Cinco de Mayo brings a wave of Mexican-inspired dishes to the forefront, with kitchens across the country buzzing with activity. From the heartiness of slow-cooked meats to the freshness of zesty salsas, the variety is vast and the flavors are bold. This year, the trend continues as home cooks dive into creating their own Mexican feasts to celebrate the day.
Quesabirria Tacos
Quesabirria Tacos combine the juiciness of slow-cooked beef with the crunch of a grilled tortilla. In just over three hours, these tacos are packed with a blend of cheeses and a consommé for dipping, delivering a mouthful of savory, slightly spicy flavors. They are a crowd-pleaser with their unique twist on traditional tacos, featuring main ingredients like chuck roast, guajillo chiles, and Oaxaca cheese.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos
Mexican Quick Pickles
Mexican Quick Pickles are a vibrant addition to any Cinco de Mayo spread, ready in about 15 minutes. These pickles use vegetables like carrots, radishes, and cauliflower, creating a tangy and slightly sweet taste. They’re a crunchy, flavorful condiment that can brighten up tacos or salads. Their ease of preparation makes them a must-try for anyone looking to add a quick homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Quick Pickles
Fried Marinated Tofu
Fried Marinated Tofu offers a delightful plant-based option that takes about 35 minutes to prepare. The tofu is marinated in a blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and spices, resulting in a savory and slightly nutty flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or a protein-packed addition to any meal. The tofu’s crispy exterior and tender interior make it a satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Fried Marinated Tofu
Blackened Cod Tacos
Blackened Cod Tacos are a lighter take on the festive fare, ready in just 20 minutes. The cod is seasoned with a homemade blackening spice mix, providing a smoky and slightly spicy taste. Paired with a simple slaw and avocado, these tacos are a balance of fresh and bold flavors. They showcase the simplicity of using fresh fish and spices to create a memorable taco experience.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Cod Tacos
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas are a sizzling dish that can be made in 25 minutes. This one-pan wonder features bell peppers, onions, steak, and shrimp, all seasoned with a homemade fajita mix. The result is a combination of succulent seafood and tender steak with a smoky, spicy kick. It’s a fuss-free recipe that delivers on flavor and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Steak & Shrimp Fajitas
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas offer a flaky, buttery crust filled with a savory beef mixture. Taking about 45 minutes, they’re filled with ground beef, vegetables, and spices, resulting in a warm, comforting taste. These empanadas are perfect for those who want a handheld treat that’s both filling and flavorful. They’re a testament to the versatility of puff pastry in traditional Latin cuisine.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Crispy Plantain Chips
Crispy Plantain Chips are a healthier alternative to traditional chips, ready in just 15 minutes using an air fryer. With just plantains and oil, these chips are a simple yet delicious snack with a sweet and salty profile. They’re perfect for those who crave a crunchy texture without the guilt. Their quick cooking time makes them an easy addition to any Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Plantain Chips
Pink Fish Tacos
Pink Fish Tacos bring a burst of color and flavor to the table, ready in about 30 minutes. The fish is seasoned and paired with a pink slaw, offering a tangy and slightly spicy taste. These tacos are a showstopper with their vibrant hue and fresh, zesty flavors. Main ingredients include white fish, cabbage, and a special pink sauce, making them a visually appealing and tasty choice.
Get the Recipe: Pink Fish Tacos
Quick Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
Quick Pickled Jalapeño Peppers are a must-have topping for those who enjoy a spicy kick, ready in just 15 minutes. Sliced jalapeños are pickled with vinegar and spices, creating a hot and tangy flavor. They’re an effortless way to add heat to tacos, nachos, or sandwiches. These peppers are a simple yet impactful condiment that can elevate any dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Jalapeno Peppers
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread is a moist, flavorful side dish that takes about 35 minutes to prepare. It combines cornmeal, cheddar cheese, and jalapeños, resulting in a spicy and cheesy flavor. This cornbread is a great complement to any Mexican meal, offering a bit of heat with each bite. It’s a satisfying blend of textures and tastes that can stand alone or accompany a main course.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread
Matzo brei chilaquiles
Matzo brei chilaquiles is a unique fusion dish, ready in about 20 minutes. It combines matzo brei, a traditional Jewish food, with the flavors of Mexican chilaquiles. The dish is savory with a hint of spice, featuring ingredients like matzo crackers, eggs, and salsa. It’s a creative twist that marries two cultural cuisines into one delicious breakfast or brunch option.
Get the Recipe: Matzo brei chilaquiles
Air Fryer Enchiladas
Air Fryer Enchiladas offer a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic dish in just 30 minutes. Filled with cheese and your choice of protein, these enchiladas are topped with a rich sauce, delivering a warm, gooey taste. They’re a convenient option for a hands-off approach to a beloved Mexican staple. The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly melted.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas
Beef Quesadillas
Beef Quesadillas are a simple yet satisfying dish that can be made in about 20 minutes. They are filled with seasoned beef and melted cheese, creating a hearty and comforting flavor. These quesadillas are perfect for a quick meal or a snack during festivities. Their ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make them a popular choice.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas
Spiced Grilled Corn
Spiced Grilled Corn is a summer favorite that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Ears of corn are grilled to perfection and then seasoned with a Middle Eastern spice blend, offering a smoky and aromatic flavor. This side dish is a great way to incorporate fresh produce into your Cinco de Mayo menu. It’s a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy corn with an unexpected twist.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Grilled Corn
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa
Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa are a vegetarian option that can be ready in 30 minutes. The tacos feature a filling of seasoned black beans and are topped with a homemade sweet pepper salsa, providing a balance of earthy and sweet flavors. They’re a colorful and nutritious choice for those seeking a meat-free alternative. These tacos showcase how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Tacos with Sweet Pepper Salsa
Pepita Salsa Macha
Pepita Salsa Macha is a versatile condiment that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. Made with toasted pepitas, chiles, and oil, it has a nutty, smoky taste with a touch of heat. This salsa can be drizzled over tacos, meats, or vegetables, adding depth to any dish. It’s a quick and easy way to introduce a new flavor profile to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Pepita Salsa Macha
Halloumi Tacos
Halloumi Tacos are a delightful combination of textures and flavors, ready in about 20 minutes. The tacos feature grilled halloumi cheese, offering a salty and slightly creamy taste. Paired with fresh vegetables and a zesty sauce, these tacos are a great meat-free option. They’re a testament to the versatility of cheese as a taco filling and are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos
Spicy Tofu Tacos are a plant-based dish that can be whipped up in 30 minutes. The tofu is seasoned with a spicy sauce, delivering a bold and zesty flavor. These tacos are filled with fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro, creating a satisfying combination of heat and freshness. They’re an excellent choice for those looking for a meatless option with a kick.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Tofu Tacos
Beef Barbacoa
Beef Barbacoa is a slow-cooked delicacy, usually prepared in about 4 to 6 hours, that’s become a staple for Cinco de Mayo. The beef is tender and infused with a blend of chipotle peppers, garlic, and lime, resulting in a rich, smoky flavor. It’s typically served with tortillas and a variety of toppings. This dish is a testament to the art of slow cooking, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are a flavorful side dish that can be ready in about an hour. They mimic the popular restaurant’s recipe, featuring black beans simmered with spices like cumin and oregano, achieving a robust, earthy taste. These beans are perfect as a filling for burritos or as an accompaniment to rice. They’re a simple way to bring a taste of Chipotle home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups
Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups are a novel twist on traditional tacos, ready in about 30 minutes. Made with cheese and almond flour, they provide a crunchy base filled with seasoned meat and toppings, offering a savory taste without the carbs. These cups are great for those following a low-carb diet or anyone looking for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. They’re a creative and guilt-free addition to any Cinco de Mayo menu.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Low Carb Taco Cups