Cinco de Mayo, simply stated in English is the Fifth of May. But there is nothing simple about this date. On May 5, 1862, Mexico won its independence from France in the Franco-Mexican War. While some people see it solely as a day to live it up on food and booze, it is also a day for those of Mexican descent to celebrate their amazingly vibrant history. That all being said, what’s a holiday without some yummy food? Continue on and travel through the collection of recipes that I have assembled for my family to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo each year.
Tacos
Traditional Beef Tacos – Most Americans, along with other nationalities have a skewed view of what taco meat really is. If you are like me, you may have grown up eating the likes of Taco Bell, Qdoba, or Taco Johns. If you ate at one of these establishments, you have not had “authentic” mexican tacos. For that experience, I suggest trying these Carne Asada tacos. And if you are wanting some of those familiar fast-food flavors in your own kitchen, you might want to try The Best Taco Meat.
Chicken Tacos – I often find myself looking for ways to put a spin on a family favorite to make it new and exciting. One of the easiest ways to do that is to simply change up the protein. When I’m still wanting to have a taco, but don’t want to go with the same old thing, I make these Easy Chicken Tacos.
Fish/Shrimp Tacos – Changing up the protein yet again, a seafood taco is a complete change of pace compared to what many are used to. Chelsea from Chelsea’s Messy Apron has a terrific recipe for Shrimp Tacos. The cilantro-lime slaw and fresh avocado take this taco to a whole new level. Another amazing recipe to try when you are cooking “out of the box” is the Life-Changing Crispy Baked Fish Tacos from Ali at Gimme Some Oven. The chipotle crema itself will have you wondering how you lived your life without it to this point.
Taco Salad – And of course there are those times when I want my tried and true beef taco meat, but my stomach just isn’t wanting that warm little flour tortilla or crunchy corn shell. On those rare instances, a taco salad is always a great way to go. And if you are feeding quite a few for Cinco de Mayo, this can be a more cost effective option…and it’s healthier too.
Enchiladas
Beef Enchiladas
I know when I think of enchiladas, I think of beef enchiladas with a red sauce. Ree Drummond, also known as The Pioneer Woman, has a recipe for Simply Perfect Enchiladas that is absolutely to die for. The best part, it’s super simple, just as the name implies.
Chicken Enchiladas
Whether you have an allergy to red meat or just prefer to keep it a little leaner, chicken can always be a good choice when making enchiladas. And just like her traditional enchiladas, the Pioneer Woman has a recipe for White Chicken Enchiladas that will have you licking your lips.
Rice and Beans
Traditional Mexican Rice: Sometimes the side dishes can be just as important as the main course. I have to say that this is one of those times. If you are looking for a recipe that will conjure the warm and fuzzy memories of eating at your local Mexican restaurant, this recipe for Authentic Mexican Rice will hit the spot.
The Best Rice Ever: If you are truly looking for a rice dish that not only packs a punch with flavor, but also makes your mouth happy with just how moist it is, you have to try this Portuguese Tomato Rice. I promise you, it will not disappoint. This is the tried and true recipe I use when my family celebrates Cinco de Mayo. But be warned, it starts off with a nice helping of bacon fat.
Bean Casserole: Of course you can always crack open a can of refried beans and be done with this side dish, but would that really be fitting for a day such as Cinco de Mayo? No, of course not. So for a proper celebration, you need a recipe that has layers of flavor and makes even the most skeptical a believer. For this side dish, I fall back on this Cheesy Refried Bean Casserole from Six Sisters’ Stuff.
Drinks
Ask most people what drink comes to mind when they think of the Mexican Independence Day and they might just scream for a Margarita. So what is it that makes a Margarita so special? I think one of the most appealing parts of a margarita is the fact that they come in several different flavors, but at its core the drink is the same. Whether you are wanting a Classic Margarita or wanting something that explodes with flavor like the Raspberry Lemonade, Strawberry Jalapeno, or the Frosty Orange margarita….there’s a million to choose from.
Dessert
As if the rest of the meal hasn’t been a complete indulgence already, I can’t imagine a holiday without a sweet treat to seal the deal. Cinco de Mayo usually calls for one of two dessert recipes from me. It comes down to whether I want to spend a lot of time and energy working on the “closer” of the meal. If I am aiming for simplicity, I make this super yummy Tres Leches Poke Cake. And if I am willing to spend more time working on dessert, then this Mexican Flan Cake is a true showstopper.
Anytime there is Mexican food around, you can bet I’ll be eating it.
-Eva Longoria
If that isn’t enough food to fill you to the brim, I truly don’t know what is. And although my family may not make every single recipe above each May 5th, we truly love exploring the Mexican culture through different avenues, but especially food. Food has a special way of speaking to the soul without saying a single word. Whether it’s a warm tortilla that makes you feel like you are being hugged from the inside out or a churro that brings back memories of childhoods spent at the fair, Mexican food can make you feel things you never thought possible.
Does your family do anything special for Cinco de Mayo? Is there a specific dish that you like to make for the holiday? Drop your thoughts and suggestions in the comments down below.
