Mommies Magazine

Mexican Cooking Techniques

Posted by Mom Mag in Foodlicious

There are many techniques used in Mexican Cooking which help to give food its distinct authentic Mexican flavor.

Water Bathing - Water bathing is a technique used for cooking and for sealing jars. Water baths are used for egg-based dishes such as flan, custard, sauces and mousse because it helps prevent curdling. Water baths are typically made of ceramic or clay as opposed to metal. Simply place the item to be cooked in a shallow pan of water and heat until done.

Sautéing- Sautéing is a technique often used in Mexican cooking. Spices and seasonings are often sautéed first, and then added to the main ingredients of a dish. To sauté, place oil or butter in a small skillet or sauté pan over high heat. You’ll want to be sure to stir or move the ingredients around frequently to prevent burning or sticking. During the final minutes of cooking time, reduce heat to medium or low.

Barbacoa – Barbacoa (say bar-ba-COH-ah) or Mexican Barbeque is not the same as grilling over an open flame. Barbacoa is a technique traditionally used to cook cow or pig head. However, this technique is used today to cook just about any large portions of meat such as turkey and brisket. Hot coals are placed in the bottom of pit, about 3 feet deep, and a large cauldron of water is placed over the coals. A grill is placed over the cauldron and the meat is placed on top. Vegetables, beans and spices are often added to the pot for soup and flavor. The pit is then covered and sealed with damp earth. This method slow cooks the meat until it’s tender and juicy.

Al Horno – Al Horno is a Mexican cooking technique that basically means “oven-baked”. Mexican restaurants often use this method and refer to it in menus as “Pollo Al Horno” or simply “al horno” for chicken and fish dishes.

Boiling, Simmering & Grilling – Boiling, simmering and grilling are also techniques used for Mexican cooking. Stews, sauces and chili are made by boiling and simmering; fajitas and carne asada are superb when grilled with Mexican spices and seasonings. You can also prepare meat for shredded beef tacos and pork carnitas by simmering the meat all day in broth or water over low heat and adding Mexican spices and seasoning.

Frying – Frying is a technique used to make flautas, chimichangas and tacquitos. Place oil in a deep cast iron skillet or deep fryer and submerse seasoned meat wrapped in corn or flour tortillas in oil. Cook until golden brown. Top with salsa and sour cream. You can also add cheese to the meat filling if so desired.

Using a combination of traditional and modern techniques will give all your Mexican cooking that distinct Mexican flavor you love.

More Mexican Cooking Techniques

If you’d like to learn even more Mexican cooking techniques I’ve included a small list of cookbooks available at Amazon.

From My Mexican Kitchen: Techniques and Ingredients Overall Rating:   Retail Price: $40.00 Amazon Price: $26.40	Authentic Mexican 20th Anniversary Ed: Regional Cooking from the Heart of Mexico Overall Rating:   Retail Price: $32.50 Amazon Price: $21.45
Fresh Mexico: 100 Simple Recipes for True Mexican Flavor Overall Rating:   Retail Price: $22.50 Amazon Price: $15.30	The Best of Mexico (The Best of ...) Overall Rating:   Retail Price: $16.95 Amazon Price: $14.49

Tags: mexican cooking