Cinco de Mayo Calls for Mariscos
While many people believe Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, it is not (that is celebrated on September 16 in Mexico). Rather, the holiday refers to May 5, 1862, when Mexican forces defeated French invaders at the Battle of Puebla. The victory was remarkable because the French army, which hadn’t seen defeat in 50 years, was far better equipped and outnumbered the Mexican military by at least two to one.
While Cinco de Mayo is not widely celebrated in Mexico outside of Puebla, it became popular in the 1980s thanks to advertising campaigns by beer, wine, and tequila companies. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a day to celebrate Mexican heritage in the United States, much like St. Patrick’s Day celebrates Irish culture.
Whether in Mexico or the United States, seafood takes center stage on most Cinco de Mayo menus. This is true for various reasons, including its versatility, firm texture, ease of preparation, and, of course, taste. With this in mind, below are five dishes certain to add just the right mix of culture and gayety to your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Fish tacos are a top seafood staple ideal for any Cinco de Mayo table. Delicious, served warm or cold, they require little preparation and are ideal as an appetizer, the main dish, or a buffet entrée. Branzino makes a good firm choice. Other tasty options include steamed shrimp and calamari. Served with a zesty salsa, any of these fillings will have guests thinking they are south of the border no matter how far north they live.
Classic ceviche. Another Mexican staple, this fruit, vegetable, and seafood dish can be made a day ahead, leaving more celebration time on the day itself. Here, again, branzino fillets are a flavorful choice that can stand up to the dish’s citrus-spicy wonderfulness.
Tostadas de camaron. These battered and fried shrimp tostadas are nothing short of delectable yet easy to fix, especially when you start with pre-breaded, crispy-wrapped shrimp. Top with shredded cilantro and serve with jalapeño tartar sauce or your favorite mild or spicy sauce.
Seafood quesadillas. Who can resist a combination of cheese and seafood? Not your guests once they taste this easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for an appetizer, meal, or late-night snack. Fill with grilled shrimp, calamari, or sliced fish fillets. Add avocado and pineapple, top with mozzarella cheese for a unique Mexican flavor, and cook in a frying pan until lightly browned. Just remember to serve them again next year so as not to disappoint your guests.
Fried calamari with chipotle sauce. This is super-easy, tasty, and fast to prepare, making it ideal for when a small get-together unexpectedly turns into a larger gathering. It is also great for less experienced cooks since you can make your own Chipotle sauce or buy one of many available premade brands. For a healthier option or to accommodate different dietary needs, use gluten-free, lightly dusted calamari. Just be sure to stock up, as this crowd-pleaser goes fast.
So, this Cinco de Mayo serve seafood to ensure your guests leave saying Gracias por la deliciosa comida! (“Thank you for the delicious meal”)