Gluten-free Options to Eat at Mexican Restaurants

If you’re trying to maintain a gluten-free diet, finding the best restaurants that will cater to your dietary needs can be a stressful process. But, traditional Mexican cuisine is usually naturally gluten free. That leads to many celiacs bringing Mexican food into their homes, or going out to a Mexican restaurant to enjoy a good meal. Even though there are a lot of gluten-free Mexican food options, there are some popular ingredients and dishes that you should definitely stay away from. But if you’re looking to indulge in a Mexican themed fiesta of ingredients, then there are many options to pack on the flavor and maintain a gluten-free diet.

A gluten-free ingredient that is widely used in Mexican food is corn. Corn tortillas are a celiac’s best friend at a Mexican restaurant. If you choose to indulge in chips and dip or nachos, make sure to specify that you want corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Hard tacos are usually a good option to eat since they are often made with 100% corn tortillas. On the other hand, soft tacos are a food that you might have to stay away from. Be sure to ask your serve what the taco tortillas are made of before you order. If you’re looking to indulge in a taco salad, make sure to order it on a plate. The deep-fried taco bowl that it comes in is usually made with wheat-tortillas.

Beans are also naturally gluten-free so don’t be afraid to indulge in the Mexican staple of refried beans or a bean burrito bowl. Rice is also a great gluten-free option that’s often used is Mexican dishes. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at some arroz con pollo. Both options are great examples of gluten-free Mexican food.

If you’re looking to head out to a restaurant for some Mexican food you might want to skip the fried foods. Deep-fried options, such as chimichangas and taquitos, might be fried in the same places as other foods with gluten. That leads to cross-contamination. Make sure to ask your server if your food is fried in the same place as others. If they’re not sure, then don’t get it.

Even though burritos are an option that you should stay away from, burrito bowls are a tasty alternative. They’re easy to find at Mexican restaurants and easy to make at home. Indulge in your favorite vegetables and rice, add a bit of cilantro and salsa, and enjoy the goodness that’ll remind you of a long-time Mexican favorite.

Don’t be afraid to ask your server questions about your food and how it’s made. You should have full control of your diet, and they are there to make sure that you have the best experience possible at their Mexican restaurant. If you take a couple precautions and ask questions, you’ll spend less time worrying about your meal and more time enjoying a lovely Mexican dish!