Cinco de Mayo Seafood Fiesta!
We are shaking things up this Cinco de Mayo by bringing you some authentic Mexican and tasty seafood recipes. So say adios to the usual suspects like tacos, nachos, burritos, and margaritas, and get ready to savor some fresh and flavorful dishes. We have not one, not two, but three mouth-watering recipes for you to try, and as a bonus, we are even throwing in a homemade tortilla recipe! These recipes all feature some of our favorite infused olive oils and vinegar, which are guaranteed to add Cinco de Mayo-approved flavor to your meal.
Contramar-Style Red and Green Grilled Fish
This recipe is inspired by one of the most well-known dishes at the famous Mexico City restaurant, Contramar. The Red and Green Grilled Fish features a butterflied white fish such as snapper or branzino, grilled and brushed with two delectable chili sauces. The red sauce is a mouthwatering blend of dried ancho, guajillo, and arbol chiles, along with fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and lime juice, seasoned with our Cilantro & Red Onion Infused Olive Oil and Chipotle Infused Olive Oil. Meanwhile, the green sauce is a fresh and smooth combination of garlic, parsley, cilantro, and jalapeño, made with our popular Jalapeño Aromatizado Olive Oil, an oil packed with zesty jalapeño flavor. This recipe is sure to impress and satisfy with its delectable spices and heat.
When it comes to ceviche, Mexico has its unique style. While the seafood used may vary, this recipe features fresh shrimp combined with a zesty blend of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, avocados, cucumbers, and a generous amount of acidic ingredients. The acidity plays a crucial role in the dish, not only "cooking" the shrimp but also allowing the other ingredients to infuse with flavor. Our recipe takes it up a notch by incorporating a mixture of freshly squeezed lime juice, Cilantro & Garlic White Balsamic, and Jalapeño Aromatizado in the marinade, creating even more savory and flavorful notes.
The foundation of this delicious seafood recipe for Cinco de Mayo is aguachile, which translates to "chili water" in Spanish. To create the aguachile, we blend together fresh cucumbers, jalapeños, cilantro, and parsley with lime juice before straining the mixture and seasoning it with salt, pepper, and our Cilantro & Red Onion Infused Olive Oil. We then use this oil to sear the scallops, bringing out the full range of flavors and enhancing the freshness of the ingredients. Unlike traditional Mexican ceviches that marinate the seafood in acidic liquid, aguachiles are served by pouring the liquid over the seafood just before serving, allowing the flavors of the fresh ingredients to shine through.
What is the difference between Aguachile and Ceviche?
Aguachile and ceviche are popular seafood dishes from Mexico, but there are some key differences between the two.
- Preparation method: In ceviche, the seafood is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices and spices until it becomes "cooked" by the acidity. In contrast, in aguachile, the seafood is not marinated. Instead, it is covered with a spicy sauce or "chili water" made with lime juice, chili peppers, and other seasonings just before serving.
- Texture: Ceviche is typically made with small diced pieces of seafood, while aguachile often features thinly sliced or whole pieces of raw seafood that are topped with the chili sauce just before serving.
- Spice level: While both dishes can be spicy, aguachile is typically spicier than ceviche because of the concentration of chilies in the sauce.
- Serving style: Ceviche is typically served in a bowl or on a plate, while aguachile is often served on a tostada, a crispy corn tortilla, or in a shot glass.
Overall, aguachile is known for its bold, spicy flavors and its emphasis on fresh, raw seafood, while ceviche is a bit more subdued in flavor and texture due to the "cooking" effect of the citrus marinade.
The Ingredients Behind these Recipes …
Cilantro & Garlic Infused White Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted garlic and fresh cilantro are a perfect pair, lending both freshness and depth to this flavorful vinegar. It's ideal for adding a kick of acidity to all kinds of dishes.
Our chipotle-infused olive oil is smokey, rich, a little sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. A pantry essential for lovers of Southwestern cuisine. Try adding a dash to mango salsa, drizzling over a breakfast burrito, or pairing with our espresso or chocolate balsamic for flavorful pork, chicken, or steak marinade
Cilantro & Red Onion Infused Olive Oil
Inspired by traditional Latin American cuisine, this herbaceous and piquant-infused olive oil is made with the sweet depths of red onion and the citrusy freshness of cilantro. Make this your go-to for marinades, sauces, guacamole, and rice pilaf. Combine with fresh citrus or our whole fruit vinegar for a quick, easy way to add flavor to grilled chicken.
The traditional method of pressing citrus, fruits, herbs, and vegetables with olives creates a highly aromatic flavored olive oil: Fresh and exploding with intense jalapeño aromas, this oil blossoms with a vibrant green peppery flavor. Made by crushing olives together with fresh jalapeño, this oil has a fragrant peppery aroma with lots of fruitiness and a persistent spicy finish.
Bonus Recipe!
Homemade Flour Tortillas with Olive Oil
You might be surprised to learn that making your own tortillas at home is a breeze. With just four simple ingredients - flour, salt, water, and EVOO - you can whip up delicious tortillas that are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Our recipe uses our Cilantro & Red Onion Infused Olive Oil, which not only adds flavor to the dough but also serves as the cooking oil for the tortillas. Fat is crucial for ensuring that baked goods, especially flatbreads, retain moisture and structure. By incorporating olive oil, these tortillas not only achieve those goals but also provide healthy fats that benefit your diet, giving them an edge over store-bought options in terms of taste and nutrition.