Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that combines nuts, chiles, and spices to create a savory sauce. Not only is it flavorful and delicious, but it can also be served with various sides that further enhance the unique taste of mole.
From plantains and Avocado fries to tortillas and fresh veggies, there are plenty of options for what sides to serve with mole.
Each of these options provides contrasting flavors that can help balance the mole sauce’s complexity.
Each adds an extra layer of texture and flavor for your guests to enjoy. With so many great sides available to choose from when serving mole, you will surely find one (or more) that will please everyone at your table!
In a Hurry, want to know what to serve with Mole Quickly try any of sides- Beans and rice, Tortillas, Salad, Corn tortillas, Mexican chopped salad, Pulled Chicken, Cilantro Lime Rice, Wild Rice Pilaf, Roasted Mexican potatoes, Cajun Roasted Potatoes, Avocado fries, Corn-on-the-cob, Pineapple pico de gallo, fresh vegetables, Fried plantains, Fish tacos, and Fresas con Crema.
Best Side to Serve with Mole
1. Rice and Beans
When it comes to side dishes for mole, rice and beans are the Perfect Side Dishes to Complement Your Mole.
Rice provides a neutral flavor base to balance out the spiciness of the mole sauce. White or brown rice will work—it’s really just a matter of preference.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making Mexican-style rice (also known as Arroz Rojo) for extra flavor. This type of rice is cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, or tomato sauce for added flavor and texture.
Beans are also an excellent protein source, making them ideal for pairing with chicken or steak. Plus, they offer plenty of fiber and other essential nutrients like calcium and iron.
You can experiment by adding different types of beans, such as black beans, kidney beans, garbanzos, etc., or add different spices, such as cumin or coriander, to give your dish more depth of flavor.
Read More- 17 Perfect Dishes to Serve with Green Bean Casserole
2. Tortillas
Tortillas are another great accompaniment to mole dishes thanks to their versatility.
They can be used as wraps filled with shredded meats, diced tomatoes, salsa, and cheese; fried into chips and served with guacamole; or cut into thin strips and sautéed with onions, garlic, and peppers for an added layer of flavor.
Additionally, tortillas are incredibly affordable, so they won’t break the bank when feeding a large crowd!
3. Salad
A salad is always easy to round out any meal with healthy greens and veggies like lettuce, carrots, and tomatoes.
A light salad is a perfect way to add some freshness to your meal without overpowering it with too much richness or heaviness.
For extra flavor, you can add crunchy croutons or slivered almonds; creamy avocado slices; sweet pieces of fruit like mangoes; fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro; olives; feta cheese; etc.
A light vinaigrette dressing will help bring everything together nicely!
Try making a simple cucumber salad or an arugula and avocado salad for something refreshingly crisp and crunchy on the side.
For an extra hit of flavor, top it off with a dressing made from lime juice and olive oil or cilantro and yogurt!
4. Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are a must-have when it comes to eating Mexican food. They can be used to scoop up the mole sauce or as an accompaniment to the main course.
You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or grilled meats such as chicken breasts or pork tenderloin.
To make corn tortillas at home, you only need masa harina (corn flour), water, salt, oil, and a little time. You can find pre-made corn tortillas at most grocery stores if you don’t want to make them from scratch.
You can double or triple the recipe to feed the whole family for a larger gathering.
5. Mexican Chopped Salad
This Mexican chopped salad is the perfect side dish to accompany your Mole. It’s filled with vegetables, cheese, and a zesty lime vinaigrette dressing that will tantalize your taste buds.
Start by chopping some lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Then mix in some shredded Monterey Jack cheese for an added kick of flavor.
Whisk together some olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice to make a simple vinaigrette dressing. Drizzle this over your chopped salad before serving it alongside your Mole for a delicious pairing!
Extra Bonus Tip: ~ Try adding black beans or corn to give this salad even more of a Mexican-inspired flair!
~ Try swapping out the Monterey Jack cheese for crumbled Cotija or Queso Fresco for a creamy, tangy finish.
6. Pulled Chicken
A mole with Pulled Chicken is a delicious, flavorful dish that can be served as an entrée or side dish. This recipe combines traditional Mexican mole sauce with succulent pulled chicken for a meal sure to please the whole family.
The mole can be made and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use, making it easy to serve up quickly on busy weeknights.
Serve Mole with Pulled Chicken over cooked rice, quinoa, or noodles and top with fresh cilantro and optional sour cream.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice is an excellent choice if you want a tasty side to pair with Mole sauce. This dish combines white or brown rice with cilantro, lime, and garlic, creating a flavorful combination that adds texture and flavor to the richness of the Mole sauce.
The subtle citrus taste of the lime complements the sweetness of the Mole while blending seamlessly into the overall taste of your dish.
Whether you’re throwing a dinner party or just having friends over, this side dish can make any table look like it was prepared by a professional chef.
8. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild Rice Pilaf is an underrated side dish that pairs perfectly with Mole sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the bold flavors of Mole and adds a depth of flavor with its nutty and earthy taste.
When cooked, wild rice has a unique texture, too – it remains firm when served, making it easier to scoop up in each bite.
It also provides a good contrast when eaten alongside the creamy Mole sauce. Whether you’re going for a vegetarian or vegan option or prefer something more traditional, Wild Rice Pilaf is always guaranteed to bring both texture and deliciousness to the dinner table.
9. Roasted Mexican potatoes
Roasted Mexican potatoes are one of my favorite go-to sides for Mole sauce. Not only are these potatoes packed with flavor, but their tenderness and soft texture provide a perfect contrast to Mole sauce’s deep, robust flavors.
A Mexican-style twist on traditional roasted potatoes includes using fragrant spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic to create an incredibly flavorful experience that complements the complex seasonings found in Mole sauces, such as chili pepper, sesame seeds, cinnamon, and clove.
Roasted Mexican potatoes can be prepped in just 20 minutes or less. They will no doubt become a family favorite side dish!
10. Cajun Roasted Potatoes
Cajun Roasted Potatoes are another delicious accompaniment to any Mole sauce dish. The potatoes are seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne for the perfect balance of spice and flavor.
Roasting them gives them a crispy exterior while still keeping the inside soft and full of all their unique flavors.
This side dish pairs especially well when served alongside fajitas or Mexican dishes containing Mole sauce.
For those who prefer a less spicy side dish, the cayenne can easily be omitted and still produce a delicious accompaniment!
11. Avocado fries
Avocado fries absolutely go with Mole. To make avocado fries, start preheating your oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Slice 4 large avocados into thin strips, then pat them dry with some paper towels.
In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 egg with 2 tablespoons of water until fully combined. Place the panko breadcrumbs in another bowl and season them generously with salt and pepper.
Dip each avocado strip into the egg mixture first before coating it in the panko crumbs and arranging it on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through cooking time if necessary. Serve hot alongside your favorite Mole dish!
Make sure to note that you should use ripe avocados for the best results. If they are too hard, the fries won’t get crispy.
12. Corn-on-the-Cob
Corn-on-the-cob is a great side dish to go with Mole sauce. The corn’s sweetness complements the sauce’s spicy and smoky flavors, making it an ideal combination.
Plus, having a filling side dish like corn ensures everyone will have enough food that they don’t need to worry about going hungry.
A great way to prepare corn-on-the-cob for Mole sauce is by grilling it. The smoky flavor from the grill amplifies the spices already in the sauce, bringing out its best taste.
Corn also pairs well with classic Mexican sides, such as homemade guacamole or flame-roasted salsa verde, for another enjoyable flavor combination.
13. Pineapple Pico de Gallo
Pineapple pico de gallo is an excellent accompaniment to any mole sauce dish. The tropical fruit adds a burst of flavor, while the mixture of diced onion and cilantro provides a balance of colors and textures that make this condiment stand out.
It’s easy to prepare—simply dice pineapple, onion, and cilantro with salt, pepper, lime juice, and olive oil added – for something truly special, you can also add jalapeños for some heat.
Ultimately, by pairing mole sauce with pineapple pico de gallo, you’re getting a tasty combination of savory Mexican flavors that will leave your guests begging for more.
14. Fresh Veggies
Serving Mole with fresh vegetables is a great way to add flavor and texture to the traditional Mexican dish. Adding vegetables gives this classic recipe an extra boost of nutrients while still maintaining its signature flavor.
Prepping your favorite vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and chilies (optional). Sauté the vegetables in a bit of oil until they are tender, and then add them to your mole sauce.
Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked through. Serve over steaming hot rice for a flavorful and healthy meal that’s sure to please!
15. Fried Plantains Perfect for Chicken Mole
Fried plantains are a delicious and traditional accompaniment to Mexican mole dishes. To prepare, begin by peeling two ripe plantains and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet and add the plantain slices over medium-high heat. Fry until both sides are golden brown, rotating once throughout cooking. Once cooked, remove from heat and drain on paper towels before serving with the mole dish.
To round out this flavorful meal, pair it with a light and refreshing side salad or some steamed vegetables for additional nutrition. Complementing your mole dish with fried plantains is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar or cinnamon onto the plantains before serving.
16. Fish Tacos
Mole and fish tacos are a delicious combination. The mole sauce is rich and savory, while the tacos bring freshness and crunch to the plate.
To make mole and fish tacos, start by marinating your favorite white fish in garlic, cumin, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least an hour. Heat it in a large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Cook until the marinated fish is golden brown on both sides in the pan. Put it on a plate.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil along with chopped onions, garlic cloves, diced tomatoes, chili peppers (if desired), and spices like cumin and oregano.
Cook until the vegetables are softened. Then, add your favorite mole sauce and stir to combine all of the flavors.
Once everything is combined, turn down the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add a bit of chicken stock if needed to make the sauce more liquid.
Add the cooked fish to the pan and simmer for another 5 minutes or so until everything is heated. Serve your Mole with Fish Tacos in warm corn tortillas topped with cilantro and fresh lime juice!
17.Fresas con crema for Dessert
Fresas con Crema is an excellent way to end your meal on a delicious note. This classic Mexican dish combines mole sauce and sweet cream topped with fresh strawberries.
The mole sauce brings a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet cream and juicy strawberry topping.
It’s not only simple to prepare, but it’s also sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you choose to serve it warm or cold, one thing’s for sure: Everyone will be asking for seconds!
FAQs
Is mole always with chocolate?
No, mole sauce does not always contain chocolate. Mole sauce typically contains a combination of spices, herbs, and chili peppers such as ancho chilis and pasilla chilis.
It can also include a variety of nuts or seeds like sesame, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds.
Chocolate is sometimes added to mole sauces, but it is not always included. The addition of chocolate helps to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the mole sauce.
Other popular ingredients used in mole sauces include onions, garlic, tomatoes, tomatillos, cinnamon, and cloves.
What is mole sauce usually served on top of?
Mole sauce is typically served on top of chicken, pork, beef, or fish.
It is also a sauce for tamales and enchiladas. Mole sauce is also used in Mexican cuisine to marinate meats before grilling them.
Some people even enjoy eating mole sauce as a dip with chips or vegetables! Mole sauces can create flavorful soups, stews, and other dishes.
With its deep flavor profile, mole sauce can add a unique twist to your favorite meals. Enjoy exploring the world of cooking with this delectable Mexican condiment!