17 Mexican Foods that Start with E – That Start With Recipes

Every time I have Mexican food for dinner, I like to try something new.

I figured that I would put together a list of the Mexican foods that start with E that I’ve come up with. Hopefully this is helpful for you!

Below is a compiled list of 27 Mexican foods that start with the letter E, along with a short description of them. Have you tried them all?

1. Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients such as beans, vegetables, or meats and rolled up.

They are typically covered in a sauce and baked until the flavors meld together, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

I enjoy how the versatility of enchiladas allows for numerous variations, with some versions featuring a creamy sauce or specific regional spices.

When it comes to preparing enchiladas, the sky’s the limit with different fillings, spices, and types of Mexican cheeses to try.

2. Elote

Elote, a popular Mexican street food, is made from grilled corn on the cob, which is served on a stick or with the husk as a handle.

The corn is typically slathered with mayonnaise, sprinkled with Cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder for an additional kick.

This flavorful snack has a delicious combination of textures, with the tender, juicy corn kernels complemented by the creamy mayonnaise and the crumbly Cotija cheese.

Elote is best enjoyed as a portable and informal snack, perfect for munching on while strolling through a bustling market or enjoying a warm evening with friends.

3. Embutido

When exploring Mexican dishes that start with the letter E, Embutido comes to mind as a delicious meat dish.

This satisfying main course often features ground meat, such as beef or pork, mixed with a combination of Mexican spices as well as chopped vegetables, and in some instances, wrapped in a pastry dough – a true representation of Mexican cuisine.

Embutido is usually baked or fried, and it’s often served with rice, beans, and a side of salsa. The fantastic part about this dish is that it allows for personal touches and regional variations.

4. Enfrijoladas

Enfrijoladas are a delicious Mexican dish that starts with the letter E. In this dish, corn tortillas are dipped into a warm and creamy sauce made of cooked beans, usually pinto or black beans.

The tortillas are briefly fried before smothering in the bean sauce, providing a pleasant contrast in texture.

Topped with cheese, such as cotija or queso fresco, enfrijoladas offer a savory and satisfying flavor profile.

5. Enmoladas

Enmoladas consist of corn tortillas coated in a luscious mole sauce and are usually filled with shredded chicken.

The dish is garnished with cheese, onions, and sesame seeds, creating a harmony between the various Mexican ingredients and spices.

To prepare enmoladas, the mole sauce, a traditional Mexican sauce made from a blend of chilies, spices, and chocolate, is spread onto the tortillas.

After adding the shredded chicken, the tortilla is rolled or folded and served with a sprinkling of cheese and fresh onions.

This combination of taste, texture, and flavors is perfect for any meal, whether enjoyed at a casual gathering or a formal dinner.

6. Escabeche

This dish is a tangy, marinated combination of vegetables, like jalapeno peppers, carrots, and red onions, and sometimes fish, that are infused with delightful Mexican spices and citrus elements.

The taste of Escabeche is refreshingly zesty and sour, thanks to the vinegar and citrus marinade it undergoes.

Traditionally, this bright and flavorful condiment is served as a complement to tacos, burritos, or other varieties of Mexican cuisine.

Escabeche has its roots in Spain, but over time, it has become a staple in Mexican regional cuisine, showcasing the diversity of Mexican food.

7. Entomatadas

Entomatadas are a delicious Mexican dish that starts with the letter E.

This creation involves corn tortillas bathed in a rich and savory tomato sauce, typically filled with crumbled cheese or shredded chicken.

Though simple in nature, Entomatadas showcase Mexican cuisine’s mastery of melding flavors and textures.

The process of preparing Entomatadas involves lightly frying the tortillas and then dipping them in a homemade tomato sauce, prepared by blending roasted tomatoes, garlic, onion, salt, and Mexican spices.

Each tortilla is then filled with the desired filling and rolled up like traditional enchiladas, though some variations serve them flat.

Entomatadas make for a scrumptious and satisfying meal, perfect for any time of day, reflecting Mexican food culture’s affinity for versatile, heartwarming dishes.

8. Escamoles

This unique delicacy is known as Mexican caviar, and it’s made from the edible larvae and pupae of ants.

To prepare Escamoles, the larvae and pupae are often fried with butter, onions, and chili, giving them a rich and flavorful taste.

Their texture has been described as creamy and slightly nutty, making them a popular accompaniment to tacos, quesadillas, or even enjoyed on their own.

The history behind Escamoles dates back to the Aztecs, who have been enjoying this insect-based dish in their Mexican cuisine for centuries.

9. Ezquites

Ezquites, also known as esquites, is a popular Mexican street food dish made primarily from corn, cheese, lime juice, cilantro, and various spices.

The corn is typically grilled or sautéed with butter, onion, and peppers, then seasoned and mixed with a blend of cheese, lime juice, and cilantro. The delightful combination of flavors creates a smoky, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste, making this dish a real treat for the taste buds.

This delicious dish dates back to the time of the Aztecs, and its popularity has only grown over time.

10. Estofado

Estofado is a Mexican stew made from tender meat (usually chicken or beef) cooked with various spices like cinnamon, cumin, and cloves, as well as both spicy and sweet Mexican peppers.

The stew’s rich flavor is enhanced by the addition of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions, giving it a hearty and satisfying texture.

It is best enjoyed with warm tortillas or rice on the side, and can be customized by adding more spice or incorporating different vegetables depending on your taste preferences.

This dish has its roots in Mexican regional cuisine, reflecting the country’s diverse food culture and blending traditional ingredients with bold flavors.

11. Empanadas

Empanadas are a delicious and versatile Mexican food that begins with the letter E.

These pastries are made with dough and can be filled with various ingredients, from savory meats and cheeses to sweet fruits and chocolate.

The dough is folded over the filling and sealed, creating a pocket of deliciousness.

They can either be baked or fried, resulting in a golden brown crust with a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

12. Ensalada de Frutas

Ensalada de Frutas (fruit salad) often includes a variety of fruits such as oranges, apples, pineapples, watermelon, and mangoes, all combined to create an explosion of flavors.

To prepare Ensalada de Frutas, I usually toss the fresh fruit together and serve it with a drizzle of juice or syrup to enhance the sweetness.

The combination of different textures and flavors makes every bite a unique experience. In Mexican food culture,

Ensalada de Frutas is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a refreshing dessert, making it an excellent addition to your list of Mexican foods starting with the letter E.

13. Espinacas con Queso

Espinacas con queso is a Mexican dish that combines spinach and cheese. This savory dish often features a mix of spinach, sautéed onions, garlic, and jalapeños, blended with a variety of cheeses like queso panela, mozzarella, or queso de cabra.

Preparation of this dish is relatively simple, typically involving sautéing the spinach with the onions, garlic, and jalapeños and then gently folding in the cheese to melt. Some variations may include adding spices like ground cumin or a touch of consommé de pollo for an extra depth of flavor.

Espinacas con queso can be served on its own, as a side dish, or even used as a filling for empanadas or enchiladas.

14. Estrellitas

This small, star-shaped pasta is often used in Mexican cuisine to create a delightful dish called Sopa de Estrellitas.

The preparation method typically involves sautéing the pasta with onions, garlic, and Mexican spices such as cumin and chili powder, before adding liquid, such as chicken or vegetable broth and pureed tomatoes, to create a rich and flavorful soup.

The taste of Sopa de Estrellitas features a savory and slightly spicy flavor, with a pleasing texture from the tender pasta and occasional bites of vegetables or cheese.

Its origins can be traced back to the influence of Spanish and Italian cuisine on Mexican food culture.

15. Estofado de Pollo

This savory chicken stew incorporates a variety of Mexican ingredients, such as tomatoes, olives, almonds, raisins, and spices, making it a perfect representation of the rich flavors and textures found in Mexican cuisine.

I love the combination of sweet and salty, and the way the tender chicken melds with the hearty sauce.

As a versatile dish, Estofado de Pollo can be served over rice or alongside other Mexican vegetables, and it’s perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings or casual dinners.

16. Ensalada de Nopales

Ensalada de Nopales, an authentic Mexican dish, incorporates cactus leaves in a fresh and flavorful salad.

This nutritious dish often features tomatoes, onions, avocados, and queso fresco, combined with a tangy lime vinaigrette.

To prepare it, I simply need to cook the cactus leaves, then mix the vegetables and dressing before serving.

The salad has a slightly tart, earthy taste and provides a great accompaniment to other Mexican dishes.

17. Elote Asado

Elote Asado is perfect for the summer, the corn is grilled to enhance its sweetness and bring out its delightful flavor.

The dish is commonly garnished with a generous spread of mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, lime juice, cilantro, and chili powder, offering an irresistible combination of tastes and textures.

A popular street food in Mexico, Elote Asado gives a true sense of Mexican cuisine, incorporating regional ingredients and spices.