Mexican BBQ

Spice Up Your Grill: 3 Best Side Dishes for Mexican BBQ

Overview: Elevate your BBQ game with the tastiest Mexican side dishes! Turn up the heat and get ready to supplement your meals with this mouthwatering guide to the most savory flavors under the sun! 

Mexican BBQ, with its sizzling meats and bold flavors, is a culinary experience like no other. But what makes it even more exciting are the delicious side dishes that accompany the main event. From zesty salsas to creamy guacamole and salsa, the wide array of traditional and contemporary Mexican side dishes adds depth and vibrancy to your BBQ spread.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the best side dishes for Mexican BBQ. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table or enjoying and outdoor cookout, these dishes are sure to elevate your feast to a whole new level.

So fire up the grill and let’s get cooking!

Guacamole: Creamy Avocado Delight 

No Mexican BBQ is complete without a bowl of freshly made guacamole. This creamy, avocado-based dip is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser. Let’s try a homemade guacamole recipe!

 Ingredients: 

◻ 3 ripe avocados

◻ 1 small onion, finely diced

◻ 2 Roma tomatoes, diced

◻ 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

◻ 1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely minced (adjust to taste)

◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced

◻ 2 lime juices

◻ Salt to taste

 Directions :

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork or potato masher until you achieve your desired level of creaminess.

Add the diced onions, tomatoes, minced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic to the mashed avocados. Squeeze the juice of two limes over the mixture and add a pinch of salt.

Gently fold all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or lime juice if needed. Cover the guacamole with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve your homemade guacamole with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled BBQ.

Enjoy your creamy and zesty guacamole!

>> Related Reading: Guacamole Recipes: 26 Twists on the Classic Avocado Dip

 Mexican Rice  (Arroz Rojo)

Mexican rice, also known as arroz rojo, is a staple side dish in Mexican cuisine. The best thing about this dish is its versatility, which allows you to customize to suit your taste. But we’re here with an classic Mexican rice recipe to satisfy your taste buds!

 Ingredients: 

◻ 1 cup long-grain white rice

◻ 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

◻ 1 small onion, finely chopped

◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced

◻ 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

◻ 1/4 cup tomato sauce

◻ 1 tsp ground cumin

◻ 1 tsp chili powder

◻ Salt and pepper to taste

◻ 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Need ingredients? If you’re in the Inland Empire, shop with our friends at Redlands Ranch Market!

Directions 

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent.

Stir in the rice and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the rice turns golden brown.

Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, ground cumin, and chili powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Fluff the Mexican rice with a fork and serve it as a delicious side dish for your Mexican BBQ.

>> You might be interested in: 10 Best Mexican Rice Side Dish Recipes

Salsa Fresca: The Classic Tomato Salsa 

Salsa fresca, also known as pico de gallo, is a fresh and vibrant tomato salsa that adds a burst of flavor to any Mexican BBQ. So, why not try this salsa fresca recipe at home today?

 Ingredients 

◻ 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced

◻ 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (red or white)

◻ 1-2 jalapeño peppers, finely minced (adjust to your preferred spiciness)

◻ 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

◻ 2 cloves garlic, minced

◻ Juice of 2 limes

◻ Salt and pepper to taste

 Directions 

Dice tomatoes, chop onion, mince jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

Squeeze lime juice over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. Gently mix to combine, preserving a chunky texture.

Chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Stir before serving with chips, tacos, or Mexican grilled meats.

Enjoy your zesty Salsa Fresca!

In Summary 

With these mouthwatering-side dishes, your Mexican BBQ will be a fiesta of flavors that leave your guests craving for more. Whether you’re grilling up carne asada, chicken, or tacos, these side dishes will add the perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and spice to your outdoor feast. So, get your apron on, fire up the grill, and treat your friends and family to a Mexican BBQ they won’t forget!

You can also load up your cart with meat and/or side dishes with just one click! Now Ranch House BBQ is delivering authentic Mexican BBQ to your doorstep. So the next time you want to plan a full-fledged Mexican BBQ spread, we got you covered!