15 Best Cinco de Mayo Traditional Recipes

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas are a delightful blend of tender chicken, zesty sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for a Cinco de Mayo feast.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 8-10 corn tortillas
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until translucent.
3. Mix the shredded chicken with 1 cup of enchilada sauce and the sautéed onions.
4. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable and fill each with the chicken mixture.
5. Roll the filled tortillas and place in a baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Chiles Rellenos

Chiles Rellenos are roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese or meat, enveloped in a fluffy egg batter.

Ingredients

• 6 large poblano peppers
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or queso fresco)
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil

Cooking Method

1. Roast the poblano peppers until charred, then peel off skins.
2. Carefully slit the peppers and remove seeds.
3. Stuff each pepper with cheese.
4. Whisk egg whites until peaks form, then fold in beaten yolks.
5. Dust stuffed peppers in flour, then dip in egg batter.
6. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano is a rich, velvety sauce that combines chocolate, spices, and chilies to create a complex and savory dish.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 dried pasilla chilies
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 ounces Mexican chocolate

Cooking Method

1. Heat oil and toast chilies until fragrant.
2. Blend chilies with almonds, sesame seeds, and a bit of water until smooth.
3. Return mixture to the pan, add chocolate and simmer until thickened.

Tacos al Pastor

Tacos al Pastor feature marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, offering a sweet and savory taste with fresh pineapple.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pork shoulder, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon achiote paste
• 1 cup chopped pineapple

Cooking Method

1. Marinate pork in pineapple juice, garlic, and achiote paste for at least 2 hours.
2. Grill pork slices until cooked through.
3. Top with chopped pineapple and serve in tortillas.

Guacamole

Guacamole is a creamy and refreshing avocado dip that is a staple at any Mexican celebration.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup diced tomato
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• Salt to taste

Cooking Method

1. Mash avocados in a bowl.
2. Mix in tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
3. Serve immediately.

Sopes

Sopes are thick corn dough discs topped with beans, cheese, and a variety of other toppings for a satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup refried beans
• 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco

Cooking Method

1. Mix masa harina with water to form a dough.
2. Shape into small discs and cook on a hot griddle until slightly crisp.
3. Top with beans and cheese.

Tamales

Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish made of corn dough filled with meats, cheese, or chilies and wrapped in corn husks.

Ingredients

• 3 cups masa harina
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup lard or shortening
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Filling of choice (chicken, pork, or cheese)

Cooking Method

1. Mix masa harina, broth, lard, and baking powder until smooth.
2. Spread dough onto corn husks and add your filling.
3. Fold and steam for about 1 hour.

Ceviche

Ceviche is a refreshing, citrusy seafood dish made with raw fish “cooked” in lime juice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh fish, diced
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

Cooking Method

1. Marinate fish in lime juice for 30 minutes.
2. Stir in onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
3. Serve chilled.

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice is a flavorful side dish cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices for a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 onion, chopped

Cooking Method

1. Sauté rice and onion in oil until golden brown.
2. Add tomato sauce and broth, simmer until liquid is absorbed.

Tres Leches Cake

Tres Leches Cake is a sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, offering a rich and creamy dessert experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 5 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup whole milk

Cooking Method

1. Bake the cake by mixing flour, baking powder, eggs, and sugar.
2. Once cool, pour a mixture of three milks over the cake.
3. Refrigerate and serve topped with whipped cream.