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Mexican Garnachas


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  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 garnachas
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Mexican Garnachas are crispy corn cakes topped with tender shredded beef, smoky guajillo-tomato salsa, and a tangy cabbage salad. This authentic street-style dish delivers bold Mexican flavor and an irresistible mix of textures—crispy, saucy, and fresh.


Ingredients

3 1/2 cups masa harina

2 1/2 cups lukewarm water (approx.)

1 medium white onion, chopped

Cotija cheese, for garnish

Lard or oil, for frying

For the Meat:

1 1/2 lb beef (brisket, chuck roast, flank, or skirt)

1 small onion

2 garlic cloves (skin on)

2 tsp salt

For the Cabbage Salad:

1/2 small cabbage, thinly sliced

1 small onion, thinly sliced

2 large carrots, grated

3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and cut into strips

1/2 Tbsp oregano

1 lime, juiced

1/4 cup white vinegar

Salt, to taste

For the Salsa:

1 lb tomatoes

3 pasilla or guajillo chilies, seeded and cut into pieces

3 garlic cloves, peeled

2 Tbsp lard or olive oil

Salt, to taste


Instructions

  1. In a pot, cook beef with onion, garlic, and salt in enough water to cover until tender. Shred the meat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the cabbage salad: combine cabbage, onion, carrots, and jalapeños in a bowl. Add lime juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, and a little water. Toss well and let rest while preparing the rest of the dish.
  3. Make the salsa: cook tomatoes and chilies in water for 10 minutes until soft. Blend with 2 cups of the cooking water, garlic, and salt until smooth. Heat lard or oil in a saucepan, pour in the blended sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning and set aside.
  4. Prepare the masa: mix masa harina with lukewarm water until a smooth, soft dough forms. Divide into 12 balls, cover with a damp towel.
  5. Press each ball between plastic sheets to form 3.5-inch discs. Cook on a hot comal or skillet for 1–1.5 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Keep warm.
  6. Assemble the garnachas: heat 3–4 tbsp lard or oil in a large pan. Place a spoonful of shredded meat on each corn cake, spoon some salsa over it, and fry until the bottom is golden and crispy.
  7. Serve hot, topped with chopped onions, crumbled Cotija cheese, and cabbage salad on the side.

Notes

Use chicken instead of beef for variation.

Make a vegetarian version with refried beans instead of meat.

Adjust spice level by adding or reducing chilies.

Prepare salsa a day ahead—it tastes better after resting overnight.

Fry garnachas just before serving to keep them crispy.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 garnacha
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg