Tequila. Everyone knows how the song goes. And most everyone knows how to make a margarita with their favorite tequila. Maybe you’ve even tried your hand at some of the tequila drink recipes on our site. But have you tried cooking with tequila? (Mind blown, right?)
Having a bottle (or two) of tequila on hand for your kitchen could help you spruce up some of your favorite recipes.
While sipping a little añejo (neat, of course), we’ve muddled over a few favorite recipes ideas and shared them here.
Marry Your Meat to Your Tequila Marinade
No matter what protein you prepare, drenching your chicken, seafood or beef in a little tequila marinade is always a delicious idea. Squeeze some limes in tequila for a simple and tasty fish and shrimp marinade. Chop up some fresh garlic, zesty cilantro, and cumin and add it to the tequila-lime base to spice it up. This combo works well on heartier meat, like steak, and gives your barbecue a unique bite.
Now that we’ve dropped “the base,” I know you’ll find countless ways to turn up your Friday (or any day) dinners.
Tequila Desserts: Baked in Goodness
The tequila plus lime equation works to make some amazing sweet treats too. Imagine (close your eyes for this) a moist key lime cupcake with a tart tequila-lime frosting. Or a delicious layer cake made with lime-infused oil and a shot of tequila folded into the batter.
Or for the chocolate lover in all of us, try Hibiscus and Dark Chocolate Tequila Truffles. Oh, yes we did.
You can’t go wrong when starting with a good, 100 percent agave tequila. So, tie on your apron (please tell us it says “Kiss the Cook”), sprinkle on the sugar, splash in the tequila (maybe a little in your glass, too), and get creative!
Tequila Hot Sauce (Not in Prairie Fire Form)
Brutal day at work? You need a happy hour, stat! And chips and salsa make happy hour happier. First, buy a bundle of fresh peppers (banana, jalapeno, or even ghost if you dare) at the local farmer’s market or grocery store. Then, smoke, roast, or bake them to make the base for a deliciously spicy hot sauce.
Take it to the next level with a little dash of tequila and zest of lime. Add salt to taste (just a pinch). These pure flavors will bring out the natural aromas and heat of the chilies.
Your tequila hot sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite tortilla chips (which, of course, pair perfectly with a margarita). It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.
Tequila Hot-Hot-Hot Chocolate
If you live in a hot climate, you might think we’re crazy for suggesting hot chocolate. But there is a reason why cultures in the hottest locations on earth eat hot and spicy foods. So, hear me out.
A steamy mug filled with Mexican hot chocolate and topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream is a delicious, lazy afternoon favorite.
Here’s the tequila tip on this one: Mix freshly shaved semisweet chocolate, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to make the foundation for this sweet and spicy cup of goodness. Warm the necessary ingredients in a saucepan, then add the heat with a splash of the good tequila and a dash of cayenne pepper. Now, this is a luxurious indulgence that will warm you from the inside out.
Have you tried cooking with tequila?
We’ve shown you ours. Now show us yours.
If you’ve tried cooking with tequila, tell us about it. Snap a retweet-worthy pic, give us a follow on your favorite social media channel, and hashtag #azuniatequila. You might see your tequila recipe on our Insta.
Cheers to happy eats!
