Few dining experiences say celebration quite like Mexican food can. Especially if you're in a Mexican grill, the atmosphere, the colors, the music, and the smells all typically create a feeling of excitement, fun, and festivity. If you are looking to recreate that same atmosphere for a Mexican buffet party, it's easy to do. For a true experience, though, you need to make sure you have the right food. Here are a few things to consider offering as part of your buffet.
Barbacoa Beef
Barbacoa beef features all of the classic Mexican flavors, including lime, cumin, and adobo sauce. This dish starts with a beef roast and is slow-cooked for hours to infuse the flavors into the meat and create tender beef that falls apart on the plate. It's a great protein for enchiladas, tacos, and even burrito bowls.
For every three pounds of cubed beef roast, you'll want to add a tablespoon each of vegetable oil and oregano. You should also include a heaping tablespoon of cumin and a teaspoon of Mexican paprika. Dice up three chipotles in adobo sauce, then add the chipotles and about a tablespoon of the sauce to the slow cooker as well. Mince four garlic cloves and slice a medium onion, then add those as well. Finish it off with a quarter-cup of lime juice and three-quarters of a cup of chicken stock or vegetable stock. Cook the mixture on low for eight hours, then shred the beef cubes and let it cook for another three hours on low. Add salt to taste before the final three hours.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a great addition to any Mexican buffet. It works great inside of burritos and as a side dish to go with almost anything. The light, vibrant flavor of the citrus paired with the cilantro makes a flavorful and refreshing rice dish.
All you need is about a cup of long grain rice with two cups of either water or vegetable stock. Add a teaspoon of butter, a pinch of salt, about a half tablespoon of lemon juice and the juice of one lime. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat according to the cooking time instructions for the particular rice you've chosen. Once the rice is done, add the juice of another half of a lime, and about a quarter-cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Stir, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve.
These are two highly popular dishes among Mexican food enthusiasts, and they would make great offerings as part of your Mexican grill buffet.