Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage, and what better way to honor that than through food? This collection of 15 recipes is a throwback to the genuine tastes and communal spirit of Mexico’s past. They’re straightforward, satisfying, and perfect for anyone looking to bring the essence of this holiday to their table.
Pepita Salsa Macha
Pepita Salsa Macha combines the nutty flavors of toasted pumpkin seeds with smoky chilies and garlic, creating a condiment that’s deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile salsa adds a rich, complex taste to any dish. The main ingredients include pepitas, sesame seeds, and various dried chilies. It offers a unique texture and a balance of heat and earthiness.
Get the Recipe: Pepita Salsa Macha
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa are a vibrant twist on a classic, ready in under an hour. The tacos are filled with hearty black beans and topped with a homemade sweet pepper salsa that brings freshness and a hint of sweetness. Main ingredients like black beans, bell peppers, and avocado ensure a nutritious and satisfying meal. This dish provides a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for a festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa
Beef Barbacoa
Beef Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that’s both tender and flavorful, typically taking about 6-8 hours in a slow cooker. The beef is seasoned with a blend of chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices, resulting in a succulent and slightly spicy taste. Key ingredients include chuck roast, chipotles in adobo, and bay leaves. It’s a hearty and comforting recipe that’s ideal for a celebratory Cinco de Mayo feast.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas offer a fuss-free meal ready in about 35 minutes, combining succulent steak and juicy shrimp with a colorful array of bell peppers and onions. The main ingredients are sirloin steak, shrimp, and a mix of bell peppers, seasoned with a homemade fajita spice blend. This dish is a symphony of bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a surf-and-turf approach to traditional fajitas.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas feature a flaky and golden exterior with a savory beef filling, taking about 45 minutes to prepare. Ground beef, onions, and a blend of spices create a filling that’s both comforting and flavorful. These empanadas are a nod to the past with a modern twist, thanks to the use of convenient puff pastry. They provide a delightful taste experience with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Fried Marinated Tofu
Fried Marinated Tofu is a delicious plant-based option that’s ready in 30 minutes and showcases the versatility of tofu when paired with a robust marinade. The tofu is infused with flavors like soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil before being fried to achieve a crispy exterior. This dish is a great alternative for those seeking a meatless option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. The result is a satisfying and flavorful bite that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu
Halloumi Tacos
Halloumi Tacos bring a Mediterranean flair to the Mexican table, ready in just 20 minutes. The salty and firm halloumi cheese is the star, complemented by a fresh tomato salsa and creamy avocado. These tacos are a delightful combination of chewy, creamy, and crisp textures. They offer a unique twist on a classic, with a taste that’s both familiar and new.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Tacos
Matzo brei chilaquiles
Matzo brei chilaquiles transform traditional Jewish matzo into a Mexican-inspired dish in about 25 minutes. The matzo is fried and then mixed with a spicy tomato sauce, creating a texture similar to tortilla chips soaked in salsa. This dish is a creative fusion that marries two cultural staples, resulting in a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s a perfect example of how food can bridge cultural gaps.
Get the Recipe: Matzo brei chilaquiles
Spicy Tofu Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos are a fiery and healthful option ready in just 30 minutes. The tofu is seasoned with a blend of spices and then pan-fried to create a crispy, flavorful filling. Alongside ingredients like corn tortillas and fresh cilantro, these tacos deliver a punch of heat and a bounty of nutrients. They’re a testament to the adaptability of traditional recipes to modern tastes.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos
Crispy Plantain Chips
Crispy Plantain Chips are a simple yet irresistible snack, taking only 20 minutes to make in an air fryer. With just plantains and a sprinkle of salt, these chips are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. They have a satisfying crunch and a natural sweetness that makes them highly addictive. This snack is a nod to the simplicity of traditional cooking methods.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Plantain Chips
Mexican Quick Pickles
Mexican Quick Pickles can be prepared in about 15 minutes, plus chilling time, and offer a tangy addition to any meal. Using vegetables like carrots, jalapeños, and red onions, these pickles are a colorful and zesty condiment. The main ingredients are steeped in a vinegar-based brine for a bright, acidic flavor. They’re a simple yet impactful way to enhance the taste of your Cinco de Mayo dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Quick Pickles
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread takes about 25 minutes to prepare and is a gluten-free twist on a Southern classic. This cornbread is studded with fiery jalapeños and rich cheddar cheese, delivering a moist and flavorful bite. The main ingredients include cornmeal, cheddar cheese, and pickled jalapeños. It’s a perfect balance of spice and savory, ideal for complementing any Mexican feast.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Pink Fish Tacos
Pink Fish Tacos are a visually stunning and tasty dish ready in about 30 minutes. The fish is seasoned and pan-fried until perfectly flaky, then nestled in tortillas with a vibrant pink slaw. Main ingredients like white fish, red cabbage, and avocado create a light yet satisfying meal. These tacos offer a burst of color and a harmony of flavors that are sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Pink Fish Tacos
Quick Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
Quick Pickled Jalapeño Peppers can be made in just 10 minutes, with additional time for the flavors to meld. These peppers are a fiery and tangy garnish, perfect for adding a kick to any dish. Key ingredients include fresh jalapeños and a simple brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices. They’re an effortless way to bring heat and acidity to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn is a smoky and aromatic side dish that requires about 30 minutes to prepare. Fresh corn on the cob is grilled and then seasoned with a Middle Eastern spice blend, including cumin and paprika. This recipe elevates the natural sweetness of the corn with a touch of exotic spice. It’s a side that’s both familiar to the palate and intriguingly different.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn