Experience the earthy, complex flavors of Mexican iguana cuisine, featuring achiote, chile-based sauces, moles, and pre-Hispanic cooking techniques.

Traditional Oaxacan tamales de iguana wrapped in banana leaves and filled with tender iguana meat in rich mole amarillo sauce. These authentic iguana tamales represent the pinnacle of Mexican iguana cuisine, featuring the complex flavors of mole de iguana that have been perfected over generations.
Mexico's iguana recipes showcase the country's rich culinary heritage, combining indigenous ingredients and techniques with Spanish influences. Achiote paste, dried chiles, and traditional cooking methods like pit-roasting create dishes with distinctive earthy flavors and vibrant colors. Mexican preparations often feature iguana in tacos de iguana, tamales de iguana, mole de iguana, and hearty caldo de iguana soups from regions like Michoacán and Oaxaca.
Iguana has been part of Mexican cuisine since pre-Hispanic times, particularly in southern states like Oaxaca, Chiapas, and the Yucatán Peninsula. Ancient Mayans and Aztecs considered iguana meat a valuable protein source and prepared it for both everyday meals and ceremonial occasions. Today, mole de iguana remains a specialty in Oaxaca.
Mexican iguana recipes often benefit from marinating the meat in citrus juice and achiote paste. For caldo de iguana, simmer the meat slowly with tomatoes, chiles, and herbs. Serve with traditional accompaniments like fresh tortillas, salsa verde, and pickled onions for an authentic experience.

Hearty caldo de iguana from Michoacán, Mexico - a traditional soup featuring iguana meat simmered with tomatoes, chiles, and Mexican herbs. This authentic caldo de iguana michoacan recipe is treasured as both comfort food and traditional medicine.