Amazing Gluten Free Mexican Food
When first beginning to eat gluten free, we quickly discovered that there are tons of gluten free Mexican food options. This discovery soon made Mexican places the first place to stop when looking for a gluten free meal when eating out in an unfamiliar neighborhood or city.
Skip to ‘Eating Out Gluten Free Mexican Food”
Mexican food is often thought of as being spicy which can be a big turn off or hindrance for those that do not enjoy a spicy heat. We love spicy food but have found that of the Mexican inspired dishes can still be made full of flavor without the spicy heat.
Mexican and Latin American inspired meals have become the backbone of our home cooking as well. In addition to most meals being naturally gluten free they are quick to cook, easy to prepare, and many store and reheat well.
Skip to ‘Home Cooking Gluten Free Mexican Food”
Mexican and Latin American foods are traditionally more corn based then wheat based which is why they are so good for someone eating a gluten free diet. Historically corn or maize was grown in the region making this local grain an essential ingredient in many Mexican dishes. Thankfully corn is gluten free, providing all these amazing gluten free Mexican food options.
Eating Out – Gluten Free Mexican Food
We have found that Mexican restaurants are among the easiest places for gluten free eating out. Most of the food traditionally does not contain ingredients that have gluten and cross contamination risk tends to be low.
While small independent restaurants tend to have the most authentic and flavorful foods, many restaurants will have Mexican inspired dishes on their menu providing great gluten free options.
When we are eating out and looking for gluten free Mexican food the following foods are what we will look for on the menu, as always ask to ensure the food is gluten free but most of the time these foods will be gluten free or will have a gluten free option.
Nachos (Corn Chips)
Nachos or chips and salsa are a great gluten free Mexican food choice that many restaurants have on their menu. Most but not all nacho chips are gluten free, so it is best to confirm. Nachos are so versatile and can be used in so many ways. A bowl of chips and some fresh Pico de Gallo makes a great appetizer to munch on while waiting on the main course or visiting with friends. On the other end of the spectrum a plater of fully loaded nachos with chunks of chicken, beans, and veggies smothered in cheese can be a full meal.
Mexican Inspired Rice Bowls
For a quick healthy meal on the run, a rice bowl from Chipotle is a great gluten free Mexican food option. Many restaurants have their own take on a rice bowl. The ability to select the items to be added to the rice provides an endless opportunity to customize the meal to your own individual tastes. The ability to be adapted to such a wide variety of food preferences or requirements make Mexican inspired rice bowls a favorite to serve at home as well.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a gluten free Mexican food option that is often served as an appetizer. Even though raw fish and seafood may scare some away from trying ceviche, a well-prepared ceviche is safe to eat. The bright and fresh citrus flavors of ceviche make it the ideal gluten free Mexican food for a warm summer evening.
Corn Shell Tacos
When thinking about Mexican food tacos are probably the first thing that comes to mind. We have found that nearly all hard or crunchy taco shells are gluten free. We have not had the same luck with soft tacos made on small tortillas. Flour tortillas are not gluten free and are often used for soft tacos. The more authentic the restaurant the more likely that they will use or have corn tortillas available for tacos which are gluten free.
Watch out for flour tortillas as they are not gluten free
Corn Tortillas
Tortillas are a staple of Mexican cooking and can be used in so many ways. Flour tortillas are not gluten free. However, corn tortillas are gluten free! Some favorite Mexican foods that use tortillas are:
- Enchiladas
- Fajitas
- Taquitos
- Quesadillas
Mole is often a hidden source of gluten
Home Cooking Gluten Free Mexican Food
Not only is Mexican food a fantastic gluten free option when eating out, but it is also perfect inspiration for cooking at home as well. The things that make Mexican food great for cooking at home are:
- It can be quick and easy to cook
- A few key ingredients can make a variety of dishes
- Stores and reheats well
- Great for using up leftovers
The best source for base ingredients is a Mexican or Latin American food Market. The cost and variety of corn tortillas will be much lower. As well, Mexican grocery stores tend to have an amazing assortment of hot sauces and salsas.
Hers is a list of our at-home favorites to inspire you with gluten free Mexican food ideas.
Quesadilla
Simply a grilled cheese sandwich using a tortilla in place of bread. Quesadillas are a favorite with kids both young and old. When making a quesadilla at home the options for fillings are limited, common additions include:
- Beans
- Corn
- Chicken
- Peppers
Tacos (Fish, Beef, Chicken, Carnitas)
Just as when eating out, tacos are a great meal to have at home where everyone can build their own by selecting the fillings that they like. Family taco night is always a hit in our house. Lately, we have been enjoying a carnitas-inspired taco using leftover pulled pork as the main filling.
Tostadas
Tostadas are fantastic for a quick lunch. The crisp tortilla is a great carrier for all types of toppings. Spread a layer of guacamole on a tostada for simplified version of avocado toast.
Fajitas
Fajitas are another great build yourself meal allowing everyone to choose the fillings that they enjoy. The seared peppers in fajitas add a wonderful sweetness that goes so well with the heat and acid of a little hot sauce.
Rice and Beans
Beyond all the jokes and stigma of rice and beans being a budget food, they are a wonderful gluten free Mexican food. With the addition of some spices and minimal effort, rice and beans can shine as an amazing side dish to accompany many meals.
As a gluten free family, we eat a lot of rice. One of the best ways to use leftover rice is by making rice and beans. For super-easy rice and beans heat leftover rice, canned beans and some premixed taco seasoning in a frying pan, finishing it off with a scoop of salsa.
Refried beans
Refried beans are a traditional side dish that is a great source of protein and fiber. For busy families on the go, warming a can of refried beans works as an excellent healthy side. If time allows making refried beans from dry beans can be a wonderful learning experience and cooking adventure.
Using refried beans as a dip for a plate of nachos is the perfect way to add some protein to a quick snack.
Guacamole
Avocados have become the trendy food, as of late but trends aside guacamole is a great dip and accompaniment for Mexican food. The rich cool creaminess can help to counteract that bite that was a little too spicy.
Salsa
A tomato salsa might be the first thing that you think of when you think of salsa, but there are so many other options to consider. Pico de Gallo or fresh salsa can be made quickly at home to enjoy with a bowl of chips. Salsa Verde provides a tangy acidity, often with less heat than other salsas.
As we said before a Mexican or Latin American market is a great place to find the best flavors and prices. However, if you do not have access to a specialty market, many large grocery stores will have a separate Mexican or Latin American foods section. The items in the specialty section tend to be a better deal and almost always taste superior.
Huevos Rancheros
A simple translation is ranch eggs, huevos rancheros was a traditional breakfast dish served on Mexican ranches. Who says eggs are only for breakfast or brunch? Huevos rancheros make a great quick dinner too. The combination of eggs and refried beans makes this gluten free Mexican meal an excellent source of protein. Here is how we prepare our version of Huevos Rancheros.
Loaded Nachos
Loaded nachos do not need to be limited to eating out. Making loaded nachos at home can be a lot of fun and a great way to get kids involved in meal preparation. A bag of chips smothered in shredded cheese is the perfect canvas to add your favorite toppings. Toppings that we often use are:
- Black beans
- Bell peppers
- Jalapeno peppers
- Chopped left over cooked chicken
- Tomatoes
- Topping with chopped cilantro after coming out of the oven
Taco in a bag
Taco in a bag is a Mexican inspired food that is great for camping. Use an individual-sized bag of nacho chips covered in all your favorite toppings to make an easy to hold version of loaded nachos. While it may not be a traditional Mexican meal taco in a bag offers many of the traditional Mexican flavors in a convenient form.
Rice bowls
Rice bowls are not only a great option when eating out but also is an ideal gluten free Mexican food option at home. Rice bowls are one of our favorite meals to serve when hosting a large group of people. The brilliant thing about serving self-serve rice bowls is people can choose the toppings that they like or that fit within their dietary restrictions. Gluten free, dairy free, and/or vegetarian, can all be accommodated at an individual’s desired spiciness level.
Zucchini Boats
Zucchini boats are a fun Mexican inspired dish that provides a complete meal. The zucchini boat filling works great as a dip for scooping up with chips as well. Kids love scraping out the seeds from the zucchini to make the boats which is perfect for getting them involved in the kitchen. Here are the step by step instructions for making delicious zucchini boats.
White Chilli
White chilli is an amazing gluten free Mexican inspired meal. Being busy, having the option for a quick and easy meal is always a win. See our White Chilli recipe for the details on how to prepare this quick dinner.
Apple tacos (Mexican inspired)
In an attempt to be creative and use our giant stack of corn tortillas from the Mexican market, apple tacos became an accidental favorite. Eating gluten free deserts can be a real challenge. This quick sweet treat tastes like apple pie. Here is the step by step instructions for this delicious treat.
Final thoughts
Corn tortillas can be creatively utilized in a multitude of ways to make fantastic gluten free Mexican food. From a traditional taco or rice and beans to something a little out of the box like an apple taco, Mexican or Mexican-inspired foods are a gold mine of gluten free food ideas.
Do you have a favorite gluten free Mexican food? Let us know in the comments we would love to give it a try.
[…] Mexican rice recipes typically use long grain white rice, but there are many recipes out there that use basmati for a slightly different flavor profile. Mexican rice recipes are very versatile, and it is easy to toss in multiple ingredients to build a new plate each time. The core Mexican rice recipes usually have oil, garlic, onion, tomato, carrot and peas. You can also use black beans in the recipe. We often include chicken and if we don’t have black beans on hand, we will serve with a side of refried beans. […]