Herbs and spices in Mexican cuisine go far beyond flavor. They’re integral to the culture, embodying centuries of culinary traditions passed down through generations. Used judiciously, they bring balance to dishes, marry complex flavors, and layer depth into simple ingredients.
From ancient Mesoamerican techniques to modern-day recipes, each herb and spice carries a story. Understanding these key players will help you create vibrant meals that go beyond the mere act of cooking—you’re preserving a deeply rooted culinary tradition.
Essential Mexican Herbs and How to Use Them
Cilantro
An unmistakable herb in Mexican cuisine, cilantro is versatile and fresh. Its bright, citrusy flavor is used in everything from guacamole to salsas, soups, and tacos. Chop it fresh as a garnish or blend it into sauces for an aromatic punch.
Pro Tip: Use the stems as well! They carry just as much flavor as the leaves and can enhance broths or marinades.
Epazote
Epazote is less known than cilantro but equally crucial in traditional Mexican cooking. It has a bold, earthy taste with a slightly medicinal undertone. Often used in black bean dishes, epazote is not just for flavor—it also enhances digestion and reduces the bloating beans can sometimes cause.
Cooking Tip: Use sparingly, as its flavor can be quite strong. Add a sprig or two to your beans while they simmer for just the right balance.
Mexican Oregano
Distinctly different from Mediterranean oregano, Mexican oregano has a citrusy, slightly floral flavor. It’s a key ingredient in mole sauces, pozole, and adobo marinades.
Best Matches: Pair it with meats, beans, and tomato-based dishes to take your recipes to the next level.
Hoja Santa
Known as the Holy Leaf, Hoja Santa has a subtle anise flavor often used in tamales or to wrap fish and meats before cooking. Its large, fragrant leaves also make an excellent addition to stews and soups.
Pro Tip: If you’re preparing tamales at home, experiment with Hoja Santa leaves for a truly authentic flavor.
Mexican Spices That Bring Boldness to Every Dish
Chili Powders (Ancho, Pasilla, Guajillo)
Chilies are the backbone of Mexican cuisine. Dried and ground into powders, chilies like ancho, pasilla, and guajillo bring smoky, earthy, and mildly spicy flavors to dishes. They’re commonly used in mole, enchiladas, and salsas.
Spice Highlight:
- Ancho Chilies have a sweet raisin-like flavor.
- Pasilla Chilies are earthier with hints of cocoa.
- Guajillo Chilies balance sweetness, smokiness, and gentle heat.
Cumin
Cumin is a classic spice in Mexican cuisine, providing a warm, nutty, and slightly peppery flavor. Essential in dishes like tacos, chili, and tamales, cumin adds an irresistible depth without overpowering the dish.
Cinnamon (Canela)
Mexican cinnamon, or canela, is softer and more fragrant than its cassia counterpart. It adds a sweet, spicy warmth to both savory dishes like mole and sweet treats like Mexican hot chocolate.
Pro Tip: Mexican cinnamon sticks are easy to crumble by hand and taste more vibrant than pre-ground cinnamon—perfect for fresh use in recipes.
Cloves
Cloves are a less obvious yet essential spice in Mexican cooking, often used in pozole and mole recipes. Their pungent, slightly sweet flavor adds depth, particularly to celebratory dishes.
Allspice
True to its name, allspice delivers a blend of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and pepper tastes. It’s used predominantly in marinades, soups, and tamales to give dishes a uniquely warm undertone.
Bringing It All Together
For food enthusiasts eager to elevate their recipes, the secret lies in how you use these amazing herbs and spices.
- Experiment by mixing different spices for marinades and rubs.
- Taste constantly to ensure balance and harmony.
- Store properly to preserve their potency—keep them in airtight containers, away from light and heat.
Learning about authentic flavor combinations will pave the way for your culinary style to flourish. With Mexican herbs and spices, you’ll discover that cooking becomes part art, part cultural homage.
Embark on Your Mexican Culinary Adventure
Now that you’re equipped with a solid understanding of Mexican herbs and spices, it’s time to hit the kitchen! Whether you’re perfecting a smoky mole or experimenting with tacos al pastor, these ingredients will unlock endless creativity and flavor.
Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food at El Pollo Norteño
If what you want is authentic Mexican food in California (including tortas!), El Pollo Norteño is the place to go.
Visit today any of our six locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Lake Forest, and Corona), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our authentic Mexican dishes: amazing chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite charcoal, caldo de pollo, flan, carnitas, carne asada, and more!
