How to Make The Authentic and Best Enchiladas Michoacanas at Home

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Enchiladas Michoacanas are one of the tastiest and most traditional dishes from Michoacán, Mexico. They are made with a smoky chili sauce, soft corn tortillas, and simple but yummy fillings. The best part is that they are super easy to make at home!

First, the sauce is made with guajillo and ancho chilies, which give it a slightly spicy and smoky flavor. Next, the tortillas are lightly fried to make them soft and easy to fill. You can add cheese, onions, or even chicken if you like. Finally, the enchiladas are topped with fresh lettuce, creamy Mexican crema, and crumbled cheese for extra flavor.

If you’ve been wanting to try real Mexican food, this is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s simple, delicious, and fun to make. Let’s get started!

To further enhance your Mexican cooking repertoire, explore related recipes like New Orleans Shrimp and Grits or Chilli Con Carne with Macaroni for hearty meal ideas.

Ingredients You Need for Enchiladas Michoacanas

Before you start making enchiladas Michoacanas, it’s important, first of all, to gather all the ingredients. Once you have the right ingredients and a little preparation, you’ll be ready to create a delicious, authentic dish. So, let’s break it down step by step, and soon you’ll have everything you need to make this tasty meal!

Key Ingredient

To begin with, enchiladas Michoacanas are all about simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the main dish:

These ingredients create the perfect balance of flavors. The guajillo and ancho chilies are the stars of the dish, giving the sauce its smoky and slightly spicy taste.

Toppings and Garnishes

Adding toppings and garnishes not only enhances the flavor but also makes your enchiladas look amazing. Here’s what you need:

These toppings add freshness and creaminess to balance the spicy, smoky sauce. For a lighter breakfast alternative, try Oat Flour Pancakes, which perfectly balance health and taste.

Choosing the Right Chilies

When it comes to making the sauce, selecting high-quality guajillo and ancho chilies is, without a doubt, very important. First and foremost, always look for chilies that are flexible, not brittle, and have a rich, deep red or brown color. Additionally, avoid any chilies that have cracks or mold, as these can affect the taste. By choosing fresh chilies, you’ll ensure that your sauce has a bold, authentic flavor that will truly enhance the dish.

With these ingredients, your enchiladas Michoacanas will not only taste incredible but also look like they came straight from a traditional Mexican kitchen! Let’s move on to preparing the chili sauce.

Preparing the Chili Sauce for Enchiladas

The chili sauce is what gives enchiladas Michoacanas their smoky flavor and bright red color. Don’t worry—it’s simple to make if you follow these easy steps. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Toast the Chilies

First, you need guajillo and ancho chilies. Start by removing the stems and seeds so they’re not bitter. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat. Then, toast the chilies for about 30 seconds on each side. This step makes the chilies smoky and flavorful. But be careful—don’t let them burn, or they’ll taste bitter!

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Next, soak the toasted chilies in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them. While they soak, get your other ingredients ready: garlic, a little cumin, oregano, and salt. Once the chilies are soft, put them in a blender with the other ingredients and 1 cup of water. Blend until the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a little more water, one spoonful at a time.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce

Finally, pour the blended sauce into a skillet and simmer it over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stir every now and then to keep it from sticking. The sauce will get thicker and darker as it cooks, which means it’s ready to use! Now your chili sauce is done and ready to make your enchiladas taste incredible.

Assembling the Enchiladas Michoacanas

Now that your chili sauce is ready, it’s time to put the enchiladas together. These steps are super easy, and the result will be delicious!

Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas

First, start by taking your corn tortillas and frying them lightly in a small amount of oil. To begin, heat a skillet and add just enough oil to cover the bottom. Then, fry each tortilla for about 10–15 seconds on each side. This step will make the tortillas soft and much easier to roll. However, be careful not to fry them too long—they should stay soft, not crispy!

Step 2: Fill and Roll

Next, place a tortilla flat on a plate or cutting board. Add some grated cheese and chopped onion to the middle. If you like, you can also add shredded chicken. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in a serving dish. Repeat with all your tortillas.

Step 3: Coat with Sauce

Finally, pour your warm chili sauce over the rolled tortillas. Make sure each one is fully covered. For an extra touch, sprinkle crumbled cheese or drizzle Mexican crema on top. You can also add shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch.

And just like that, your enchiladas Michoacanas are ready to serve! They’re bold, smoky, and so easy to make. Enjoy!

Tips for Serving Enchiladas Michoacanas

Serving enchiladas Michoacanas can be just as fun as making them. With the right toppings and sides, you can make this dish even more delicious and special. Here are some easy tips to try!

Classic Garnishes

Start by adding the toppings that make enchiladas Michoacanas so tasty. First, sprinkle shredded lettuce on top for a fresh crunch. Then, drizzle some creamy Mexican crema for extra richness. Finally, add crumbled cheese like queso fresco or cotija for a salty, tangy flavor. These toppings make every bite delicious and balanced.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your enchiladas with Mexican rice and refried beans. These sides make the dish more filling and satisfying. You can also add slices of avocado or a little guacamole for even more flavor. These simple sides pair perfectly with the smoky, spicy enchiladas.

Customizing Your Enchiladas

You can easily make enchiladas Michoacanas your own. For example, you can add shredded chicken, beef, or pork if you want a heartier version. On the other hand, if you prefer it vegetarian, you can stick with cheese and onion or add cooked vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Additionally, for a spicy kick, you can sprinkle jalapeños or red pepper flakes on top. This way, you can customize the dish just the way you like it!

Why You Should Try Enchiladas Michoacanas

Enchiladas Michoacanas are a delicious dish from Michoacán, Mexico. They are special because of their great taste, easy preparation, and important place in Mexican culture.

A Dish with History

Enchiladas Michoacanas, for instance, come from Michoacán, a state in Mexico that is famous for its tasty and fresh food. These enchiladas are, in fact, often served at family gatherings and celebrations, bringing people together to enjoy good food. Moreover, the use of homemade chili sauce and fresh tortillas helps to connect this dish to the very heart of Mexican food traditions.

Amazing Taste

The best part about enchiladas Michoacanas is their flavor. The chili sauce, made from dried chilies like guajillo and ancho, gives a smoky and slightly spicy taste that goes great with soft corn tortillas. When you add toppings like Mexican crema (sour cream), cheese, and lettuce, the dish becomes a tasty mix of flavors and textures. Every bite takes you straight to Michoacán with its authentic taste.

Easy to Make

Enchiladas Michoacanas are also easy to make at home! All you need to do is make the chili sauce, fry the tortillas, and put everything together. You can even add fillings like cheese, onions, or chicken if you want. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is simple and fun to make.

Enchiladas Michoacanas Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret to good enchiladas?

The secret to good enchiladas is simple! First, the sauce needs to be rich and tasty, made with guajillo and ancho chilies for that real Mexican flavor. Next, lightly fry the tortillas so they stay soft and don’t get soggy. Finally, use fresh ingredients like cheese, onions, and crema to make them super delicious. That’s it—easy and yummy every time!

What is enchiladas Michoacanas vs. enchiladas?

Enchiladas Michoacanas are a regional variation of traditional enchiladas, originating in Michoacán, Mexico. While classic enchiladas often include meat fillings, enchiladas Michoacanas are typically made with cheese and onions and topped with a bold chili sauce. They’re known for their simplicity and rich, smoky flavor.

Do authentic enchiladas use corn or flour tortillas?

Authentic enchiladas almost always use corn tortillas, since they are a staple in Mexican cuisine. Furthermore, corn tortillas have a more traditional texture and flavor, which, in turn, complements the chili sauce and fillings perfectly. As a result, they help bring out the best in the dish, creating a truly authentic experience.

Do restaurants use flour or corn tortillas for enchiladas?

Most Mexican restaurants use corn tortillas for enchiladas to stay true to tradition. However, some may offer flour tortillas as an option, especially in areas where Tex-Mex cuisine is popular.

What does enchilada mean in Mexican?

In Mexican, the word “enchilada” literally means “seasoned with chili.” This name, therefore, reflects the dish’s defining feature—a rich, chili-based sauce that generously coats the tortillas. As a result, the sauce becomes the star of the dish, giving it its signature bold and spicy flavor.

How many calories are in enchiladas Michoacanas?

The calories in enchiladas Michoacanas can change depending on what you add. For example, on average, one enchilada with cheese, onion, and chili sauce has about 200–250 calories. However, it’s important to remember that adding extra toppings, like crema or avocado, or sides, such as rice and beans, can quickly increase the total calories. So, while the base is light, your final calorie count will depend on your choices!

Recap about Enchiladas Michoacanas and Final Thoughts

Making enchiladas Michoacanas at home is easier than you might think. First, start by preparing the rich chili sauce using guajillo and ancho chilies, blending them with garlic, spices, and water. Then, cook the sauce on the stove to enhance its flavor. Next, lightly fry the corn tortillas to make them soft and easy to roll. After that, fill each tortilla with cheese and onion (or your favorite filling) and roll them up neatly. Finally, pour the warm chili sauce over the rolled tortillas, and don’t forget to add the classic toppings like lettuce, Mexican crema, and crumbled cheese.

This dish is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of Michoacán to your table. It’s full of bold flavors, simple to prepare, and perfect for any meal. So, why not give it a try?

Have you tried making enchiladas Michoacanas at home? Share your experience and tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!