Authentic Molcajete Recipe | Bold Mexican Flavors at Home

OVERVIEW

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, look no further than the molcajete! This traditional Mexican dish isn’t just about great flavors; it’s about bringing people together. Picture a hot stone bowl filled with juicy meats, fresh veggies, and zesty salsa, all sizzling away. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this molcajete recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

MOTIVES TO LOVE THIS RECIPE

•	Bold Flavors: The combination of grilled meats and homemade salsa creates a burst of authentic Mexican taste.
•	Perfect for Sharing: Great for gatherings, everyone can dig in and customize their own tacos.
•	Versatile Ingredients: Swap out proteins and veggies to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
•	Interactive Experience: The sizzling presentation is not only delicious but also engaging for your guests.
•	Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with lean proteins and fresh veggies, this dish is both satisfying and healthy.

INGREDIENTS

	For the meat:
✔︎	1 lb beef skirt steak, sliced into thin strips
✔︎	1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
✔︎	1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
✔︎	1 tablespoon olive oil
✔︎	2 cloves garlic, minced
✔︎	1 teaspoon ground cumin
✔︎	Salt and pepper to taste
	For the salsa:
✔︎	4 medium tomatoes, roasted
✔︎	1 small onion, roasted
✔︎	2 cloves garlic, roasted
✔︎	2 jalapeño peppers, roasted
✔︎	1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
✔︎	1 teaspoon salt
✔︎	Juice of 1 lime
	For serving:
✔︎	1 avocado, sliced
✔︎	1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
✔︎	Warm tortillas
✔︎	Lime wedges for garnish

Nutrision Information

•	Calories: 450	•	Carbohydrates: 20g
•	Protein: 35g	•	Fiber: 5g
•	Fat: 18g	•	Sodium: 780mg

Required Kitchen Equipment

✷	Molcajete (traditional stone mortar) or a cast iron skillet for serving
✷	Tongs for handling the hot meats
✷	Large skillet or grill for cooking the proteins
✷	Blender for the salsa
✷	Cutting board and knife

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INSTRUCTIONS

❶	Make the Salsa: Start by roasting the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño on a hot skillet or grill until they’re nicely charred. This step adds incredible depth to the flavor. Once roasted, blend them together with salt, lime juice, and cilantro until you reach a smooth consistency. Set aside.
❷	Cook the Meats:
1.	In a large skillet or on a grill, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2.	Season the beef, chicken, and shrimp with cumin, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook each protein separately until they’re done—about 5-6 minutes for the beef and chicken, and 2-3 minutes for the shrimp. Once cooked, keep them warm while you prepare the next steps.
❸	Heat the Molcajete: If you’re using a stone molcajete, preheat it in the oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes. This will help keep everything nice and hot when you serve.
❹	Assemble the Molcajete: Carefully remove the hot molcajete from the oven. Pour a generous amount of your homemade salsa into the bottom, then layer the cooked meats and shrimp on top. Add avocado slices and, if you like, a sprinkle of queso fresco for extra creaminess.
❺	Serve: Bring the molcajete to the table while it’s still sizzling! Serve with warm tortillas and lime wedges on the side. Encourage everyone to make their own tacos, or simply enjoy the flavors as they are.

Benefits of the Food

High in Protein: This dish is packed with lean proteins from the beef, chicken, and shrimp.

Rich in Nutrients: The roasted tomatoes, garlic, and jalapeños are loaded with vitamins.

Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocados provide healthy fats that are good for your heart.

Customizable: Easily adjust the recipe to make it vegetarian or to cater to your family’s preferences.

Tips and Variations

Add More Veggies: Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, or corn would complement this dish beautifully.

Adjust the Spice: For a milder salsa, reduce the number of jalapeños. For heat lovers, throw in some habanero peppers.

Go Vegetarian: Swap out the meats for a mix of grilled mushrooms and veggies for a delicious veggie molcajete.

Change the Cheese: If queso fresco isn’t available, try using shredded cheddar or feta for a different flavor.

Salsa Alternatives: Experiment with a tomatillo salsa for a refreshing twist!

How to Keep Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing: While the salsa can be frozen, it’s best to freeze only the cooked meats. Reheat them gently in a skillet.

Reheating: Warm the leftovers in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil to restore their flavor and texture.

FAQ

1. What is a molcajete?

A molcajete is a traditional Mexican stone mortar and pestle used for grinding spices and serving hot dishes. It adds authenticity to your meal!

2. Can I make this recipe without a molcajete?

Absolutely! A cast iron skillet or an oven-safe dish works just as well for serving.

3. What other meats can I use?

Feel free to get creative! Pork, turkey, or even grilled fish can be excellent substitutes for the beef and chicken.

4. How can I adjust the spice level?

To tone down the heat, simply use fewer jalapeños in your salsa. For more spice, add a hotter pepper or sprinkle chili powder over the meats.

5. What’s the best way to enjoy a molcajete?

Serve it family-style with plenty of warm tortillas so everyone can create their own tacos, or enjoy the delicious mix as is!

Molcajete recipe

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