Vegan Mexican Food: Plant-Based Recipes from Mexico

Mexico: a natural vegan paradise

Mexican cuisine is possibly one of the most naturally vegan-friendly cuisines in the world. Before the Spanish arrived, the Mesoamerican diet was predominantly plant-based: corn, beans, squash, chillies, tomatoes, nopales, quelites, avocados, and hundreds of edible wild plants. Meat was an occasional luxury. This means Mexico has a centuries-old tradition of plant-based dishes that are incredibly flavourful without needing artificial substitutes.

Naturally vegan Mexican dishes

Bean tacos: Everyday food in Mexico. Black or pinto beans with onion, garlic and epazote in corn tortillas with salsa, coriander and onion. 100% vegan, no adjustments needed.

Guacamole: Completely vegan. One of the most perfect sauces in world gastronomy.

Mexican rice: Vegan if you use vegetable stock instead of chicken.

Nopales (cactus): Fundamental Mexican ingredient, 100% plant-based. Can be grilled, stewed or eaten in salad. Available in jars from Mexican shops online.

Mushroom tacos: Mushrooms sauteed with chilli, garlic, epazote and onion are extraordinary.

Easy vegan recipes for the UK

Sweet potato and black bean tacos: Roast sweet potato cubes with cumin and chilli powder at 200°C for 25 minutes. Serve in corn tortillas with black beans, avocado, salsa, coriander and pickled onion.

Vegan pozole: Replace meat with mushrooms and courgette. Use vegetable stock. Traditional toppings (radish, lettuce, oregano, tostadas) are all vegan.

Vegetable enchiladas: Fill tortillas with sauteed courgette, mushrooms and spinach. Cover in red or green salsa. Top with cashew cream instead of cheese.

Where to eat vegan Mexican in the UK

Club Mexicana (London): Completely plant-based and absolutely delicious. Wahaca: Has marked vegan options on the menu. At home: Honestly, the best vegan Mexican food is made at home with fresh ingredients.

Mexican cuisine proves that eating plant-based doesn't have to be boring. With beans, corn, chillies, avocados and vegetables, you can create meals as satisfying as any meat dish. Mexico was vegan before it was cool.