Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Mexican Seafood
When most people think of Mexican food, they do not usually include seafood. Mexico is full of seafood, however. With six thousand miles of coastline, how could they not include seafood? Mexico is located in between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Gulf of Mexico provides many miles of coastal fishing. Mexican seafood is a staple that those of us unfamiliar with the country do not often think about.
One of the most popular seafood dishes in Mexico is ceviche. This dish is made with raw fish, shrimp, or squid that is diced finely. Cilantro, chili peppers, onion, and salt may be added. Finally, a citrus juice like lemon or lime is added. The acidity of the juice “cooks” the fish slightly. Some ingredients may be cooked first for safety. Ceviche is served on its own, with crackers or tostadas, or even as taco filling.
When fish or shrimp is served in the Veracruzana style, the seafood is simmered in a seasoned tomato sauce. The seasonings may include capers, olives, and chilies. The result is a tangy dish with some spice. It is often served with red snapper or shrimp. The area around Veracruz is well known for its many seafood dishes.
One Spanish method for cooking has really caught on in Mexico, especially for fish. This method is known as “a la Plancha.” In this cooking style, a metal plate is laid over an open flame. The fish is grilled upon the plate, giving the fish that wonderful grilled flavor while keeping it from sticking to the grill.
Winter is the best fishing time in Mexico. Large quantities of delicious fish and shellfish are harvested during this season to feed the populace. Most people in Mexico follow the Catholic religion, which dictates no meat on Fridays, only fish. They also eat a lot of seafood during Lent. Seafood plays a major part in their religious rituals for each family. Every cook uses their seasoning skills to bring out the most in their seafood, whether they can afford large shrimp or only a humble meal of fish heads.
When you are looking for dishes to make at home, do not forget to look for those that contain seafood. You may be surprised just how versatile it really is. Chilies stuffed with shrimp, spicy clams and delicious snapper await your eager taste buds when you prepare them like they are served in Mexico.
Be sure and include some of this delicious Mexican food in your recipe file. Stews and soup are delicious when made with seafood. Use shrimp in tacos, enchiladas, and many other favorite recipes. A common meal in Veracruz is seafood and rice. This wonderful meal includes shrimp, fish, octopus, crab, and clams. Seafood frittatas are another great way to enjoy the sea’s bounty. Add in some oysters, clams, shrimp, fish, or crab next time you make one.
Do not write off Mexican food if it does not contain beef, pork, or chicken. Seafood truly shines in Mexican cuisine. Explore the culture of Mexico through its seafood and you will see everything in a whole new light. The seafood provides the perfect combination with the many spices and ingredients best loved in Mexican cooking.
MexicanFoodRecipes.org is the place to look if you want to find the most comprehensive list of excellent Mexican recipes all in one place. We have everything from tacos to tamales and fajitas to casseroles, soups, salads, salsa recipes and everything else you can think of, which you can cook yourself at home with ease.
