300-Calorie Mexican-Inspired Recipes

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.

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

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 juicy—this will ensure a thick sauce that won't make the burrito soggy.

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 200°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.

Think of posole as chili’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 can’t find tortilla strips, you can use lightly crushed corn tortilla chips.

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.

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.

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 chicken–like flavor.

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

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.

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 slicing—the juices will run out from the meat, making it dry.

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

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.

Tilapia, an inexpensive white fish 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.

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

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

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

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

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, you’ll have a flavorful, fresh taco salad that is sure to satisfy your Southwestern craving.

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

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

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

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.

A sparing amount of cooking spray is key to perfectly crisp quesadillas—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).

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.

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.

Green-hued chimichurri sauce, 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.

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.

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.

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