Cinco de Mayo is coming up soon. Here are 15 recipes that you can make to celebrate! Start planning now for your perfect Cinco de Mayo menu.
Classic cinco de mayo tacos
Birria tacos
These tacos are viral for a reason: smokey, sweet, spicy fall-apart-tender beef stewed in a savory consomé. Tortilla shells are dipped in fat, stuffed with beef, and fried to a crispy glorious bite.
Carnitas
Classic carnitas, you will always have my heart. Good carnitas are juicy, crispy, and so, so good. Slow braised pork crisped up then all snug in soft tortillas is absolutely the best. The best part about carnitas is that it’s so hands-off: meal prep a huge batch and you’re set.
Barbacoa
If you’re a beef fan, barbacoa is for you: slow cooked brisket that is super flavorful, soft, and juicy, seasoned with dried chiles, cumin, oregano, and vinegar. Barbacoa is amazing in tacos, burritos, on its own. There’s nothing barbacoa can’t do.
Off the beaten path tacos
Al pastor quesatacos
Cheesy tacos > non-cheesy tacos, amirite? These’s ultra cheesy al pastor tacos are sweet, smoky, juicy, and so so cheesy. I love the bright sweet acidity of pineapples with al pastor – don’t sleep on these guys, they will change your taco life!
Chicken al pastor tacos
If you’re a fan of the sweet and smoky flavors of al pastor but are feeling like chicken, chicken al pastor tacos are just the thing. This is a super easy, barely an inconvenience 6 ingredient al pastor sauce that is perfect with chicken. Everything gets baked in the oven while you chill out with margaritas and when the chicken’s ready, you shred it and pop it into warmed tortillas.
Adovada
If you’re from New Mexico or even if you’ve passed through the state of enchantment, I’m sure you’ve had adovada: a red chile New Mexico pork stew that is perfect when tucked into soft and fluffy tortillas. The smokey deep flavor comes from roasting dried chilies – you can coax out so much flavor and complexity.
Air fryer chicken tacos
These guys are based off of those famous crispy chicken tacos from El Parasol in New Mexico. They juicy, crisp, and so good. I dream of these tacos. If you’re a crunchy taco fan, try these guys out, the juiciness of the chicken with the creaminess of the avocado next to the crispy crunch of freshly fried corn tortillas is amazing.
Other delicious mains for cinco de mayo
Chile verde pork stew
Slow roasted pork shoulder in a smokey roasted green pepper and tomatillo sauce makes up a satisfying hearty stew that you can serve up in burritos, enchiladas, tacos, or on a plate with retried beans, rice, and tortillas.
Chicken enchiladas
Corn tortillas wrapped around a super savory chicken, smothered in homemade enchilada sauce and cheese, baked to gooey perfection.
Chicken tortilla soup
Sopa de tortilla made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and chile is warming, filling, and full of so much flavor. Don’t forget the toppings because crispy strips of tortilla, avocados, and plenty of cheese takes this soup over the top.
Air fryer taquitos
Crispy, crunchy rolled tacos stuffed with chipotle chicken served up with avocado lime crema and pico de gallo.
Insanely good side dishes for your cinco de mayo
Mexican rice
Rice is absolutely a necessity for classic Mexican plates, with enchiladas, on the side of tacos, wrapped up in burritos, or with stews. Rice is fried up with aromatics and spices then cooked with water and tomatoes for a flavorful side that is great on its own or as the supporting star to a great main.
Homemade tortilla chips
Hot and fresh tortilla chips are a revaluation. Once you’ve had tortilla chips fresh from the fryer, you’ll never go back. Super simple to make and even easier to eat!
Guacamole
What are chips without guacamole? The ingredients are so simple but the execution is where it your guacamole can shine. Don’t be afraid to be creative, guacamole can take it!
Salsa verde
A four ingredient green salsa for all your saucing and dipping needs: smokey, fresh, and delicious.
