Guacamole
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Learn to make the ultimate chip-worthy guacamole, rivaling the irresistibly scoopable guac made tableside at the best Mexican restaurants.
If the sheer number of Mexican recipes on this site is any indication, you’ve probably guessed that I absolutely love Mexican food. (Fun fact: I actually got married on Cinco de Mayo. It wasn’t planned, but it certainly makes for a fun anniversary!) Guacamole is a must-have for any Mexican meal, perfect as a creamy dip for tortilla chips or as a delicious topping for chicken fajitas or beef nachos.
This recipe mirrors the fresh guacamole made tableside at the best Mexican restaurants. It’s incredibly easy to whip up—just 20 minutes and a few simple ingredients are all you need. Bring this to your next party, and I promise, you’ll be everyone’s favorite guest!
Table of Contents
“Easy to make and tastes like our favorite Mexican restaurant’s guacamole.”
What You’ll Need To Make Guacamole
- Avocados: The base of guacamole, providing a creamy texture. Look for avocados that are dark green to nearly black and yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they’re ripe and ready for use. Avoid avocados that feel mushy or have deep indentations.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the avocados and preventing them from browning too quickly.
- Salt and Cumin: Salt enhances the overall flavors, while cumin adds a warm, earthy note. When seasoning your guac, taste it with the chips you’re serving as they can vary in saltiness.
- Scallions and Garlic: Scallions bring a mild oniony crunch, and garlic contributes a subtle pungency.
- Jalapeño Pepper: Introduces a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, and consider removing the seeds for less heat.
- Tomato: Offers a juicy, sweet contrast. Seed the tomato to prevent the guacamole from becoming too watery.
- Fresh Cilantro: Provides a burst of herbal freshness.
- Jump to the printable recipe for precise measurements
Step-by-Step Instructions
Begin by cutting the avocados in half lengthwise. There are two ways to remove the pits. You can carefully strike them with the edge of a sharp knife, then twist and loosen (this is how I do it but please bear in mind that this is very dangerous if you miss; I have heard of people ending up with stitches using this method!). Alternatively, a safer way is to scoop the pits out with a spoon.
Holding each avocado half in the palm of your hand, use a butter knife to cut a grid in the flesh.
Use a spoon to scoop the cubes of flesh out of the skin and into a medium bowl.
Add the lime juice. The easiest way to juice a lime is to cut it in half, then holding the lime in your hand, pierce the center with the tines of a fork. Squeeze the lime and turn the fork back and forth to release the juice.
Add the salt, cumin, scallions, garlic, and jalapeño.
Using a fork, mash the mixture until blended but still very chunky. Add the tomatoes and cilantro and fold until combined, being careful not to overmix; you want the guacamole to be chunky.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will find all sorts of suggestions online for the best way to store guacamole and prevent it from turning brown, but the reality is that none of them work well. Guacamole needs to be made fresh or just a few hours ahead of time. If you’re not planning to serve it immediately, press a piece of plastic wrap directly over the dip and refrigerate for up to two hours; after that, it will start to deteriorate. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
Yes, you can make guacamole without cilantro if you’re not a fan or if you’re serving someone with a sensitivity to it.
Yes, to speed up the ripening process, place the the avocados in a brown paper bag and store them at room temperature. If you’re really in a hurry, place an apple or a kiwi fruit in the bag; these fruits give off a natural hormone that promotes ripening. You’ll know they’re ready to go when they are dark in color and firm, but yield to gentle pressure when you press them.
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Guacamole
Learn to make the ultimate chip-worthy guacamole, rivaling the irresistibly scoopable guac made tableside at the best Mexican restaurants.
Ingredients
- 3 large avocados, halved and pitted
- 1½ tablespoons lime juice, from 1 lime, plus more to taste
- heaping ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 scallions, white and light green parts only, very thinly sliced
- ¼ teaspoon minced garlic, from 1 clove (optional)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced (about 2½ tablespoons; see note)
- 1 small tomato, seeded and diced
- 3 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Hold an avocado half in the palm of your hand and, using a butter knife, cut a grid into the flesh. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh into a mixing bowl. Repeat with the remaining avocado halves. Add the lime juice, salt, cumin, scallions, garlic (if using), and jalapeño. Using a fork, mash the mixture until blended but still very chunky. Add the tomatoes and cilantro and fold until combined, being careful not to overmix (you want the guacamole to be chunky). Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, lime, or jalapeño, if desired. Transfer to a bowl and serve with tortilla chips. If not serving immediately, place a piece of plastic wrap directly over the surface of the guacamole and refrigerate until ready to serve (preferably no longer than a few hours; bring to room temperature before serving).
- Note: To prepare the jalapeño, use a small knife to slice straight down along one side, removing just the flesh. Turn the pepper and repeat with the remaining sides. All of the seeds and most of the veins -- the extra hot stuff -- should remain in the core. Mince the flesh and reserve the core in case you want to add more heat to your guacamole. Try to minimize contact with the seeds and be sure to wash your hands well after cutting the pepper; definitely do not touch your eyes.
Nutrition Information
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- Per serving (6 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Sodium: 206 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and the nutritional data on this site has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam.com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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I once tried a spicy mango guac and it was swoon worthy. Any suggestions you can offer if I wanted to make that? Is it as simple as just adding mango to this recipe or should I make some adjustments?
Hi Kia, It’s as simple as adding mango. I’d love to know how it turns out!
I have found one and only one method to keeping avocados from turning….lay a slice of purple onion on the top of it in a closed container. Yes, it really works!!
I’ve made it more than a dozen times and the whole family loves it! Perfect for July 4th dinner 🙂
Here’s a foolproof way to keep guacamole from turning brown when storing, without using plastic wrap: after placing it in a container, pour a shallow layer of water on top, cover, and store in fridge. When ready to serve, carefully pour the water out, then stir.
To remove pit using knife, place avocado half on cutting board— definitely do NOT hold in hand while striking. (I know someone who cut her hand badly.) Another tip: hold jalapeño under running water while seeding. I cut corners by using garlic powder instead of fresh. Finally, I concur that lime, not lemon, is traditional. Great recipe!
I love this super simple, classic guacamole recipe. Even my 8 month old grandson was gobbling it up by the spoonful. Thanks Jenn – another 5 star recipe!
I’m popular with my guacamole…I also top mine with freshly cooked bacon (broken into pieces after the freezer for 10 min.) Friends gave me the nickname Glenn-Mole.
Best guacamole ever! I worked at the Houston’s in Georgetown back in the 80s and stole their recipe, which has been my standby. This just replaced it! Happy May 5!!!!
Could you purée it. I do not like chunky guac 😞
Sure, Sandra – you can mash it up as much as you like.
This guacamole is so tasty. Your seasoning game is always on point! The scallions instead of the white onion is brilliant. Thank you Chef for another tasty recipe!!
Use lemon and lemon zest instead of lime. No garlic at all. The avacado flavor is too delicate for garlic
Oh sounds like a personal preference on the lemon and garlic. I thought it was perfect as is!🙂
The recipe clearly states that chopped garlic is optional.