17 Mexican Foods That Start With I – That Start With Recipes

Looking for Mexican foods that start with I? You’ve come to the right place!

Immerse yourself in delicious Mexican foods that start with I! From ilama fruit and infladitas, to ixtle tamales and icaco, there’s plenty of tasty dishes to discover.

And when it comes to drinks, Indio beer and iced horchata are always refreshing.

Join me for a fiesta of irresistible Mexican foods that start with the letter I.

And now…the best Mexican foods that start with “I” to try!

1. Ibes Con Puerco

Ibes con Puerco is a traditional Mexican dish that combines slow-cooking pork with beans, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a mix of spices like cumin and chili powder, resulting in a tender, juicy meat and rich sauce.

Ibes con puerco is often served with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.

This dish is a perfect example of Mexican regional cuisine, showcasing the diverse flavors and ingredients found across the different states in Mexico.

The origins of Ibes con Puerco can be traced to Yucatan, where the combination of beans, pork, and spices has been a staple in the local food culture for centuries.

Want to practice your Spanish skills? Check out my 100 Comidas Con I.

2. Icaco En Almíbar

Icaco en almíbar is a traditional Oaxacan dessert made from the astringent fruit known as hicaco, or icaco.

To prepare this dish, the icaco fruit is slow-cooked in a sugar syrup, enhancing its naturally dense and sweet flavor.

Its taste and texture can be described as sweet and slightly tangy, with a firm, almost jelly-like consistency.

Related: 38 Fruits That Start With I

3. Infladitas

Infladitas are small, puffed tortilla bites that boast a crispy exterior and an airy inside, making them an irresistible snack or appetizer.

You can prepare Infladitas by frying corn tortillas until they puff up, then topping them with various ingredients like chicken, mole verde, and avocado or serving them with a side of zesty salsa.

Related: 100+ Foods That Start With I

4. Ilama Fruit

The Ilama fruit is an authentic Mexican food that begins with the letter ‘I’.

Ilama is indigenous to southwestern Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador.

It is often eaten halved, by scooping the flesh out. It is typically served chilled with cream and sugar to intensify the flavor.

The name ‘Ilama’ is derived from the Nahuatl ilamatzapotl, which roughly translates to “old woman’s sapote”.

The exterior of this fruit is green and scaly, while the inside reveals a creamy white or pink flesh with black seeds.

5. Ixtle Tamales

Ixtle Tamales are a type of tamale that is made with ixtle, which is the fiber that is extracted from the leaves of the maguey plant.

The ixtle is mixed with masa (corn dough), meat, and spices, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed.

These tamales are popular in the state of Hidalgo.

The use of ixtle fibers in making tamales traces back to ancient Mesoamerican times, highlighting the regional influences of Mexican food.

6. Izote Flower Soup (Chileatole de Flor de Izote)

Izote Flower Soup is made using the flowers of the Izote plant.

To prepare the soup, the flowers are typically combined with common Mexican ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and red bell peppers in addition to various Mexican spices to create a flavorful and aromatic broth.

The taste of the Izote Flower Soup is a blend of sweet and earthy flavors, with a slightly crunchy texture from the cooked flowers.

This nutritious soup is traditionally enjoyed as a warm, comforting meal during chilly evenings in Mexico.

The Izote plant has a rich history, dating back to the time of the Mayans, who used its flowers for various purposes, including in their culinary creations.

7. Iguana Soup (Caldo de Iguana)

It is important to note that due to conservation efforts and the protected status of iguanas in many regions, the hunting and consumption of iguana meat may be restricted or illegal.

Iguana soup is a traditional soup made with iguana meat that is popular in some regions of Mexico. The meat is often slow-cooked with vegetables and spices to create a rich and flavorful broth.

The meat, which is considered a delicacy in some regions, offers a tender texture and a flavor that is comparable to chicken but with a hint of gaminess.

Served piping hot, Iguana En Caldo makes for a hearty and comforting meal on its own, or it can be enjoyed with accompaniments such as rice and tortillas.

8. Ibarra Hot Chocolate

Ibarra Hot Chocolate is a beloved Mexican hot beverage that combines the richness of chocolate with aromatic spices.

This traditional hot chocolate is named after the town of Ibarra in the Mexican state of Michoacán, where it originated.

The hot chocolate is made by dissolving Ibarra chocolate tablets in hot milk or water. These chocolate tablets are made from a blend of high-quality cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices.

The resulting hot chocolate is thick, velvety, and bursting with the flavors of chocolate and warming spices.

9. Indio

Indio Beer is a popular Mexican drink known for its dark color and rich flavor.

It is brewed with a blend of malts and hops and has a slightly sweet taste.

10. Insect Tacos (Tacos de Insectos)

Insect tacos are a unique and traditional aspect of Mexican cuisine, featuring ingredients like chinicuiles, cuchamas, and chapulines.

These insects are rich in protein and offer distinct flavors, making them popular choices for tacos in various regions of Mexico.

Prepared by roasting or deep-frying, these insects are typically served in warm tortillas with accompaniments such as green tomatoes, lime, chili, and salt.

Insects, such as grasshoppers and ants, are considered a delicacy in some parts of Mexico.

11. Izote Cactus (Nopal Izote)

Izote cactus, also known as cactus leaf or prickly pear cactus, is a versatile ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Izote cactus adds a unique taste and texture, possessing a slightly tangy flavor and crunchy texture.

It can be prepared in various ways, such as marinated in Mexican spices and included in a quesadilla or incorporated into salsa and guacamole. It is often used in salads, soups, and stews too.

12. Isla Mujeres Fish

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island off the coast of Mexico known for its seafood dishes.

One of the most popular dishes is the Isla Mujeres Style Fish, specifically, a recipe called Tikin Xic, which uses grouper, achiote, and other Mexican spices.

This dish is prepared by cutting the fish lengthwise into a butterfly shape, marinating it in a flavorful achiote mixture, and then grilling it to perfection.

The result is a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful dish, enjoyed alongside fresh, zesty accompaniments like lime, cilantro, and pickled onions.

13. Itacate

“Itacate” is a Nahuatl word that means “food for the journey.” In Mexican cuisine, it refers to a type of food that is typically eaten on the go or taken on a journey.

Itacate can take many forms, including tamales, empanadas, tacos, and other types of handheld foods that are easy to transport and eat.

14. Icaco

Icaco Fruit is a tropical fruit native to Mexico.

It is a small, round fruit with a thin, purple or yellowish skin. Inside, the flesh is juicy and creamy, with a unique combination of sweet and tart flavors.

15. Flan Imposible

Flan Imposible, also known as Chocoflan, is a popular Mexican dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate cake with the creamy, smooth texture of flan.

The custard-like flan mixture, made from eggs, condensed milk, vanilla, and sugar, settles at the bottom, while a caramel sauce forms on top.

The preparation method involves layering the two batters, giving it a magical and seemingly impossible appearance as they swap places during the baking process.

16. Iced Horchata (Horchata Helada)

Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink that is made with rice, cinnamon, and sugar.

Iced Horchata, or Horchata Helada, is a refreshing version of this drink that is served cold.

It is perfect for hot summer days.

17. Ixta Belfrage’s Chiles Rellenos

Ixta Belfrage’s is a popular Mexican chef. Her Chiles Rellenos is a flavorful and satisfying dish that showcases the versatility of chili peppers.

Poblano peppers are roasted to bring out their smoky flavors. They are then carefully slit open and stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as cheese, seasoned ground meat, or a combination of vegetables and grains.

Once stuffed, the chilis are typically dipped in a light egg batter and then fried until golden and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Inca Kola a Mexican drink?

Inca Kola is a Peruvian soft drink that is very popular in Mexico. It has a bright yellow color and a sweet, fruity flavor. It is often compared to bubblegum or cream soda. Inca Kola is made with lemon verbena and other natural flavors, and is a popular drink in many Latin American countries.

What is the difference between Mexican ice cream and American ice cream?

Mexican ice cream has less fat and air than American ice cream. Mexican ice cream also uses less mix-ins like candies and cookies.

What is infused tequila?

Infused Tequila is tequila that has been infused with fruits or spices. Some popular flavors include pineapple, mango, jalapeno, and cinnamon. Infused Tequila is often used in cocktails and is a great way to add a unique twist to traditional drinks.

More Mexican foods

Who knew there were that many Mexican foods that started with I – certainly not me! I really hope you enjoyed learning about them.

There are so many more great Mexican foods! Here are some of my best food collections: