MrChuy’s Video: How Hispanic Moms Give Recipe Directions

By COCINA Team

If you’ve ever tried to cook something following your Hispanic mom’s instructions, you know it’s less like following a recipe and more like decoding an ancient treasure map written in the language of “a little bit of this,” “just tantito more of that,” and “cuando se te antoje.” That’s exactly the vibe MrChuy’s video captures when his Hispanic mom tries to teach him how to make tomatillo salsa for tacos — and it’s hilarious, nostalgic, confusing, and deeply relatable all at once.

In the video, MrChuy calls his mom on speaker as she walks him through the steps. You can almost hear her: “Echa un poquito de tomatillo… no, más tantito… ¿qué dices? ¡Solo tantito de sal!” (sound familiar?) The result: a salsa that’s aggressively spicy and salty — a perfectly chaotic testament to how Hispanic mom’s directions are equal parts love and mystery.

Why We Can’t Live Without Our Hispanic Mom’s Directions

Let’s be honest: a hispanic mom doesn’t hand you a recipe, she hands you an experience. There’s no measuring cups, no timers, and no gram weights — just intuition, memory, and a little attitude. You might start off feeling confused, but that’s part of the joy.

This kind of guidance isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. When your Hispanic mom says “just a bit of cilantro y ya,” she’s reminding you that cooking is about growth, trust, and tradition — not precision.

Tomatillo Salsa Recipe

Here’s a simple version of the classic tomatillo salsa that MrChuy tried to make — without the “tantito” guesswork. This recipe combines the key ingredients without intimidating amounts, perfect for first-timers who might still be thinking about that video.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs. tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1–2 medium jalapeños (stemmed)
• ½ cup white onion, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves 
• Juice of 2 limes 
• ½–1 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat your skillet on medium-high. 
2. Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño — cook about 10 minutes until slightly soft and charred. 
3. Mash everything together traditionally in a molcajete or blend if you prefer smooth. 
4. Squeeze lime, add cilantro, salt, and pepper — adjust seasoning to taste.

Get the full recipe and tips here.

Tips from the COCINA Team on Hispanic mom’s codes

Now, we’re not here to replace Hispanic mom energy — we’re here to complement it! Here are some real-world tips to help you interpret those beloved but tanto vague directions:

1. “Un tantito” = about a tablespoon.
   If you’re not sure how much salt, lime, or jalapeño to add — start with about 1 tablespoon and adjust gradually. It’s about tasting as you go.
2. Don’t fear salt and lime.
   Our Hispanic mom instincts always want more flavor. Adding a little extra salt or lime juice after you blend can brighten up your salsa instantly.
3. Roast for deeper flavor.
   Instead of boiling, roast tomatillos and chiles on a comal or skillet for that warm, smoky taste. It brings out a whole new level of nostalgia and flavor.
4. Ask for help — then expect a story.
   Your Hispanic mom may pause mid-instruction to recall a cousin who made this once, or how she learned it from her mom. That’s part of the charm.

The Real Sauce Behind the Salsa

What MrChuy’s video captures isn’t just a funny cooking fail — it’s a moment of cultural transmission. Our Hispanic moms have learned recipes not from Google, but from generations of family dinners, fiestas, and lunchboxes. Those “tantito” directions reflect instinct, memory, and love.

Sure, sometimes we’ve all ended up with salsa that’s too spicy or too salty (hola, ají sorpresa!), but that’s how memories are made. And proudly — we tweak, taste, and laugh through it together.

So to all the Hispanic moms out there: keep those “a bit of this” instructions coming — because even when they make us scratch our heads, they fill our hearts (and stomachs) with flavor.

Final Secret from COCINA Team:
Cooking with your Hispanic mom might not always be precise, but it’s always delicioso. And the best recipes in life? They’re the ones you share, laugh about, and pass down.