Eating out at a Mexican restaurant can be a delightful experience, but it’s important to navigate the menu wisely. While Mexican cuisine offers a array of flavors and textures, not all dishes served in restaurants do justice to this rich culinary tradition or your health. This guide delves into nine dishes that might not be the best choices when dining out at a Mexican restaurant, offering insights into their authenticity, nutritional content, and overall value.
1. Chimichangas
Originating more from Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican cuisine, chimichangas are deep-fried burritos, often loaded with cheese and meat. This dish can pack over 800 calories and 40 grams of fat, making it a less-than-ideal choice for health-conscious diners.
Chimichangas, while delicious, tend to overshadow the more nuanced flavors of traditional Mexican dishes. The heavy use of cheese and meat in a deep-fried wrapper can mask the delicate balance of spices and herbs characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
Moreover, chimichangas are often served with sides like refried beans and rice, adding to the calorie count. For a lighter alternative, consider opting for grilled dishes or tacos with fresh ingredients.
2. Quesadillas
Restaurant-style quesadillas might seem like a safe bet, but they can be surprisingly calorie-dense. A standard quesadilla can contain over 700 calories, primarily due to excessive amounts of cheese and meat.
While cheese is a common ingredient in Mexican cooking, the quantity used in restaurant quesadillas often exceeds what you’d find in traditional recipes. This not only boosts the calorie content but also masks the more subtle flavors.
For a healthier alternative, look for quesadillas made with corn tortillas and filled with vegetables or lean proteins like chicken or fish. Ask for less cheese to enjoy a more balanced dish.
3. Nachos
While nachos are a crowd-pleaser, they’re often one of the least healthy options on the menu. A typical nachos platter is loaded with cheese, sour cream, and high-calorie meats, making it a high-fat, high-calorie dish.
Nachos are not a traditional Mexican dish but rather a Tex-Mex creation. In Mexico, you’re more likely to find simple, fresh ingredients like beans, salsa, and avocados used in snacks.
If you’re craving nachos, consider sharing the dish with friends or looking for a version with healthier toppings like grilled vegetables, black beans, and a modest amount of cheese.
4. Taco Salad
Despite its name, taco salad is often a far cry from a healthy salad option. These dishes, typically served in a fried tortilla bowl, are high in calories and fat. They often include ingredients like ground beef, sour cream, and copious amounts of cheese.
The fried tortilla bowl alone can add several hundred calories to the dish. Moreover, the salad fillings are usually less about greens and more about heavy toppings.
For a healthier option, skip the tortilla bowl and opt for a salad with fresh greens, grilled chicken, beans, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
5. Refried Beans
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, but the restaurant version can be deceiving. Often prepared with large amounts of oil or lard, these beans can be high in calories and fat.
In traditional Mexican cooking, refried beans are made by cooking beans until soft and then lightly frying them. However, many restaurants add excessive oil to enhance the flavor, compromising the nutritional value.
When ordering refried beans, ask if they can be prepared with less oil or opt for black beans as a healthier side dish.
6. Chile Rellenos
Chile rellenos, while a traditional Mexican dish, can be a less healthy choice when prepared in restaurants. These stuffed peppers are often filled with cheese and deep-fried, leading to high calorie and fat content.
In Mexico, chile rellenos are typically stuffed with a mix of meats, fruits, and nuts, offering a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile. However, many restaurants opt for a cheese-heavy version.
For a lighter version, look for chile rellenos that are baked instead of fried and filled with a mix of vegetables or lean protein.
7. Margaritas
Margaritas are a popular choice at Mexican restaurants, but they can be surprisingly high in calories. Many restaurant margaritas are made with sugary mixers, significantly increasing their calorie content.
Traditional margaritas are a blend of tequila, lime juice, and a little sweetener. However, many restaurants use pre-made mixes that are high in sugar and artificial ingredients.
To enjoy a healthier margarita, ask for one made with fresh lime juice, a splash of simple syrup or agave, and a modest amount of tequila.
8. Enchiladas with Flour Tortillas
Enchiladas are a beloved part of Mexican cuisine, but the version served in many restaurants deviates from the authentic preparation. The use of flour tortillas instead of the traditional corn tortillas is a common alteration. Flour tortillas, while tasty, can add unnecessary calories and lack the distinct flavor and texture of their corn counterparts.
Authentic enchiladas are made with lightly fried corn tortillas, filled with a variety of ingredients like chicken, cheese, or vegetables, and covered in a chili sauce. The flour tortilla version often comes drenched in cheese and cream, adding to the calorie count.
For a more traditional and healthier experience, seek out enchiladas made with corn tortillas and ask for less cheese and sour cream.
9. Overloaded Fajitas
Fajitas can be a healthy option, but many restaurant versions are overloaded with meats, cheeses, and sauces, turning them into a high-calorie feast. Originally, fajitas were made with grilled meat and served with a modest portion of vegetables and tortillas.
In some restaurants, the balance shifts towards an excessive amount of meat and toppings like cheese and sour cream, overshadowing the simplicity of the original dish. Moreover, the servings are often more than one person needs, encouraging overeating.
When ordering fajitas, opt for versions with more vegetables, leaner cuts of meat, and ask for toppings on the side so you can control the portion size.
In conclusion, while Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and diverse dishes, not all menu items at Mexican restaurants are created equal. By being mindful of these nine dishes and making informed choices, you can enjoy the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine while staying true to both its culinary traditions and your health. Next time you find yourself at a Mexican restaurant, remember to consider authenticity, nutritional content, and portion size to make the most of your dining experience.
