12 Gluten Free Mexican Recipes

by
best gluten free mexican recipes

Here are 12 Gluten Free Mexican Recipes That You Can Try at Home

Me living in Los Angeles is an exhilarating experience, with its diverse culture, breathtaking landscapes, and an endless array of culinary delights. However, as someone who is health-conscious and strives to eat gluten-free, I find it challenging to maintain a balanced diet while indulging in the flavors of Mexico.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Nonetheless, with a little bit of exploration and knowledge, I discovered that LA offers an abundance of options for gluten-free Mexican cuisine, making your culinary adventures both satisfying and nutritious. Los Angeles, with its rich Hispanic heritage, serves as a gateway to experiencing the vibrant and tantalizing flavors of Mexican cuisine. Its proximity to Mexico has allowed LA to flourish as a hub for authentic Mexican restaurants, attracting food enthusiasts from all walks of life.

From street tacos bursting with flavors to sizzling fajitas and zesty guacamole, Mexican food in LA is a celebration of taste and culture. As a health-conscious individual, maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is of utmost importance to you. While Mexican cuisine is known for its use of tortillas and wheat-based ingredients, don’t despair!

LA’s food scene caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. Many restaurants now offer creative alternatives, using corn tortillas or substituting gluten-free flours, enabling you to savor traditional Mexican dishes without compromising on your health goals.

When planning your trips to Mexico, you might have concerns about finding gluten-free meals while immersing yourself in the local cuisine. Fortunately, Mexico is a country that embraces dietary diversity, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the array of gluten-free options available to you. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the coastal towns of Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, local eateries are increasingly accommodating diners with gluten intolerance.

In popular tourist destinations, you’ll find restaurants that cater specifically to gluten-free diets, offering a variety of authentic Mexican dishes adapted to meet your dietary requirements. Whether it’s mouthwatering tacos dorados made with crispy corn tortillas, tantalizing ceviche, or flavorful chiles en nogada, you can rest assured that you won’t have to compromise on taste or your gluten-free lifestyle.

Exploring local markets and street food stands is another delightful way to embrace the flavors of Mexico while adhering to your dietary needs. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and grilled meats are bountiful in these vibrant markets, giving you the opportunity to create your own gluten-free Mexican meals. Engaging with local vendors and asking about the ingredients they use can help you make informed choices and ensure a memorable and gluten-free culinary experience.

Wrapping it up, living in Los Angeles and traveling to Mexico multiple times is an exciting journey, especially for me seeking gluten-free Mexican meals. With Los Angeles’ diverse food scene catering to various dietary preferences and Mexico’s growing awareness of gluten-free options, I can embark on a culinary adventure that harmonizes my health goals with the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. So, whether I’m indulging in LA’s vibrant food culture or exploring the streets of Mexico, rest assured that gluten-free Mexican meals awaits, ready to tantalize taste buds without compromising your well-being.

1) Grilled Chipotle Lime Chicken:

Marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and olive oil. Grill the chicken until cooked through and serve with your favorite Mexican sides.

grilled chicken with gluten free tacos

2) Mexican Quinoa Salad:

Cook quinoa and mix it with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado. Dress the salad with a homemade vinaigrette made with lime juice, cumin, and chili powder.

3) Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef:

Place beef chuck roast in a slow cooker with diced onions, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a variety of spices. Cook on low heat for 8 hours, shred the beef, and serve with gluten-free tortillas or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option.

4) Grilled Street Corn:

Grill corn on the cob and brush with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and cotija cheese. Serve as a side dish or as a topping for salads or tacos.

Homemade Spicy Mexican Street Corn on table

5) Chicken Tinga Tacos:

Cook shredded chicken in a sauce made with diced tomatoes, onions, chipotle peppers, and spices. Serve the chicken in gluten-free taco shells or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option.

6) Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas:

Stuff gluten-free tortillas with a mixture of mashed sweet potatoes and black beans, and top with a homemade enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.

best mexican enchiladas on white plates

7) Grilled Shrimp Fajitas:

Marinate shrimp in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin. Grill the shrimp and serve with grilled vegetables and gluten-free tortillas.

8) Cauliflower Rice and Black Bean Burrito Bowls:

Make a grain-free burrito bowl by replacing rice with cauliflower rice and topping it with black beans, grilled vegetables, avocado, and your choice of toppings.

9) Spicy Black Bean Soup:

This soup is made with black beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices. Serve with a side of gluten-free cornbread or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option.

10) Grilled Fish Tacos:

Grill fish fillets and serve them in gluten-free taco shells with a slaw made with cabbage, cilantro, and a lime dressing.

11) Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Place chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices in a slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 8 hours, shred the chicken, and serve with gluten-free tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option.

Hot and spicy fresh made Mexican chili soup

12) Grilled Vegetable Fajitas:

Grill a variety of vegetables and serve them with gluten-free tortillas and your choice of toppings.

More Mexican Recipes From 11 of the Best Mexican Cookbooks Revealed! Click Here

Here is a recipe for Grilled Chipotle Lime Chicken:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the chipotle peppers, lime juice, and olive oil.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the chipotle lime marinade over the top. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Serve the grilled chicken with your favorite Mexican sides, such as rice, beans, and vegetables. Enjoy!
Mexican quinia corn salad on white plate.

Here is a recipe for Mexican Quinoa Salad:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the vinaigrette:

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add diced bell peppers, sliced red onions, or crumbled feta cheese to the salad for extra flavor and texture.

Here is a recipe for Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions:

  1. Place the beef chuck roast in the slow cooker.
  2. Add the onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth over the top.
  3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
  4. When the beef is cooked, use two forks to shred it.
  5. Serve the shredded beef with gluten-free tortillas or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add diced bell peppers, sliced red onions, or your choice of toppings to the beef.

Here is a recipe for Grilled Street Corn:

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husked
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the corn for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is lightly charred and tender.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and chili powder.
  4. Brush the mayonnaise mixture over the grilled corn and sprinkle with the cotija cheese.
  5. Serve the corn hot as a side dish or as a topping for salads or tacos. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add chopped cilantro, diced red onions, or a squeeze of lime juice to the corn for extra flavor.

mexican street corn

Here is a recipe for Chicken Tinga Tacos:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Gluten-free taco shells or lettuce leaves
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Use two forks to shred the chicken in the skillet.
  5. To assemble the tacos, fill the gluten-free taco shells or lettuce leaves with the shredded chicken and your choice of toppings. Serve the tacos hot. Enjoy!

Here is a recipe for Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 8 gluten-free tortillas
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the mashed sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, onions, and cheese.
  3. Divide the mixture evenly among the tortillas and roll them up tightly. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  4. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.
  5. Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve the enchiladas hot with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Here is a recipe for Grilled Shrimp Fajitas:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Gluten-free tortillas
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the shrimp in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over the top. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
  2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  3. Thread the shrimp, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers. Brush the skewers with olive oil.
  4. Grill the skewers for 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
  5. To assemble the fajitas, place the grilled shrimp and vegetables in gluten-free tortillas and top with your choice of toppings. Serve the fajitas hot. Enjoy!

Here is a recipe for Cauliflower Rice and Black Bean Burrito Bowls:

Ingredients:

  • 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup grilled vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini)
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Toppings of your choice (such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. To make the cauliflower rice, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they are finely chopped. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it is tender.
  2. Divide the cauliflower rice among bowls. Top with the black beans, tomatoes, grilled vegetables, avocado, and your choice of toppings. Serve the burrito bowls hot. Enjoy!

Here is a recipe for Spicy Black Bean Soup:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and jalapeno pepper and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the cumin, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot and stir to combine.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until it is smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup to a blender and puree it in batches.
  5. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the soup hot with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add diced bell peppers, sliced red onions, or cooked ground beef to the soup for extra flavor and protein.

Here is a recipe for Grilled Fish Tacos:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound white fish fillets (such as tilapia or cod)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Gluten-free taco shells
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture over the fish fillets.
  3. Grill the fish for 6-8 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. In a small bowl, mix together the cabbage, cilantro, and lime juice.
  5. To assemble the tacos, place the grilled fish in the gluten-free taco shells and top with the cabbage slaw and your choice of toppings. Serve the tacos hot. Enjoy!
gluten free avocado sandwiches

Here is a recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup:

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (4.5 ounces) diced green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • Gluten-free tortilla chips or lettuce leaves (optional)
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top.
  2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 hours.
  3. When the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it in the slow cooker.
  4. Serve the chicken soup hot with gluten-free tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce for a grain-free option. Top with your choice of toppings. Enjoy!

Here is a recipe for Grilled Vegetable Fajitas:

Ingredients:

  • 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Gluten-free tortillas
  • Toppings of your choice (such as diced avocado, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced red onions)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the bell peppers, onion, zucchini, and squash. Add the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the bowl and toss to coat the vegetables.
  3. Grill the vegetables for 6-8 minutes, or until they are tender.
  4. To assemble the fajitas, place the grilled vegetables in gluten-free tortillas and top with your choice of toppings. Serve the fajitas hot. Enjoy!

Note: You can also add grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the fajitas for extra protein.

delicious gluten free traditional mexican food

What is Gluten Free?

Gluten-free refers to a type of diet that excludes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People may follow a gluten-free diet for a variety of reasons, including celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or other health conditions that require them to avoid gluten. A gluten-free diet is designed to be as nutritionally adequate as a diet that includes gluten, but it requires careful planning to ensure that all of the necessary nutrients are consumed.

There are many gluten-free grains, such as quinoa, rice, corn, oats (if labeled as gluten-free), and millet, that can be included in a gluten-free diet. In addition, there are many gluten-free alternatives to wheat-based products, such as gluten-free breads, pastas, and flours, that can be used in place of traditional wheat-based products. It is important to read labels carefully and to be aware of potential sources of gluten in foods, such as sauces, condiments, and processed foods, to ensure that the diet is truly gluten-free.

Gluten Free Mexican Beer 

There are several brands of gluten-free Mexican beer available on the market. These beers are made from ingredients such as sorghum, rice, and corn, which do not contain gluten. Some popular brands of gluten-free Mexican beer include:

  • Estrella Damm Daura: This is a light and crisp lager that is brewed with barley, but it is treated with a special enzyme that removes the gluten. It has a clean, crisp flavor and a golden color.
  • Corona Premier: This is a lighter version of the popular Corona beer, with fewer calories and less alcohol content. It is made with barley, but it is treated with a special enzyme that removes the gluten. It has a smooth, easy-drinking flavor and a golden color.
  • Redbridge: This is a lager that is brewed with sorghum, making it completely gluten-free. It has a crisp, clean flavor and a golden color.

It is important to note that while these beers are considered gluten-free, they may still be produced in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye, so they may not be suitable for individuals with severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is always best to check the label and contact the manufacturer to confirm the ingredients and production process if you have any concerns about gluten in your food and beverages.

Mexico Gluten Free Resorts

There are several resorts in Mexico that offer gluten-free options for their guests. These resorts may offer gluten-free menus, gluten-free meals and snacks, and gluten-free dining options at their restaurants and cafes. Some examples of resorts in Mexico that offer gluten-free options include:

  • Grand Velas Los Cabos: This luxury resort in Cabo San Lucas offers a variety of gluten-free options at its restaurants, including gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts. The resort also has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen to ensure that all gluten-free meals are prepared safely and separately from gluten-containing ingredients.
  • Fairmont Mayakoba: This luxury resort in Playa del Carmen offers gluten-free options at its restaurants and cafes, including gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts. The resort also has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and a team of trained chefs who can accommodate special dietary needs.
  • Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa: This luxury resort in the Riviera Maya offers gluten-free options at its restaurants and cafes, including gluten-free bread, pasta, and desserts. The resort also has a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and a team of trained chefs who can accommodate special dietary needs.

It is always a good idea to let the resort know in advance if you have any special dietary needs, so they can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate you.

Conclusion For Gluten Free Mexican Recipes

There are many delicious and flavorful gluten-free Mexican recipes that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced and varied diet. Some examples include Grilled Chipotle Lime Chicken, Mexican Quinoa Salad, Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef, Grilled Street Corn, Chicken Tinga Tacos, Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas, Grilled Shrimp Fajitas, Cauliflower Rice and Black Bean Burrito Bowls, Spicy Black Bean Soup, Grilled Fish Tacos, and Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup.

These dishes can be made with a variety of ingredients, such as chicken, beef, seafood, vegetables, beans, and grains, and can be served in a variety of ways, such as in tacos, burritos, fajitas, salads, and soups. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy meal, a healthy and nourishing option, or a flavorful and satisfying recipe, there is a gluten-free Mexican recipe to suit your needs and preferences.