Better Than (Mexican) Takeout
Everything you need to make your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes at home, the KJ way!
If you’ve been a long time follower, you know that on nights that I don’t feel like cooking, I am ordering takeout. And while it’s nice to have a break from cooking every so often, there’s something special about making takeout inspired meals at home. These recipes come together quickly (I promise!!) and they still have all those comfort food vibes that you get when ordering takeout! This edition of Beyond The Kale is highlighting some of my Mexican-inspired favorites, but please comment below and let me know what cuisine you’d like me to feature next!
And, ICYMI, I will be hosting my first LIVE cooking class here on Substack on Monday, May 5. I will be releasing the recipe one week beforehand and if you sign up for the paid version of my Substack ($7!), you get to attend, ask questions, make a meal and hang with me.
But without further ado, the recipes I promised.
Carnitas are without a doubt one of the most succulent and flavorful protein options one could have, but they are typically painfully time consuming. That’s why I made these pork carnitas in the Instant Pot, which takes a fraction of the time while preserving all of the flavor. These carnitas will melt in your mouth and give you good protein for the whole week!!
If you are craving a burrito bowl, look no further! This loaded, Better Than Chipotle (in my humble opinion) carnitas bowl is the answer to your prayers. Guacamole, pico de gallo, pickled onions, and my tender carnitas come together in a harmoniously flavor packed bowl that I can not stop thinking about!
If you are looking for yet another way to use your pork carnitas, then these tacos were made just for you! The delicious meat pairs oh so well with a tangy salsa verde and creamy jack cheese to give taco night at your house a major upgrade. All you have to do is assemble and bake those tacos until they’re nice and crispy, then proceed to have as many as your heart desires!
Enchiladas are a perfect week night dish! You can prepare a couple of trays ahead of time and have dinner for the family ready for a few nights (and trust me, these are so good you will want to have them on repeat)! These enchiladas are made with delicious chicken breast and topped with light fresh salsa that makes them the perfect, better for you option when you’re wanting a decadent cheesy meal!
If you’re like me—chips and allllll the dips are not to be skipped when ordering at my favorite Mexican restaurant. That's why I made this high protein queso, using everyone’s favorite ingredient, cottage cheese it's quick and easy and fills you with protein when you’re needing that delicious creamy queso fix!
This dish is called perfect for a reason!! I am the biggest red meat lover alive and I can say without a doubt that this carne asada recipe is a must Flank steak is a thin piece of meat that cooks really quickly and it always comes out super moist and juicy when cooked using my method! Once you’ve made the carne asada, you can slice it and enjoy on its own, in tacos, with veggies on the side and more. The possibilities are endless.
I would never give you a perfect carne asada recipe without giving you a way to use it! These tacos are so yummy and perfect for summer with the corn salad pairing. Those juicy sweet kernels are to die for when paired with the salty and tender carne asada. This dish has backyard bbq written all over it!
If you make any takeout swaps this week—tag me @kalejunkie on all socials! I love seeing your creations and hope to make a new one with you in my upcoming cooking class soon!
So many amazing options! The enchiladas and queso were our dinner last night for taco Tuesday!! 🔥