Viral TikToker Ana Regalado, better known to her 2.5 million followers as Salty Cocina, enjoys helping others create amazingly tasty dishes by sharing her recipes and tips on social media.
Regalado recently partnered with San Antonio Specialty for an exciting contest that gives one lucky winner a trip to Los Angeles, $2,500 in cash, and a private cooking class with the popular TikTok chef. The “Summer’s Perfect Pairing” giveaway is as easy as just choosing your favorite Salty Cocina recipe.
Ana Regalado Shares Helpful Tips For Creating The Perfect Meal
Regalado shares many great tips and recipes with her TikTok followers often. She took some time out of her day to share some helpful tips with our readers, too.
When asked what a good tip for a beginner in the kitchen is, Regalado suggested choosing ingredients, utensils and tools ahead of time and putting them out so you don’t get distracted searching for them while cooking. She also shared a few must-have ingredients that everyone should have on hand at all times.
“A list of staple ingredients to always have on hand includes dry spices, such as Mexican oregano, cumin, black pepper, salt, chili power, peppercorns, allspice, cinnamon, bay leaves, and coriander seeds,” she exclusively told The Blast. “Fresh ingredients to keep on hand include tomatoes, onions, garlic, cilantro, and either jalapenos or serrano peppers.”
One thing she wants people to know is that while cooking can be intimidating, “the truth is anyone can do it with a little practice, patience, and good recipes.”
One recipe she’s shared online that’s super popular is enchiladas.
@saltycocina Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas paired with my favorite wine. #sanantoniocardinale #sanantoniospecialty #pairswellwitheverybody #Summersperfectparing #wine ♬ Reggae dos Caminhoneiros – Dance Comercial Music
“My enchiladas are always a crowd favorite and even went viral recently. They have great flavor and are easy to share with others,” she said.
“As part of my ‘Summer’s Perfect Pairing’ campaign with San Antonio Specialty wine, I made my popular Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas recipe and wouldn’t be surprised if it wins the contest.”
Speaking of the contest, Regalado said by partnering with San Antonion Specialty, she hopes to “inspire others to grab a bottle of San Antonio Specialty and make one of my recipes for their next family meal.”
“San Antonio Specialty wine has a special history rooted in family values. The brand was started by an Italian family that came to California shortly before prohibition. After overcoming prohibition, they introduced San Antonio Cardinale in 1967. Today, the brand embodies the spirit of courage, resilience, and strength,” she said.
“As someone who truly values my journey, my family, and time spent around a dining table, I resonated with the wine brand’s mission and was excited to pair authentic Mexican recipes with their wine.”
It’s quick and easy to enter the contest. Visit the website and vote for your favorite Salty Cocina Mexican recipe by July 30, 2023. See full details and rules on the website.
Ana Regalado Started Her TikTok Journey During The Pandemic
Regalado got her start in cooking at a young age growing up in Mexico.
“From a young age, I learned to help with chores, including cooking,” she explained.
“One of my first successful recipes was flour tortillas, which I also made popular on TikTok. I always watched my mother cook on her wood-burning stove. I enjoy making simple recipes with affordable and easily accessible ingredients, as it’s what I grew up with. Nopales, verdolagas, potatoes, and corn can be prepared in various ways.”
Like many popular TikTokers, Regalado started sharing her videos while on lockdown three years ago. She originally created a cooking blog for her kids and grandchildren, but after receiving an “overwhelming response” she continued to share so everyone could enjoy them.
She has shared many recipes on the social media app including enchiladas, creamy strawberry horchata, mango habanero salsa, adobo tacos, fish taquitos, sweet and spicy pineapple chicken and many other delicious meals and treats.
While she shares her recipes as quick, short videos on TikTok, anyone interested in longer videos with more detail can visit her YouTube page. She also shares written recipes in both English and Spanish on her website.