're looking at you!). It does not always include your favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes, which draw inspiration from Mexican cuisine but tend to be more Americanized.
While there are far too many Hispanic dishes to sum up in one article, we rounded up some of our favorites, including zesty Argentinian chimichurri, flavorful Mexican mole and crowd-pleasing Spanish paella. So whether you're looking to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (it starts on Wednesday, September 15 this year — mark your calendars!) or you're just looking for an easy dinner recipe, these flavorful, fun ideas are a great place to get started.
Agua Fresca
Refresh yourself with an invigorating agua fresca, the thirst-quenching Mexican drink made from a combo of fruit (you can use almost any type) blended with lime juice, a sweetener and water and served over ice.
Enchiladas Verdes
Originally from Mexican cuisine, enchiladas can be filled with almost anything, from meats and cheeses to beans and veggies. Try this version with chicken and salsa verde.
Steak Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce or marinade that turns everything it touches into flavor gold — especially perfectly charred, juicy grilled steak.
Get the recipe for Steak Chimichurri »
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
Migas
Loaded with fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy tortilla chips, fresh pico de gallo, and tons of melty cheese, this popular dish in Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Texas is a delicious brunch recipe.
Shrimp Ceviche
Shrimp ceviche generally calls for raw shrimp marinated in lime juice, but we used cooked shrimp instead for extra weeknight (or weekend!) ease.
Chicken Mole
Traditional mole sauce from Mexico, made with many ingredients and simmered for hours, is a delicious culinary feat. Our version takes a few shortcuts for a flavorful dinner you can make in an hour.
Cinnamon Churros
This crunchy, cinnamon sugar-dusted fried dough only gets better dipped in a salted chocolate-caramel sauce.
Easy Red Salsa
Use fresh tomatoes, spicy jalapeños and plenty of cilantro for a bright, bold topping or dip.
Easy Seafood Paella
Paella is a Spanish rice dish made with vegetables, meat or seafood (or a combo!) that dates back to the early 1800s. This version uses just seafood and vegetables, but feel free to add extra meat or veggies to your liking!
Classic Fresh Lime Margarita
And to drink? It just doesn't get better than this 3-ingredient, classic cocktail.
Arepas
Arepas are Venezuelan fried corn cakes stuffed with tasty fillings, like this creamy, zesty chicken and avocado salad.
Spanish Potato Omelet
Perfect any time of day, this classic dish is made with eggs, potatoes, olive oil, onion and parsley. That's it!
Elote
Inspired by the popular Mexican street food, our version of this grilled Mexican street corn features a creamy lime sauce and lots of Cotija cheese.
Grilled Tequila Steak Tacos
When it comes to taco fillings, there are no rules. Try this zesty steak version marinated in tequila and fresh lime juice.
Ginger-Grape Sangria
Fresh grapes, brown sugar and sliced ginger bring sweet-spicy flavor to this wine-based cocktail.
Tostones
Tostones are green plantain slices fried until golden and crispy. Serve as a tasty side, app or snack.
Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef)
Make this stewed beef dish in the slow cooker for extra ease. It only takes 15 minutes of hands-on time!
Pupusas With Curtido
These El Salvadorian corn cakes are stuffed with roasted squash, pickled jalapeños and mozzarella cheese and topped with a tangy cabbage slaw. Yum!
Tamales de Elote
Keep it simple — these tamales are made with just corn and spices.
Huevos Rancheros
Serve up fried tortillas topped with salsa and a sunny-side up egg at your next brunch.
Grilled Balsamic Eggplant Boats
Watermelon Soju
Grill Your Lemons for Better Lemonade
S'mores Crispy Rice Treat Sandwiches
