300-Calorie Mexican-Inspired Recipes

July 27, 2016
Photo: Johnny Autry
Every diet begins with watching what you eat. Counting calories is key whether you're maintaining a healthy weight or working to shed a few pounds. Fortunately, there's an easier way to go about the math than tracking down nutritional info and logging every bite: build a strong portfolio of delicious low-calorie meals and let it do the work for you. We'll get you started with this collection of Mexican-inspired recipes that are short on calories but big on flavor. The only arithmetic you'll be responsible for is subtracting pounds.
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Churrasco-Style Tofu Steaks with Hemp Chimichurri

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Churrasco-Style Tofu Steaks with Hemp Chimichurri

Be sure to press and drain as much liquid as possible before cooking the tofu; it will better absorb the spices from the dry rub and reach its full grilling potential. Hemp seeds lend quality plant protein to zesty chimichurri and are a rich source of heart-healthy fats and fiber.

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Creamy Poblano Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Creamy Poblano Tacos

Roasted poblano chiles are one of the most distinctive scents and tastes of the Mexican kitchenā€”irresistible when combined with cream or cheese. Look for chayote in Mexican markets, or substitute zucchini.

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Huevos Rancheros Burritos

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Huevos Rancheros Burritos

Roasting the vegetables gives our ranchero sauce intensely rich flavor in just 10 minutes. Be sure to use plum tomatoes, which are meaty and not overly juicyā€”this will ensure a thick sauce that won't make the burrito soggy.

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Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes

Photo: Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Spanish Chorizo Corn Cakes

Is there any time of day when a pancake isn't welcome at the table? These sweet and savory cakes are a scrumptious choice for breakfast, dinner, or a quick snack on the go. Keep warm and toasty by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200Ā°F oven for up to 30 minutes. Reheating is as easy as popping frozen cakes in the toaster, making them ideal for quick weekday meals.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Posole

Think of posole as chiliā€™s brothier, lighter cousin, a Mexican version of chicken soup. Posole is also another name for the hominy, or rehydrated dried corn, that goes in the dish. Starchy, slightly chewy hominy will hold up during the long simmer while the onion and poblano pepper release their flavor into the stock and become tender. Rather than add the tomatillo at the beginning, we stir it in just before serving for a bright, bracing contrast to the stew. Tomatillos have a firm texture similar to unripe or green tomatoes that is also welcome here. If you canā€™t find tortilla strips, you can use lightly crushed corn tortilla chips.

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Chicken Verde Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken Verde Tacos

We like warm taco filling, but if you're going for something a little cooler and more refreshing, skip step 1 and drizzle the salsa over assembled tacos. Add even more color and personality to the tacos with additional toppings like avocado, red onion, or Cotija cheese.

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Chicken Enchiladas

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate in family-favorite dishes. Chicken breasts are poached in a highly-flavored liquid; then the liquid does double duty as a sauce when mixed with salsa verde and whipping cream and spooned over the chicken-filled tortillas.

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Mai-Tacos

Photo: Justin Walker
View Recipe: Mai-Tacos

The recipe title here is a playful pun, taking its cues from the pronunciation of the star ingredient. Mushrooms and chiles play surprisingly well together, and this peppy concoction highlights the maitake's robust, roast chickenĀ–like flavor.

'Shroom subs: Oyster, pioppini, portobello, shiitake, chanterelle

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Grilled Chicken Thighs with Ancho-Tequila Glaze

Photo: Johnny Autry; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl
View Recipe: Grilled Chicken Thighs with Ancho-Tequila Glaze

If you're using a charcoal grill, skip the foil pan and add the chips to the coals. Look for granulated garlic in the spice aisle, or substitute 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Amber agave syrup has a deeper flavor than the more neutral, light-colored varieties.

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Lemon-Pepper Flank Steak Tacos

Photo: Squire Fox
View Recipe: Lemon-Pepper Flank Steak Tacos

This steak is simple to prepare and ready in a flash. The results are flavorful and supermoist. Don't be tempted to save time by skipping the resting step before slicingā€”the juices will run out from the meat, making it dry.

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Flank Steak Tacos with Slaw

Photo: Stephen Devries
View Recipe: Flank Steak Tacos with Slaw

We love the color and slightly bitter edge of radicchio, but you can sub shredded green cabbage for a milder flavor.

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Spiced Pork and Mango Tacos

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Spiced Pork and Mango Tacos

If you have time, heat tortillas, one at a time, directly over the eye of a burner at medium-high heat for about 15 seconds on each side or until slightly charred.

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Smoky Tilapia Tacos

Photo: Squire Fox; Styling: Carla Gonzales-Hart
View Recipe: Smoky Tilapia Tacos

Tilapia, an inexpensive white fishĀ is delicious when cooked lightly, and nutritious, as well as readily available at most stores. Broiling makes this a no-fuss fish dish. The tilapia cooks fast, so make sure all the other components for the taco are ready, then put it under the heat, and serve it hot.

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Tortilla Soup with Chorizo and Turkey Meatballs

Photo: Jason Wallis
View Recipe: Tortilla Soup with Chorizo and Turkey Meatballs

Smoked chorizo gives this tortilla soup a deep, smoky flavor without overpowering.Ā This soup is a perfect go-to for parties or quick get-togethers.

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Huevos Rancheros Tacos

Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Huevos Rancheros Tacos

This is more of a knife-and-fork taco. The soft egg yolk oozes and coats the filling for a delicious flavor and texture.

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Poblano-Turkey Sausage Chili

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Poblano-Turkey Sausage Chili

If you have pint-sized fans to please, use milder green bell peppers in place of poblanos to make it more kid-friendly.

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Fish Tacos With Tomatillo Sauce

Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Fish Tacos With Tomatillo Sauce

Tomatillos, jalapeƱos, red cabbage, and cilantro combine with flaky, flavorful tilapia in a rainbow of colors for an electric entrƩe that's less than 300 calories per serving.

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Chicken Taco Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Chicken Taco Salad

Add a little variation to taco night and throw your favorite taco fillings on a bed of fresh romaine lettuce. Ready in just 25 minutes, youā€™ll have a flavorful, fresh taco salad that is sure to satisfy your Southwestern craving.

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Black Bean Tacos with Feta Slaw

Photo: Jason Wallis
View Photo: Black Bean Tacos with Feta Slaw

Canned beans that are already seasoned help bring these tacos together in a flash.

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Chicken and Bean Burritos

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Chicken and Bean Burritos Recipe

Try also using this filling for tacos, quesadillas, or nachos. Adults can spike it with jalapeƱos.

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Grilled Skirt Steak and Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Grilled Skirt Steak and Roasted Tomatillo Sauce

Mild, fruity guajillo chiles are dried mirasol chiles. Look for them at Latin markets, or substitute ancho chiles. Serve the steak with halved multiĀ­colored cherry tomatoes, which add very few calories.

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Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

This is a true fiesta in a bowl. This soup is chock-full of the southwestern flavors we all love. Serve this showstopper with a garnish of lime.

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Crispy Vegetable Quesadillas

Photo: Andrew Purcell
View Recipe: Crispy Vegetable Quesadillas

A sparing amount of cooking spray is key to perfectly crisp quesadillasā€”too much and the fat absorbs into the tortilla. Plus, spreading mashed beans onto each tortilla forms a protective layer that keeps the veggie juices contained (and the tortillas crisp).

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Chipotle Pork Tacos

Photo: Ellie Miller
View Recipe: Chipotle Pork Tacos

This simple pork taco recipe highlights traditional Mexican ingredients like cilantro, lime, and chipotle chiles. Cook the corn tortillas over an open gas flame or in a grill pan for chargrilled flavor.

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Shrimp and Corn Cakes With Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Photo: Romulo Yanes
View Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Cakes With Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Delicious patties made of fresh corn, shrimp, and bell pepper are pan-fried to perfection in this recipe. Serrano chile in the heirloom tomato salsa adds a bit of heat, and cilantro some earthy freshness.

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Chimichurri Halibut Tacos

John Autry
View Recipe: Chimichurri Halibut Tacos

Green-hued chimichurri sauce,Ā composed of parsley, oregano, cumin, and garlic, is simply irresistible wrapped in a taco. The blend of seasonings gives the halibut a distinct, bold taste.

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Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Tacos

Blackened Shrimp Tacos take a Cajun spin in preparation and flavor. These tacos are easy to put together and make a nice addition to your dinner rotation.

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Shrimp Tacos With Green Apple Salsa

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Shrimp Tacos With Green Apple Salsa

Tart Granny Smith slices take the bite out of the sweet heat from the shrimp. This is easy for a weeknight meal but also unique for weekend entertaining.

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Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas with Ranchero Sauce

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Black Bean and Cheese Enchiladas with Ranchero Sauce

Smother these meatless enchiladas with a spicy Ranchero Sauce for an easy dinner tonight.

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