Blog
Tips, guides and stories about Mexican cuisine in the UK
Welcome to the Recetas Mexas blog, your source for information about Mexican cuisine in the UK. Here you'll find detailed guides about Mexican ingredients, practical tips for cooking authentic dishes with products available in British supermarkets, and articles about the rich culinary culture of Mexico. Explore our recipes, products and restaurants for more.
Our articles cover everything from toasting and rehydrating dried chillies for rich, complex salsas to understanding the difference between corn and flour tortillas and when to use each. Learn traditional techniques like nixtamalisation that give tortillas their distinctive flavour and texture.
Written by our team of Mexicans living in the UK, every article combines first-hand cultural knowledge with practical advice for British kitchens.
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We also publish shop reviews of Latin and Mexican stores across UK cities, product comparisons (which bottled mole is most authentic, what brand of totopos tastes best), seasonal guides (chiles en nogada in September, rosca de reyes in January, pan de muerto in November) and the fascinating stories behind dishes like mole poblano, tamales andpozole that carry centuries of pre-Hispanic and colonial tradition.
Whether you're a complete beginner curious about Mexican cuisine or an experienced cook looking to perfect your technique, our blog has something for every level. All recipes and techniques are adapted for ingredients available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and specialist Mexican shops across the UK.
Latest Articles
Mexican Food vs Tex-Mex: What's the Real Difference?
Much of what's sold as "Mexican food" in the UK is actually Tex-Mex. Learn to distinguish both cuisines and why both have their value.
Day of the Dead in the UK: How to Celebrate Dia de los Muertos
Day of the Dead is one of Mexico's most beautiful celebrations. Discover how it's celebrated in the UK, where to find events and how to create your own ofrenda at home.
A Brief History of Mexican Cuisine: From Aztec to Modern
Discover the fascinating evolution of Mexican cuisine over thousands of years, from pre-Hispanic civilisations to today's Michelin-starred restaurants.
Canned vs Fresh: When to Use Tinned Mexican Ingredients
In the UK it's not always possible to get fresh Mexican ingredients. Learn when tins are a valid alternative and when it's worth seeking out the fresh product.
Avocados in the UK: How to Pick, Ripen, and Store Them
Master the art of the perfect avocado in the UK. From choosing the best ones at the supermarket to tricks for ripening them quickly and preventing browning.
Nixtamalisation Explained: Why Mexican Corn Is Different
Nixtamalisation is the ancestral process that makes Mexican tortillas unique. Discover the science, history and why masa harina is different from regular cornflour.
The Complete Guide to Mexican Salsas You Can Make in the UK
Salsas are the soul of Mexican cooking. Learn to prepare the most important salsas with ingredients available in British supermarkets, from classic red salsa to simplified mole.
Mexican Cheese in the UK: Where to Buy It and the Best Substitutes
Mexican cheeses are hard to find in the UK, but excellent substitutes exist. Learn how to replace queso Oaxaca, cotija, queso fresco and more with British supermarket options.
How to Make Corn Tortillas at Home with UK Ingredients
Learn to make authentic corn tortillas in your British kitchen. With masa harina and a tortilla press, you'll have fresh tortillas in minutes that beat any supermarket option.
Guide to Dried Chillies: Types, Heat Levels, and UK Substitutes
Dried chillies are the heart of Mexican cooking. Learn to distinguish the main types, their Scoville heat levels and what alternatives to use when you can't find them in the UK.
Essential Mexican Spices and Where to Find Them in the UK
Spices are the soul of Mexican cooking. Discover which ones are essential, their uses in traditional recipes and where to buy them in the UK.
Top 5 Easiest Mexican Recipes to Make at Home
The 5 easiest Mexican recipes to make at home, even if you have never cooked Mexican food before. Basic ingredients available in any UK supermarket and spectacular results.