Description
This vibrant Mexican Fiesta Menu features a variety of classic dishes including tender Pork Carnitas, flavorful salsas, authentic guacamole, grilled corn, and multiple taco fillings. Ideal for a festive gathering, it allows customization with proteins like chicken, beef, fish, or prawns alongside fresh and pickled toppings that celebrate the bold flavors of Mexico.
Ingredients
Proteins and Taco Fillings
- Pork Carnitas – large batch prepared as per linked recipe
- Marinated Lime Chicken – boneless thigh fillets marinated in lime juice and spices
- Chicken Fajitas
- Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Beef Fajitas
- Mexican Shredded Beef
- Fish for Fish Tacos (white flaky fish)
- Prawns or shrimp for Prawn Tacos
Sauces and Salsas
- Restaurant style salsa (doubles as taco sauce and dip)
- Queso Dip (silky texture, served cool)
- Hot Sauces of choice
- Pico de Gallo
- Pig Out Salsa (Chorizo and Corn)
Toppings and Garnishes
- Authentic Guacamole
- Avocado slices
- Pickled red cabbage
- Sour cream
- Chopped white onions
- Coriander/cilantro leaves (whole or chopped)
- Sliced Jalapenos
- Lime wedges
- Shredded cheeses
Sides and Extras
- Warmed tortillas
- Homemade tortilla chips
- Grilled corn with Chipotle Adobo Sauce
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Avocado Corn Salad
- Mexican Red Rice
- Refried Beans
- Churros (quick, make-ahead dessert)
Instructions
- Protein and Side Selection: Choose one or two proteins such as Pork Carnitas, Mexican Shredded Chicken, or Fish Tacos, and select sides from the list including grilled corn, refried beans, and homemade tortilla chips. Use linked recipes for detailed cooking except for tortilla chips and grilled corn which are prepared as described below.
- Prepare Main Taco Fillings: Pork Carnitas is preferred for its juiciness and freezer-friendly nature. After cooking, pan-fry quickly before serving to freshen up. Alternatively, shredded chicken or beef can be stored similarly. Fish and prawn tacos are quick to cook; once cooked, place in serving dish and break into chunks with a fork. For make-ahead chicken recipes, cook boneless thigh fillets, keep whole and refrigerated, reserving cooking juices. Chop or slice and reheat in microwave covered before serving.
- Assemble Taco Fixings: Include at least one fresh element like pickled red cabbage, a sauce such as restaurant style salsa, avocado in guacamole or slices, and fresh cilantro. Chopped white onions are traditional, and sour cream and shredded cheese are added based on preference for a Tex-Mex touch.
- Prepare Other Sides: Warm tortillas and fillings provide the basis of the meal, while salads or vegetables such as plain or chipotle adobo grilled corn complement and round out the menu.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange all components buffet style so guests can build their own tacos with chosen proteins, toppings, and sides. Garnish with lime wedges and jalapenos for added zest. Finish the meal with quick, make-ahead churros for dessert.
Notes
- Pickled red cabbage adds a tangy crunch and helps balance rich flavors.
- Chopped white onions are essential for authentic Mexican taco experience.
- Refried beans are a classic side and complement the spices of the proteins.
- Pork Carnitas freeze well and can be prepped in advance for convenience.
- Grilled corn with chipotle adobo sauce adds smoky spice and sweetness, fitting perfectly with the theme.
- Churros can be made ahead and reheated, making dessert preparation easy.
