Red Iguana, a name synonymous with authentic and vibrant Mexican cuisine, has captivated food enthusiasts for decades. Nestled in Salt Lake City, this culinary gem is celebrated for its complex mole sauces, each a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. But with such an extensive and enticing menu, the question remains: What is the absolute best dish at Red Iguana? This article dives deep into the heart of Red Iguana’s offerings, exploring its most popular and critically acclaimed dishes to help you navigate the menu and discover your own personal favorite. Prepare for a flavorful journey that will leave you craving a taste of Red Iguana’s magic.
Unveiling the Legend: A Brief History of Red Iguana
Before we delve into the specifics of the menu, it’s important to understand the story behind Red Iguana. This isn’t just another Mexican restaurant; it’s a family-owned institution built on passion, tradition, and a deep respect for Mexican culinary heritage.
Red Iguana was founded by Lucy Cardenas, whose recipes and dedication to authentic flavors laid the foundation for the restaurant’s success. Her family continues to operate Red Iguana, ensuring that the quality and traditions are upheld. From its humble beginnings, Red Iguana has grown into a beloved destination, attracting locals and tourists alike, all eager to experience the genuine tastes of Mexico.
The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques is what sets it apart. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, reflecting the rich culinary tapestry of Mexico. Red Iguana’s success is a testament to the power of family, tradition, and a dedication to culinary excellence.
The Mole Masters: Understanding Red Iguana’s Signature Sauces
At the heart of Red Iguana’s culinary prowess lies its incredible selection of mole sauces. Mole, a complex and often time-consuming sauce, is a staple of Mexican cuisine, and Red Iguana has mastered the art of mole-making.
Each mole is a unique blend of chilies, spices, nuts, seeds, and chocolate, simmered for hours to develop its distinctive flavor profile. The complexity of mole sauces is what makes them so captivating. It’s not just a sauce; it’s an experience, a journey through layers of flavor that unfold with each bite.
Red Iguana offers a variety of moles, each with its own distinct character. From the rich and smoky Mole Negro to the sweet and nutty Mole Poblano, there’s a mole to suit every palate. Understanding the nuances of these sauces is key to choosing the perfect dish. It’s also important to note that Red Iguana thoughtfully indicates the spice levels of their moles, allowing you to select a sauce that aligns with your heat preference.
Exploring the Mole Varieties: A Taste of Mexico
Let’s take a closer look at some of Red Iguana’s most popular mole sauces:
- Mole Negro: Known for its deep, dark color and complex smoky flavor, Mole Negro is a true culinary masterpiece. It typically contains a blend of chilies, spices, chocolate, and nuts, resulting in a rich and unforgettable experience.
- Mole Poblano: This classic mole is sweet, spicy, and nutty, with a blend of chilies, chocolate, and spices. It’s often served with chicken or turkey and is a staple of Puebla, Mexico.
- Mole Coloradito: A vibrant red mole, Coloradito is known for its fruity and slightly sweet flavor. It’s often made with ancho chilies and is milder than some of the other moles.
- Mole Amarillo: This yellow mole is known for its bright, citrusy flavor and is often made with yellow chilies and spices.
- Mole Verde: A fresh and herbaceous mole, Mole Verde is made with green chilies, herbs, and spices. It’s often lighter and brighter than the other moles.
When choosing a dish at Red Iguana, consider your personal preferences for sweetness, spice, and overall flavor. Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations or to try a sample of the different moles before making your decision.
The Contenders: Red Iguana’s Most Popular Dishes
Now that we’ve explored the world of mole sauces, let’s examine some of Red Iguana’s most popular dishes. These dishes are consistently praised by customers and critics alike, and they offer a great starting point for your culinary adventure.
These are dishes that have earned their place on the Red Iguana throne. From the robust flavors of their signature enchiladas to the hearty and satisfying stews, each dish tells a story of culinary passion and tradition. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Enchiladas: A Classic Done Right
Red Iguana’s enchiladas are legendary. They are far from ordinary, these enchiladas showcase the restaurant’s mastery of mole sauces.
The key to their success lies in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation. Each enchilada is carefully crafted, with a generous filling and a generous coating of mole sauce. The combination of the tender filling, the soft tortillas, and the complex sauce creates a truly unforgettable experience. The Enchiladas Suizas, often featuring chicken and a creamy tomatillo sauce, are a consistently popular choice. Don’t forget to ask about the specific mole used, as it can significantly impact the flavor profile.
Tacos: Beyond the Ordinary
While tacos may seem like a simple dish, Red Iguana elevates them to an art form. Their tacos are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are bursting with flavor.
From the tender carnitas to the flavorful carne asada, each taco is a celebration of Mexican cuisine. The tortillas are soft and warm, and the toppings are fresh and vibrant. But what truly sets Red Iguana’s tacos apart is the addition of their signature mole sauces. A drizzle of mole can transform a simple taco into a culinary masterpiece. The Tacos Don Ramon are highly recommended, often featuring slow-cooked meats and a complex mole.
Pipián: A Taste of Tradition
Pipián is a traditional Mexican stew made with pumpkin seeds, chilies, and spices. Red Iguana’s Pipián is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold day.
The stew is rich and creamy, with a complex blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The pumpkin seeds add a nutty sweetness, while the chilies provide a touch of heat. Pipián is often served with chicken or pork and is a staple of Mexican cuisine. Red Iguana’s version is particularly noteworthy for its depth of flavor and its use of high-quality ingredients. The Pipián Verde is a popular choice, known for its vibrant green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
Cochinita Pibil: Slow-Cooked Perfection
Cochinita Pibil is a slow-roasted pork dish that originates from the Yucatán Peninsula. Red Iguana’s Cochinita Pibil is tender, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.
The pork is marinated in a blend of citrus juices and spices and then slow-roasted until it is fall-apart tender. The result is a dish that is both savory and sweet, with a hint of smokiness. Cochinita Pibil is typically served with pickled onions and tortillas, allowing you to create your own tacos. Red Iguana’s version is particularly noteworthy for its authenticity and its use of traditional cooking techniques.
Beyond the Classics: Exploring Hidden Gems on the Menu
While the popular dishes are a great starting point, Red Iguana’s menu is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the classics and try something new.
These lesser-known dishes often showcase the restaurant’s creativity and its commitment to exploring the diverse flavors of Mexico. From the flavorful soups to the unique seafood dishes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Consider these options for a truly unique experience:
- Sopa de Tortilla: A hearty and flavorful tortilla soup, perfect for a cold day.
- Chile Rellenos: Poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and fried to perfection, often served with a flavorful sauce.
- Camarones a la Diabla: Shrimp cooked in a spicy diablo sauce, perfect for those who like a little heat.
By exploring the less-traveled paths on the menu, you may just discover your new favorite dish.
The Verdict: So, What IS the Best Dish?
After a thorough exploration of Red Iguana’s menu, it’s time to answer the burning question: What is the absolute best dish? While personal preferences play a significant role, some dishes consistently stand out as crowd-pleasers and culinary masterpieces.
The truth is, there’s no single “best” dish at Red Iguana. The ideal choice depends on your individual taste preferences and what you’re looking for in a meal. However, based on popularity, critical acclaim, and overall flavor, the Enchiladas with Mole Negro consistently rank among the top contenders. The rich, complex flavor of the Mole Negro perfectly complements the tender filling of the enchiladas, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Ultimately, the best dish is the one that you enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different options and discover your own personal favorite. Red Iguana is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored, so come hungry and be prepared to be amazed.
Tips for Navigating the Red Iguana Experience
To make the most of your visit to Red Iguana, consider these helpful tips:
- Be prepared for a wait: Red Iguana is a popular restaurant, so be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours.
- Ask for recommendations: Don’t be afraid to ask your server for recommendations. They are knowledgeable about the menu and can help you choose a dish that you’ll love.
- Try a mole sampler: If you’re unsure which mole to choose, ask for a sampler. This will allow you to try a few different moles before making your decision.
- Consider the spice level: Red Iguana thoughtfully indicates the spice levels of their moles, allowing you to select a sauce that aligns with your heat preference.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new: Red Iguana’s menu is full of hidden gems, so don’t be afraid to venture beyond the classics and try something new.
- Pair your meal with a margarita: Red Iguana’s margaritas are the perfect complement to their flavorful dishes.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your visit to Red Iguana is a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Red Iguana: More Than Just a Restaurant
Red Iguana is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural institution. It’s a place where families gather, friends celebrate, and memories are made. It’s a place where the flavors of Mexico come alive, and where the passion for food is palpable.
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a culinary icon, Red Iguana has remained true to its roots. It’s a testament to the power of family, tradition, and a dedication to culinary excellence. So, the next time you’re in Salt Lake City, be sure to visit Red Iguana and experience the magic for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.
What makes Red Iguana so famous and worth the wait?
Red Iguana’s fame stems from its authentic, complex, and incredibly flavorful moles. These sauces, painstakingly crafted using traditional Mexican recipes passed down through generations, are the restaurant’s hallmark. The moles, combined with the fresh ingredients and passionate cooking, create a truly unique dining experience that sets Red Iguana apart from other Mexican restaurants.
The wait is a testament to the restaurant’s popularity and the consistent quality of its food. People are willing to queue because they know they’ll be rewarded with a meal that’s both satisfying and culturally rich. The commitment to traditional methods and the attention to detail in every dish are what make Red Iguana a culinary destination.
Which mole dish is considered the most popular at Red Iguana?
While personal preferences vary, the Mole Negro is widely considered the most popular and iconic mole at Red Iguana. This rich, dark mole, made with over 30 ingredients including chocolate, chiles, spices, and nuts, offers a complex and unforgettable flavor profile. It’s a deep, savory, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the various proteins it’s served with.
Its popularity isn’t just about taste; it’s also about the history and tradition embedded within the recipe. The Mole Negro represents the heritage of Oaxacan cuisine, and experiencing it at Red Iguana is a way to connect with that culinary history. Many first-timers specifically seek out the Mole Negro to understand what makes Red Iguana so special.
Are there any vegetarian options available at Red Iguana besides just sides?
Yes, Red Iguana offers several flavorful vegetarian options beyond simple side dishes. They recognize the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs and have created dishes that are both satisfying and representative of the restaurant’s culinary style. These options often incorporate vegetables cooked in unique and complex sauces, staying true to the restaurant’s focus on mole.
Look for items on the menu explicitly labeled as vegetarian, or ask your server for recommendations. Many of the moles can be adapted to be vegetarian by swapping out the protein for vegetables or cheese, allowing you to experience the restaurant’s signature flavors without compromising your dietary choices. Don’t hesitate to inquire about ingredient modifications to ensure a truly vegetarian meal.
What is the spice level like at Red Iguana, and how can I manage it?
The spice level at Red Iguana can vary depending on the dish, with some moles being quite mild and others packing a significant punch. They use a variety of chiles, each with its own heat level, and the chefs are skilled at balancing flavors, but the heat is definitely present in some dishes. Reading menu descriptions carefully is a good starting point to understand the spice levels.
If you’re sensitive to spice, be sure to ask your server for recommendations on milder dishes. You can also request that your meal be prepared with less chile, although this may slightly alter the intended flavor profile. Additionally, enjoying a refreshing drink like horchata or a margarita can help cool your palate between bites.
Does Red Iguana take reservations, and what are the alternatives if they don’t?
Red Iguana does not take reservations, contributing to the lines that often form outside the restaurant. This first-come, first-served policy ensures fairness and allows them to accommodate as many guests as possible throughout the day. The lack of reservations adds to the restaurant’s casual and bustling atmosphere.
If you’re concerned about the wait, consider visiting during off-peak hours, such as mid-afternoon or early evening. Arriving before the lunch or dinner rush can significantly reduce your wait time. Alternatively, you can explore Red Iguana 2, located nearby, which offers a similar menu and experience, and sometimes has shorter wait times.
What should I expect in terms of price range when dining at Red Iguana?
Red Iguana is generally considered to be moderately priced. Entrees typically range from $15 to $30, depending on the dish and the ingredients used. The complexity of the moles and the quality of the ingredients justify the prices.
While it’s not the cheapest Mexican food option, the value you receive in terms of flavor, authenticity, and overall dining experience is exceptional. Consider sharing appetizers or desserts to sample more of the menu without breaking the bank. Remember to factor in drinks and potential add-ons when budgeting for your meal.
Besides the moles, are there any other dishes at Red Iguana that are highly recommended?
While the moles are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Red Iguana offers other exceptional dishes worth exploring. Their Cochinita Pibil, a slow-roasted pork dish marinated in achiote paste and citrus juices, is incredibly tender and flavorful. This Yucatecan specialty provides a different taste of Mexican cuisine.
Another popular option is the enchiladas, which are expertly prepared and come with a variety of fillings and toppings. Exploring the “Especialidades de la Casa” (House Specialties) section of the menu can lead you to hidden gems that showcase the diversity of Mexican flavors. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the moles to discover other culinary delights.