So many of us think immediately of beef when we think of Mexican food. We have all had our share of beef tacos, beef enchiladas and beef burritos, have not we? Beef is actually a staple in northern Mexico, but not in the rest of the country. When the Spanish brought cattle with them in the 1500s, they discovered that northern Mexico had excellent grazing lands. This region became home to many Spanish cattle ranches.

Meats like mutton, goat, pork, and beef are a large part of the cuisine in northern Mexico. If you look at the recipes that have made their way to America, beef is the most prevalent ingredient. In Mexico, these meats are all marinated to tenderize and add flavor. The meat is then cooked slowly over a low heat to create a tender meal.

Boiled or roasted beef can be shredded to be added to any number of recipes from enchiladas to tacos. Marinating in all those seasonings make the beef taste delicious as it melts in the mouth. Oregano, cumin, and chilies are used every day in preparing recipes. Cilantro will also give that authentic Mexican taste that you know and love.

Wheat is grown in northern Mexico, so flour tortillas are more common there than the corn tortillas are. Beef is wrapped up in flour tortillas to make burritos, quesadillas, and other delicious fare. Mexican beef stews simmer slowly all day long to deliver an inviting meal for the family.

Beef is commonly cooked as pot roast in Mexico. The beef is browned and then removed from the pan. The fat that was rendered from the beef is used to cook up roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, and chilies into a thick sauce. Broth and water are added and the beef is returned to finish cooking. More veggies are added once the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone.

Barbecue, or barbacoa as it is called in Mexico, is a common cooking method in northern Mexico. The beef is roasted slowly in a brick oven or old fashioned covered pit over indirect heat until the meat is full of flavor. The finished meat can then be added to many other dishes as needed.

When you try out a Mexican food recipe you will realize how important it is to use fresh ingredients. Frozen and canned foods just do not add the flavor and nutrients you get with fresh foods. Fresh ingredients are key to creating that authentic Mexican flavor. Mexican cooking methods also make the most from less expensive pieces of beef. You do not need to spend a lot to get a tender meal.

Of course, Mexican cuisine uses much more than just beef. Pork, goat, sheep, rabbit, turkey, chicken, and seafood are all deliciously prepared using Mexican recipes. Dig in and try something different. The meat is always prepared so it is tender and delicious, no matter what type is chosen. Spend some time learning how to make beef using Mexican seasonings and cooking methods and your family will not want to miss a single meal.

Author Bio: The great thing about Cinco de Mayo is that every family makes their favorite Mexican foods to celebrate with and Cinco de Mayo food is whatever you want to make. There are no traditional foods associated with these festivities so you can make whichever Mexican dishes tantalize your taste buds. http://www.MexicanFoodRecipes.org When it has to be Real Authentic Mexican Food

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: mexican food,mexican beef stews,mexican beef,beef burritos,beef tacos,beef enchiladas