Cinco de My-oh-My

If you’re craving the festive flavors of a Cinco de Mayo feast, but you’d prefer to celebrate in the comfort of your own home, check out these delicious foods. We’ve gathered a few recipes, so you’ll have all the information you’ll need to create a memorable fiesta for family and friends.

Cinco de Mayo originated in Mexico as a celebration of the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, but it’s now more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. South of the border, the holiday is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where the battle took place. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, often involving food, music, and community events.

If you’re ready to create a simple Mexican feast at home, try these easy recipes. ¡Ole!

STREET TACOS

A Mexican street taco is a small taco on a corn tortilla with your choice of a variety of meats. Chicken, pork, and beef (pieces of beef, not ground) Often served in street-style fashion from carts or food trucks, street tacos often have onion, cilantro and cotija cheese as toppings.

INGREDIENTS

Marinade:

2 tbsp. oil

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1 lb. meat of choice (chicken, pork, or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces)

12 mini corn or flour tortillas, warmed

¾ cup diced onion

½ cup chopped cilantro leaves

2 limes, cut into wedges plus one lime for juicing

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, combine first five ingredients.
2. Juice one whole lime and add to ingredients in bowl.
3. Place meat in gallon zipper bag and add marinade.
4. Allow meat to marinate for at least one hour.
5. Use a skillet to brown meat, cooking thoroughly.
6. Serve meat in warm tortillas, topped with onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
7. Additional toppings may include cotija cheese, salsa verde, guacamole, or salsa.

MARGARITAS

A classic margarita is typically made with just three ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or triple sec. Some recipes may also include simple syrup or agave to taste for extra sweetness. You can also purchase the pre-made margarita mix in a store, but that’s not necessary if you have the right ingredients at home.

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. tequila

1 oz. lime juice

1 oz. Cointerau or triple sec

Course salt for rimming glass

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker.
2. Add ice and shake well.
3. Coat the rim of a margarita glass with lime juice, then dip rim in coarse salt.
4. Pour drink into glass and garnish with lime. (optional)

STREET CORN

Mexican street corn, also known as elote, long a staple at Mexico City street festivals, has gained popularity in the United States in the past five years. A wooden skewer inserted in the large end of the corn cob makes the tangy treat easy to handle and helps make the food less messy.

You can find recipes for several variations of street corn on the internet, but the one we’re offering here will produce a basic, yet flavorful delight. Street corn tastes best when it’s grilled.

INGREDIENTS

4 ears of fresh corn on the cob

Butter

Wooden skewers

½ cup sour cream

½ cup mayonnaise

Cotija cheese (salty, crumbly Mexican cheese) Feta will work in a pinch

Lime juice and zest

Fresh cilantro

Chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat grill and shuck corn. Insert wooden skewer into large end of each cob. Brush with melted butter or oil.
2. Grill corn about 3 minutes per side, flipping it 2 or 3 times. You want nice, charred corn.
3. Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, cheese, and lime juice and zest in bowl.
4. Slather the corn with the creamy sauce. The more you use, the better.
5. Sprinkle each ear with chipotle chili powder and top with cilantro.

BURRITO BOWL

An easy way to serve a meal that’s sure to satisfy is to arrange ingredients in a bowl (think: charcuterie-style) and call it a burrito bowl. Use a spoon to place beans, lettuce, rice, and tomatoes in a large bowl, then throw multicolored peppers on an oiled grill with the meat of your choice. (We love shrimp.) Grill until peppers and soft and meat is cooked. Add grilled items to bowl and serve with crema (sour cream enhanced with lime juice) and tortilla chips.