If I had to choose a favorite type of food, it would hands-down be Mexican cuisine. Growing up in Southern California, I was spoiled with an endless supply of incredible tacos and enchiladas. So, imagine my excitement when I discovered Isabel Orozco-Moore! Her skills in the kitchen have inspired me to venture into cooking authentic Mexican recipes.
Take her Authentic Birria, for example. This dish was a true culinary adventure for me. I had never worked with dried chiles at that level, but with the help of my trusty slow cooker and my sous chef (a.k.a. my husband), we tackled it. My verdict? Five stars! The mess? Let’s call it 5 stars+ on the messy-kitchen-meter…but absolutely worth it!
Isabel’s story is just as inspiring as her recipes. A first-generation Mexican-American, she grew up in Oklahoma with parents who immigrated from Mexico in the 1980s. Her summers were spent traveling to Mexico, immersing herself in the culture and cuisine, and she’s proudly bilingual. Isabel and her husband, John, are parents to their daughter, Olivia, with another baby on the way.
Her recipes are a beautiful blend of authenticity and accessibility. For instance, if I can’t find a particular ingredient locally, I’ve had great success sourcing them on Amazon (hello, Mexican oregano—now a pantry staple thanks to her).
Picking favorites from Isabel’s site is no easy feat—they’re all that good. One thing that stands out about her cooking is the authenticity. She introduces dishes even seasoned Mexican food lovers like me have never heard of. Case in point? Tetelas. These are heavenly pockets of black beans, onions, jalapeños, and Oaxaca cheese, wrapped in corn masa harina dough and cooked to crispy perfection in a skillet.
Next on my culinary journey? Her Chile Rellenos. Due to a tomato allergy, I’ll be swapping her salsa roja for salsa verde (Homemade Tomatillo Salsa Verde). I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Isabel Eats truly is your one-stop destination for all things Mexican cuisine. Mexican food is so much more than tacos, and Isabel’s recipes will open your eyes (and taste buds) to a whole new world. Ready to get cooking? What’s the first recipe you’ll try?
Follow Isabel on Instagram.