Did you know Americans eat over 8 pounds of avocados each year? That’s a lot of guacamole! I’m excited to share my easy guacamole recipe that you can make in just 10 minutes. This dip brings the taste of Mexico to your home with only 8 ingredients.
My guacamole recipe has gotten 4.9 out of 5 stars from 47 reviews. It’s loved because it’s fresh, creamy, and full of nutrients. Each serving has 7.6 grams of fiber and only 184.8 calories, making it a healthy snack.
Want to make the best guacamole ever? You’ll need 3 ripe avocados, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, garlic, and salt. I’ll show you how to pick the best avocados and keep your guacamole fresh for up to 3 days. Let’s start making this delicious dip that will be your favorite!
Why This Authentic Mexican Guacamole Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
Get ready to dive into the world of authentic Mexican guacamole! This recipe will take your taste buds straight to Mexico. It’s a must-have for your appetizer lineup.
Origins of Traditional Guacamole
Guacamole’s roots go back to the 16th century Aztec civilization. The name “guacamole” comes from “ahuaca-mulli,” meaning avocado sauce. Traditional Mexican guacamole doesn’t use lime juice or garlic. It focuses on cilantro, serrano chilies, white onion, ripe avocados, and tomatoes.
Benefits of Making Homemade Guacamole
Making your own guacamole has many benefits. You choose the ingredients for freshness and quality. Homemade guacamole is also nutritious. A single serving has 121 calories, 10.5g of healthy fats, and 5g of fiber. It’s also full of vitamins, giving you 19% of your daily Vitamin C.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This authentic Mexican guacamole recipe is special. We mash ingredients in a bowl, not on a cutting board, to keep all the juices. The acid comes from tomatoes, not lime, for a unique flavor. With just 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious dip for tortilla chips or as a topping for Mexican dishes.
| Ingredient | Traditional Use | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Avocados | Base | Creamy, mild |
| Serrano Chilies | Seasoning | Spicy, sharp |
| White Onion | Seasoning | Pungent, crisp |
| Cilantro | Herb | Fresh, citrusy |
| Tomatoes | Acid source | Tangy, sweet |
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Guacamole Recipe
Making authentic Mexican guacamole begins with picking the right ingredients. Let’s look at the key parts that make this dip a hit.
Choosing and Ripening Avocados
Ripe avocados are the core of any great guacamole. Choose Hass avocados that feel soft to the touch. If you’re in a rush, speed up ripening by putting them in a paper bag with a banana. For our recipe, you’ll need about 15 ounces from 3 medium Hass avocados.
Fresh Produce and Herbs
Fresh ingredients add vibrant flavors. Mince 1/3 cup of red onion for a sharp bite. Chop 1 tablespoon of cilantro for that unique Mexican taste. Add finely diced jalapeño to your liking for heat.
Seasoning and Aromatics
Balance the flavors with lime juice from one fresh lime. Mash or mince 1 small garlic clove for added depth. Salt to taste, bringing out the natural flavors of the avocado and herbs.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe avocados | 3 medium (15 oz) | Base |
| Lime juice | 1 lime | Flavor/Preservation |
| Red onion | 1/3 cup minced | Texture/Flavor |
| Cilantro | 1 tbsp chopped | Aroma/Flavor |
| Garlic | 1 small clove | Depth of flavor |
| Jalapeño | To taste | Heat (optional) |
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Let’s dive into making delicious guacamole! This recipe takes just 10 minutes and serves 6 people. We’ll walk through each step to create a mouthwatering dip that rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant’s version.
Preparing the Avocados
Start with 3 large, ripe Hass avocados. To remove the pit, cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Twist the halves apart and gently tap the knife into the pit. Twist to remove it safely. Scoop out the flesh with a spoon into a mixing bowl.
Chopping and Mixing Techniques
Finely chop 3 scallions (white and light green parts only) and 1 jalapeño pepper. Add these to your mashed avocado along with 1½ tablespoons of lime juice from 1 fresh lime. For extra flavor, mince 1 clove of garlic and add it to the mix. Dice a small tomato and chop 3 tablespoons of fresh cilantro.
Seasoning and Taste Testing
Add ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of ground cumin to your avocados onion mixture. Mash everything together, leaving some chunks for texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember, the acid in lime juice helps prevent browning.
| Ingredient | Amount | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Avocados | 3 large | Halved, pitted, scooped |
| Lime juice | 1½ tablespoons | Freshly squeezed |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Heaping |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon | Ground |
| Scallions | 3 | White and light green parts, chopped |
| Jalapeño | 1 | Seeded and minced |
Expert Tips for Making Restaurant-Quality Guacamole
Want to make your guacamole taste like it’s from a restaurant? Start by picking the right avocados. They should be dark purple and soft to the touch. Use 3 large Haas avocados for a classic taste.
Get the flavors just right. Add 1/4 cup each of diced red onion, Roma tomatoes, and cilantro. For a kick, add 1 tablespoon of diced jalapeno. Season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
To soften the onion’s taste, soak it in cold water first. You can adjust the heat by adding or removing jalapeno seeds. Mash the avocados with a fork, but leave some chunky bits for texture.
For a real Mexican touch, serve with homemade tortilla chips. Cut corn tortillas into triangles and fry until crispy. This guacamole recipe is great for taco nights or when you need a fresh dip.
| Ingredient | Amount | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Avocados | 3 large Haas | Choose perfectly ripe for best flavor |
| Red onion | 1/4 cup | Soak in cold water to reduce bite |
| Jalapeno | 1 tablespoon | Adjust seeds for desired heat level |
| Lime juice | 1 tablespoon | Prevents browning and adds zest |
Storage Tips and Preventing Browning
Keeping your guacamole fresh and green is key to enjoying this delicious dip. Let’s explore some effective ways to store your guac and prevent it from turning brown.
Best Storage Containers
Airtight containers are your best friends for storing guacamole. The Guac Lock container, rated 9/10 in effectiveness, is a top choice. It helps reduce browning by creating a seal that keeps air out. For a budget-friendly option, use any container with a tight-fitting lid.
Water Method for Preservation
The water method, rated 8/10, is a clever trick to keep guacamole from turning brown. Pour a thin layer of water on top of your guac before sealing the container. This creates a barrier that prevents air from reaching the surface of the guacamole.
How Long Does Fresh Guacamole Last
Properly stored guacamole can last up to 3 days in the fridge. But it’s best consumed within a day for optimal freshness. After day one, you might notice slight browning, but it’s safe to eat if less than 3 days old.
To keep your guac green longer, try these tips:
- Add extra lemon juice to the surface (rated 10/10 for effectiveness)
- Use lime juice as a close second (rated 10/10)
- Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole surface
- Smooth the surface with a spatula to minimize air pockets
Remember, oxidation causes browning, so limiting air exposure is key. With these methods, you’ll enjoy fresh, green guacamole for days!
Conclusion
You’ve now mastered the art of making delicious homemade guacamole, a key part of Mexican cuisine. This dish has grown from its Aztec roots to a favorite around the world. Our guacamole recipe has been shared over 132,000 times, showing its popularity.
The secret to great guacamole is using ripe Hass avocados and finding the right flavor mix. It’s perfect for tacos, a healthy snack, or impressing guests. Plus, it’s packed with good fats and vitamins, making it healthy too.
Keep your guacamole fresh for up to 4 days by storing it right. But it tastes best when you eat it right away. So, get your ingredients ready, follow our easy steps, and enjoy the creamy, zesty taste of your homemade guacamole. Your taste buds will love it!
FAQ – Guacamole
How do I choose perfectly ripe avocados for guacamole?
Avocados should feel soft but not too mushy. They should be dark green to black. If they’re not ripe, put them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up ripening.
Can I make guacamole ahead of time?
Yes, you can make guacamole a few hours in advance. To stop it from browning, press plastic wrap on the surface, remove air, and refrigerate until ready.
How can I keep my guacamole from turning brown?
To stop browning, smooth the guacamole’s surface, add a thin layer of water, cover, and refrigerate. Then, pour off the water and stir before serving. You can also use extra lime juice or press plastic wrap on the surface.
What’s the best way to store leftover guacamole?
Store leftover guacamole in an airtight container with plastic wrap on the surface. It lasts 1-2 days in the fridge. For longer, freeze it for up to 3 months, but the texture may change when thawed.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice in guacamole?
Yes, lemon juice works as a substitute for lime juice in guacamole. It adds acidity and helps prevent browning, just like lime juice.
How spicy should guacamole be?
Guacamole’s spiciness is up to you. Start with a little jalapeño or serrano pepper and adjust to taste. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s harder to remove it once mixed.
What can I serve with guacamole beside tortilla chips?
Guacamole is great with more than just tortilla chips. Try it with carrot sticks or bell peppers, on sandwiches or burgers, or as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
Is guacamole healthy?
Yes, guacamole is a healthy choice. Avocados are full of good fats, fiber, and vitamins. The fresh veggies and herbs add more nutrients. Just enjoy it in moderation because it’s high in calories.
Can I use a food processor to make guacamole?
You can use a food processor, but it might make the guacamole too smooth. For the best texture, mash the avocados by hand and then mix in the other ingredients.
What’s the origin of guacamole?
Guacamole comes from Aztec cuisine, dating back to the 14th-16th centuries in central Mexico. The name “guacamole” comes from “ahuacamolli,” meaning “avocado sauce.”
Homemade Guacamole Recipe
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients
- Ripe avocados – 3 medium 15 oz, halved, pitted, scooped
- Lime juice – 1½ tablespoons freshly squeezed
- Vegetables & Herbs
- Red onion – 1/3 cup minced
- Scallions – 3 chopped (white and light green parts only)
- Tomatoes – 1 small diced
- Cilantro – 3 tablespoons chopped
- Jalapeño – To taste finely diced
- Seasoning & Aromatics
- Garlic – 1 small clove minced
- Salt – ½ teaspoon heaping
- Ground cumin – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocados
- Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits.
- Scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl.
- Chopping & Mixing
- Finely chop the scallions, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Dice the tomato and mince the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients
- Add the chopped scallions, jalapeño, tomato, cilantro, and garlic to the avocados.
- Pour in the lime juice and season with salt and cumin.
- Mash & Adjust
- Mash the mixture with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips or as a topping for Mexican dishes.
Notes
- Choosing Avocados: Use ripe Hass avocados for the best flavor. If they are not ripe yet, place them in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening.
- Preventing Browning: To keep guacamole fresh, press plastic wrap directly onto its surface, or add a thin layer of water on top and drain before serving.
- Adjusting Spice Level: Increase or decrease jalapeño based on your preference. Soaking red onion in cold water helps reduce its sharpness.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freezing is possible, but texture may change upon thawing.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with tortilla chips, on tacos, sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip with fresh vegetables.
