The Best Guacamole Recipe (2024)

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By Chris co*ckren 6 Comments

I love guacamole. It is the perfect accompaniment to many of my favorite foods: fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, tacos. There's not much that guacamole doesn't improve. It's also just insanely addictive with a big 'ole bowl of tortilla chips.

I have to admit, I'm also the sucker that always has to order guacamole when dining out. If the restaurant has guacamole on the menu, I'll order it. And almost always, Asheley and I are severely disappointed. Many lack basic seasoning, while some fall flat due to a lack of acidity from enough lime juice.

Good thing guacamole is really easy to make. I think you are really going to enjoy this recipe. I know Asheley does 🙂

The Best Guacamole Recipe (2)

This recipe is has been slightly adapted from Alton Brown. He adds cumin to his guacamole, which really adds a nice earthy flavor to the finished product.

The Best Guacamole Recipe (3)

Removing the pit from avocados is one of my favorite things to do in the kitchen. It's so much freaking fun. Give the pit a good whack with your chef's knife, twist, and it should pop right out.

Here's the part where you need to be careful: removing the pit from the knife without cutting yourself. Use a kitchen towel or your fingers and push off the pit from the non-sharpened side of your knife. Don't try to pull it off from the sharpened side... you're just asking for trouble.

Sure, you can just use a spoon and scoop out the pit. But really, where's the fun in that? 🙂

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To make mashing a bit easier, I like to give the avocado a quick chop while it's still in it's skin.

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Then go to town with a fork and mash it all up.

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As an aside, after reading a post on Amateur Gourmet's blog about "Authentic Guacamole", I totally realize all these ingredients (garlic, cumin...) may not be completely authentic. I'm okay with that, because it tastes good. And good is good, authentic or not.

One interesting thought the Amateur Gourmet mentioned was that if you don't like the flavor of lime, lemons are a great substitute. I never tried it, but hey, you never know.

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The Best Guacamole Recipe (7)

The Best Guacamole

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Ingredients

Scale

  • ½ medium sized red onion, finely minced
  • 2 small to medium cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 large clove)
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and deveined, finely minced
  • ¼ - ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 3 ripe Haas avocados*
  • 1 to 2 limes
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • ½ cup frozen corn, thawed (optional)
  • to ¼ c. cilantro, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • *Many places sell avocados that are still rock hard. Hard, unripe avocados will need a couple days at room temperature to ripen. If the avocado yields to slight pressure, it is ripe. Normally these ripe avocados will have brownish skin. If it feels too squishy, it is overripe, with spoiled darkened flesh.

Instructions

  1. Add red onion, garlic, jalapeno, and cumin into a small mixing bowl.
  2. Halve the avocados and remove the pit by either scooping it out with a spoon or giving it a careful, firm whack and twist with a chefs knife. Be careful when removing the pit from your knife that you don't cut yourself! Use a dish towel or keep your hand on the non-sharpened side of the knife and push the pit off the knife with your fingers.
  3. While still in it's skin, cut the avocado into small cubes. This will make the mashing of the avocado in the next step a little easier. Using a spoon, scoop avocado out of skin and into the bowl.
  4. Using medium pressure, roll 1 lime back and forth under the heel of your hand on the countertop, which will help release its juices. Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into the bowl.
  5. Using a fork, mash the avocado mixture to desired consistency. I like to leave the avocado just a little chunky in the guacamole.
  6. Fold in the tomato, cilantro, and corn if you are using. Corn adds a some great sweetness that I personally love. Season guacamole with Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste.
  7. Let guacamole rest for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld. Feel free to make several hours ahead of time. To avoid avocados turning brown, place plastic wrap directly onto the guacamole, sealing off all outside air. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
  8. When you are ready to serve, taste the guacamole and if needed, add more salt and the juice from the other lime.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy (Savory Moments)

    Yum. Guacamole is one of my all-time favorite snacks! It's so delicious and healthy. Looks lovely.

    Reply

  2. Ty

    I made guac the other day and it did not turn out like this. I am going to try this recipe and get back to you.

    Reply

  3. Bert

    Chris, great chatting with you today. LOVE your blog!

    Jen and I went to Besito in Huntington the other night and the guacamole there was epic. I mean, exceptionally good. Check it out if you're ever near there.

    Reply

    • Chris

      Thanks so much Bert! Yes, I've heard such great things from multiple people about Besito's guacamole. I definitely will be checking it out very soon! Thanks for the tip!

      Reply

  4. Tom Pryor

    Isnt it amazing how many restaurants don't make good guacamole?!

    You have to try guacamole with blue cheese (like michael symon) and bacon. Totally inauthentic but totally over the top.

    Reply

    • Chris

      Yes it really is amazing! I always get so excited ordering guacamole and then am severely disappointed! Where did you have this Michael Symon guacamole? Did you make it?!

      Reply

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The Best Guacamole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do Mexican restaurants keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

Pour a thin but visible layer of water or lemon/lime juice over the guacamole to form a barrier with the air. Cover the dish with plastic wrap, pushing the wrap, so it is flush with the guacamole to prevent air pockets, or put the guacamole in a sealed tub.

What is traditional guacamole made of? ›

Here's all you need for traditional guacamole: ripe avocados, coriander/cilantro, red onions, jalapeño or Serrano chilli, lime and salt. Avoid unnecessary fillers such as sour cream and cream cheese. They only dilute flavour. Popular optional extras include: garlic, tomato, cumin powder.

Why you should leave the lime out of guacamole? ›

You see, lime is a very strong acidic flavor and it can easily overpower the delicate flavor of the avocado.

How can I improve my guacamole? ›

Season to Taste.

Next, add lime juice. Often an additional pop of citrus is all guac needs to come alive and taste better. If you still aren't happy with the taste, you can rely on mix-ins to jazz it up. Try adding cilantro, salsa, a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper, feta cheese, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Is lemon or lime better for guacamole? ›

I like the flavor better with lemon juice, but lime works too. If you're out of fresh lemons or limes, try using bottled lime or lemon juice. Although, freshly squeezed juice is definitely the best! Salt: Salt enhances the flavors and brings it all together.

Should you put tomatoes in guacamole? ›

Tomatoes – Roma tomatoes are the BEST for homemade guacamole. Make sure to remove all the seeds first. You can also chop up cherry/grape tomatoes. Jalapeño – If you don't like spice at all, you can leave it out!

Why put olive oil in guacamole? ›

Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and imparts a subtle richness to guacamole that makes it even more satisfying. In addition, it can help to prevent the avocado from turning brown too quickly by forming a barrier between the surface of the guacamole and the air.

What powder keeps guacamole fresh? ›

The avoFresh contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and calcium carbonate. You add the powder mixture to fresh mashed avocado. The avoFresh keeps the avocado fresh and from turning that off-putting brown that avocado pulp gets when exposed to air.

How far ahead can you make guacamole before it turns brown? ›

To keep fresh overnight:

Adding a thin layer of water over top of your bowl of guacamole is a great barrier against oxygen, and since guacamole is heavy, the little liquid that may seep down into the bowl will not water it down. If you use this method, your guacamole should stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Does lemon juice help guacamole from turning brown? ›

Water is a great trick to use for storing guacamole so it stays fresh, but there are a few other options as well. Acid, like lemon, lime, or vinegar, creates a barrier against oxygen as well, so applying a thin layer will work in a similar way.

Does cumin go in guacamole? ›

Scoop half of the avocados into a large bowl and coarsely mash them with a fork. Stir in the lemon juice, cilantro, onion, garlic, jalapeño, and ground cumin. Scoop chunks of the remaining avocados into the bowl; stir lightly with a spoon. Season the guacamole with salt and serve at room temperature or lightly chilled.

What are the white strings in guacamole? ›

The strings might be a bit of a nuisance, but they're harmless! So what are they, exactly? These strings are actually vascular bundles, meaning they are responsible for bringing all those nutrients and water from the tree into the fruit (yes avocado is a fruit).

How long does guacamole last in the fridge? ›

From the second you crack open that avocado, it's a race against the clock before it goes brown. But with the right prep, you can make guacamole last in the fridge for three to four days. Planning on storing guacamole in the freezer? It should last for three to four months.

How much lemon juice to keep guacamole from turning brown? ›

I simply squeezed the juice from half a lemon over the surface of the prepared guacamole. I checked for browning after one hour, one-and-a-half hours, and two hours. Results: I couldn't believe how well this worked!

Why do people put sour cream in guacamole? ›

Sour cream is a simple addition to your favorite guacamole recipe. Just a few tablespoons to a small batch recipe will do it. The sour cream adds a nice tang without being too overbearing and it also creates a creamy, silky mouthfeel. A fabulous contrast to the crunch of tortilla chips.

How to jazz up guacamole? ›

Other seasonings and spices like paprika or cayenne can add a kick to standard guacamole. Crushed red pepper, cayenne, paprika, or even garlic powder can up the flavor in a store-bought guacamole and allow you to cater it to your own tastes.

Can you use lemon juice instead of lime juice in guacamole? ›

I know the traditional way uses lime, but I personally prefer guacamole with lemon! I like the flavor better with lemon juice, but lime works too. If you're out of fresh lemons or limes, try using bottled lime or lemon juice. Although, freshly squeezed juice is definitely the best!

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