By Flavor & The Menu
July 11, 2020

Countless ingredients and dishes hailing from south of the border have found their way into the hearts of American consumers, who warmly embrace the bounty of that region’s lively, fresh, bold flavors. Propelled by the comfort of that familiarity, an eagerness to explore deeper follows.

Bowls offer a great platform for innovation here, providing consumers with a recognizable format that can easily translate dishes they know and love. We’ve seen this play out with the burrito bowl and even the chilaquiles bowl, for instance. Chefs today are able to key into the popularity of Latin flavors, leverage the bowl’s familiar format and explore flavor combinations that promise intriguing and delicious experiences.

Latin Flavor Combinations for Modern Bowl Builds

Flavorful Proteins

• Guajillo/dark beer-braised pork carnitas
• Mojo-marinated pulled chicken
• Passionfruit-achiote glazed shrimp
• Pork al pastor

Flavor-forward Sauces

• Chile morita-pineapple salsa
• Chimichurri vinaigrette
• Guava-habanero salsa
• Poblano-style mole
• Roasted poblano-cilantro crema
• Swipe of salsa macha

Add-in Components

• Charred avocado
• Chile de árbol-guava dressing
• Jicama slaw with Serrano and cilantro
• Mango-ginger salsa
• Papaya-tomatillo-jalapeño chutney
• Pickled mango
• Smoked jalapeño

Crispy Textures

• Chicharrones
• Chorizo crumbles
• Fried tortilla strips
• Spicy pepitas

FEATURED RECIPE

Smithfield Culinary

Ground pork flavored with heady, sharp chorizo seasoning tops crispy hash browns. Pico de gallo offers a bright-hot counterpoint, with avocado and a fried egg finishing the profile.

GET THE RECIPE FOR CHORIZO BREAKFAST BOWL