15 Best Molcajete Recipes

Molcajete recipes are a delicious and authentic way to enjoy Mexican cuisine. A molcajete is a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock, which is used to grind and mix ingredients for salsas, sauces, and other dishes.

The porous surface of the molcajete helps to release the full flavor of the ingredients, making for rich and complex flavors.

In this article, we will explore 15 delicious molcajete recipes that you can try at home, including classics like guacamole and salsa, as well as more unique dishes like Molcajete Mixto and Choriqueso.

Whether you're looking to impress your guests at your next dinner party or simply want to enjoy some homemade Mexican flavors, these molcajete recipes are sure to please.

What Is A Molcajete?

A molcajete is a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock, used for grinding and mashing ingredients for salsas, guacamole, and other dishes.

What Kind Of Ingredients Are Typically Used In Molcajete Recipes?

Molcajete recipes often use fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, tomatillos, chilies, garlic, onions, and cilantro, as well as meats such as chicken, beef, and shrimp, and cheeses like queso fresco or Oaxaca.

Molcajete Recipes

Here is a list of great Molcajete Recipes:

1.Molcajete Mixto

This Molcajete recipe offers a unique and delicious way to prepare a Mexican-style mixed grill. The recipe uses a molcajete, a large, deep mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock. The meats, including ribeye steak, chicken breast, jumbo shrimp, and longaniza sausage, are marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, spices, and citrus juices.

The molcajete is then heated on a cast-iron comal or griddle, and the meats are grilled and arranged on top of a homemade tomato salsa, along with peppers, onions, jalapeños, and queso panela. Serve with warm corn tortillas and garnish with cilantro and lime for a delicious meal.

2. Molcajete Salsa Recipe

This easy-to-make salsa recipe is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish. The combination of charred tomatoes, hot chili peppers, and garlic creates a complex flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Simply roast the tomatoes, chilies, and onions on a comal or cast iron pan, grind them into a paste in a molcajete or mortar, and add chopped onions and cilantro to finish.

This flavorful salsa is great with chips or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or any of your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Add salt to taste and enjoy!

3. Queso Fundido Con Chorizo Y Rajas Molcajete Recipe

This delicious queso fundido recipe features a combination of pork chorizo, queso fresco, Mexican crema, and Oaxaca cheese, as well as fire-roasted poblano peppers. After cooking the chorizo and roasting the poblanos, dice them and add them to a bowl with the grated cheeses and crema. Mix everything together and transfer it to a molcajete or casserole dish. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

If you can't find Oaxaca cheese or Mexican crema, mozzarella cheese and sour cream or cream cheese can be used instead. This tasty queso is perfect for parties or a delicious snack!

4. Guacamole in a Molcajete

This delicious queso fundido recipe features a combination of pork chorizo, queso fresco, Mexican crema, and Oaxaca cheese, as well as fire-roasted poblano peppers. After cooking the chorizo and roasting the poblanos, dice them and add them to a bowl with the grated cheeses and crema. Mix everything together and transfer it to a molcajete or casserole dish.

Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you can't find Oaxaca cheese or Mexican crema, mozzarella cheese and sour cream or cream cheese can be used instead. This tasty queso is perfect for parties or a delicious snack!

5. Molcajete Soup

This seafood soup recipe is perfect for a warm and comforting meal. A mix of seafood, including shrimp, squid, and mussels, is combined with a rich and flavorful broth made with garlic, onion, tomato paste, guajillo chilis, and an assortment of spices. The addition of butter adds a delicious richness to the soup.

To serve, garnish with freshly diced avocado, cilantro, radish, jalapeno, and tortilla strips. To elevate the presentation, the soup is served in a molcajete that has been preheated in the oven for a nice toasty finish. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful soup with a side of refried beans and Spanish rice.

6. Spicy Surf-and-Turf

This flavorful and authentic Mexican dish features grilled chicken, flank steak, shrimp, and scallions served in a molcajete. The meats and seafood are seasoned with salt and pepper and grilled to perfection. The dish is topped with a delicious tomato and chili sauce that's made with garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, and dried California or New Mexico chilies.

The sauce is then blended and strained for a smooth texture and poured into the heated molcajete. The dish is garnished with panela cheese and served with warm corn tortillas. This dish is perfect for a gathering with friends and family, or for a special occasion.

7. Chile Piquin Aguachile

This delicious shrimp ceviche recipe is bursting with fresh flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Using a molcajete, this dish is prepared in a traditional way, giving it a unique and authentic touch. The recipe features medium shrimp, garlic, chile piquin, Mexican oregano, lime juice, Maggi sauce, red onion, mini cucumbers, roma tomato, cilantro, and avocado.

After cooking and chilling the shrimp, they are mixed with a zesty, citrusy sauce and fresh vegetables, making for a perfect appetizer or light meal. Serve it with corn tortilla tostadas or chips for a delicious and satisfying crunch.

8. Rocco's Tacos Molcajete

This hearty and flavorful Molcajete Fajitas recipe features a delicious blend of skirt steak, white shrimp, chicken breast, and chorizo. The meats are cooked to perfection in extra virgin olive oil, then mixed with roasted tomatoes, salsa verde, and tequila for a flavorful kick.

To serve, warm flour tortillas are accompanied by a variety of tasty garnishes, including sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded iceberg lettuce, and queso blanco. The Molcajete Fajitas are sure to be a hit at any gathering, and the use of a traditional molcajete adds a special touch to this classic dish.

9. Molcajete Tomato Serrano Salsa

This recipe for Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of bacon, cheese, and ranch flavor is irresistible, and it's so easy to make. Simply mix the ingredients together and roll it into a ball, then chill until ready to serve.

The flavors will meld together, creating a creamy and tangy spread that pairs perfectly with crackers, chips, or veggies. It's the perfect appetizer to bring to a party or to enjoy with family and friends. Give this Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball a try and watch it disappear in no time!

10. Chicharron de Ribeye

This delicious recipe features crispy Ribeye Chicharron with a flavorful Guacamole that's perfect for sharing. Here's how to make for the guacamole, combine mashed avocado, minced serrano pepper, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, key lime juice, and salt to taste. Cover the guacamole with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.

11. Red Salsa en Molcajete

This recipe is for a classic and flavorful Mexican salsa made from fresh and roasted ingredients. The salsa features roasted tomato, pepper, and garlic, which add a depth of flavor to the dish. The salsa is made in a traditional molcajete, or mortar and pestle, which allows you to grind the ingredients to the texture of your liking, either coarse or very fine.

The addition of cilantro, white onion, and diced avocado adds freshness and creaminess to the dish. You can enjoy this salsa as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos and grilled meats. Adjust the heat level to your liking by using either jalapeno or serrano peppers.

12. Molcajete De Camarones En Salsa Verde

This recipe is for Camarones en Salsa de Queso, a flavorful Mexican dish featuring shrimp in a melted cheese and tomatillo sauce.The manchego cheese adds a nutty and creamy flavor to the sauce, while the tomatillos and chiles provide a bright and zesty kick. Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal. Enjoy this delicious and unique twist on classic Mexican cuisine!

13. Taqueria Molcajetes

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food with a blend of Guadalajara and Michoacán influences, look no further than Zacarias Martin and Dionicia Valdovinos' restaurant. They bring the heat with a variety of chilis and spices, such as cloves, and use traditional cooking techniques like the molcajete to create their flavorful dishes.

One standout menu item is the Molcajete Mixto, which includes a sizzling hot mix of steak, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables served inside the iconic mortar and pestle. This dish is a must-try, and according to Guy Fieri, "without question, one of the best Mexican food experiences I have ever had."

14. Salsa Verde Molcajeteada

This recipe is for a traditional Mexican salsa verde, made with roasted tomatillos and peppers, garlic, and lime juice, and prepared using a molcajete, a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle.

15. Queso Fundido con Chorizo Recipe

Impress your guests with this easy and delicious queso fundido recipe served straight from a molcajete. With the combination of spicy Mexican chorizo, melted cheese, and savory mushrooms, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve with fresh tortillas or tortilla chips and your favorite roasted salsa.

This recipe also allows for some flexibility, as you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Make sure to bake the queso fundido for the right amount of time to get the perfect melty, bubbly cheese and crispy, caramelized crust. This recipe is perfect for game day parties or casual get-togethers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Molcajete Recipes