With Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, what better way to celebrate Mexican-American culture than with a Tex Mex food fiesta? That’s why RiceSelect® is here to help you create the perfect Tex Mex spread to mark this special occasion. From breakfasts to main courses, side dishes to desserts and beverages, there are endless gourmet possibilities to explore. With a fusion of flavors and Tex Mex twists, these recipes are guaranteed to wow your guests! So, without further ado, let’s make your Cinco de Mayo gathering one that your loved-ones will remember for years to come!
What Does Cinco de Mayo Celebrate?
Before we dive into the recipes, it’s worth reminding ourselves what Cinco de Mayo is all about. In 1862, Mexico repelled the attack of the French army at the Battle of Puebla. Since then, this day has taken on enormous significance, not only in Mexico but also in the USA. In fact, Cinco de Mayo is one of the biggest celebrations on the American calendar, with people from all backgrounds and cultures coming together to celebrate Mexican culture and cuisine.
Start the Day the Tex Mex Way
On days like this, it’s important to make the best start possible. That’s where our Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Bowl comes in. Hearty and satisfying, it’s no wonder that this traditional Mexican breakfast dish has traveled beyond the Hispanic world and made its way into the heart of American cuisine. Made with avocado, jalapeño pepper, eggs, cilantro, queso fresco, and pico de gallo sauce, few breakfast recipes pack quite the punch. So, why not get the party started early? Invite your guests over for a breakfast that will fuel the fiesta for hours to come.
Classic Tex Mex Main Courses
Now that you’ve got the morning meal more than taken care of, it’s time to hit the kitchen and put your home chef stamp on some classic Tex Mex mains. First up is our Texas Stir Fry recipe. The success of this deceptively simple dish depends on a subtle blend of typical Mexican ingredients. Stir-fried pork, black beans, cilantro, chili powder, and lime juice, are all staples of Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine that will remind your guests just why our nation fell in love with this food in the first place!
Quinoa Recipe for Cinco de Mayo
You may have noticed that your fellow foodies can’t stop talking about quinoa dishes. Nutty and fragrant, it’s the perfect ingredient to add an extra dimension to your spread. This Quinoa Burrito Bowl combines many classic components of a burrito bowl—chicken, sauteed veggies, taco seasoning, corn salsa, cilantro, and lime juice—but is elevated by the subtle twist of using quinoa as its base. What’s more, if you want to give this dish an extra Tex Mex twist, then up the cheese portion of the recipe for that signature melty finish.
Classic Vegetarian Burrito Recipe
Cinco de Mayo is all about having fun, both in the kitchen and at the dining table. That’s why this Brown Rice Black Bean Burrito is the perfect party food to add to your spread. A firm favorite among lovers of Tex Mex, your guests will hardly be able to contain themselves when they see you emerge from the kitchen with a fresh batch of mouthwatering burritos. What’s more, these are no ordinary burritos! Devised with the signature RiceSelect® finesse, it blends traditional burrito ingredients with subtle touches such as a sprinkle of cumin, a little sour cream, and a dash of Sriracha sauce for an extra flavor kick. Don’t be surprised if the humble burrito steals the show this Cinco de Mayo!
Mexican Seafood Dish
Variety is the spice of life, not to mention an essential component of any festive gathering. That’s why it’s important to cater to all tastes. For Cinco de Mayo, this mouthwatering Camarones al Ajillo recipe is guaranteed to please all the seafood aficionados in attendance. The combination of fresh prawns cooked to perfection in garlic and olive oil and served on a bed of RiceSelect® Tri-color Orzo makes this dish a unique seafood experience.
Side Dishes and Accompaniments
Good Tex Mex cuisine is all about the spread, and that’s where sides come in. Having plenty of nachos and dips to hand is a must. Make sure to lay out lots of guacamole and chili dip too. But if you’re looking to serve up a side dish that's just that little bit different, then our Texmati Rice Migas might be right up your alley. Although often enjoyed as a breakfast, it also works perfectly as a side dish that your guests can pass around the table. Made with fragrant and fluffy Texmati White Rice, it’s a popular egg dish infused with chili powder, cumin, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream, and bell peppers.
A feast like this may not leave much room for dessert, so why not cap off your meal with a light and sweet beverage that’s adored in Hispanic culture all over the world? Yes, you’ve guessed it, we’re talking about horchata. Made with just a few simple ingredients—milk, water, cinnamon sticks, vanilla extract—our Horchata Recipe pays homage to traditional Mexican Horchata recipes.
Tex Mex Cooking Tips and Tricks
What is the difference between Tex Mex and traditional Mexican cuisine, you might be wondering? Well, the truth is, they have a lot in common as the name suggests. However, certain features of Tex Mex cuisine make it stand out.
Bold flavors: Tex Mex recipes typically amp up the spicy elements of Mexican cuisine. Generous portions of ingredients like chili powder, pepper, cumin, jalapeños, and chipotle are all staples of authentic Tex Mex dishes.
Extra Cheese: Perhaps the most notable feature of Tex Mex cooking is the emphasis placed on cheese. Typically, Mexican recipes will call for the inclusion of queso fresco or queso manchego, whereas with Tex Mex, meltier yellow cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack are used.
Flour Tortilla: Another element of Tex Mex food is the popularity of recipes with flour tortillas. From burritos to enchiladas to quesadillas, there are simply always tortilla dishes on the menu at Tex Mex parties.
Hosting a Tex Mex Fiesta for Cinco de Mayo
Setting the Perfect Tex Mex Party Atmosphere
Now that we’ve got the food aspect of your Cinco de Mayo gathering taken care of, let’s look at the best ways to create an authentic Mexican atmosphere.
Create a festive atmosphere with colorful decorations that reflect the spirit of Mexico. Consider stretching papel picado (perforated paper) banners across the room to add vibrancy to your decor.
Offer a selection of Mexican beverages, such as fruit punch, margaritas, agua fresca, or tequila beers, to keep your guests refreshed.
Don't forget to include some traditional Mexican music to set the mood for your celebration. Create a group chat and lean on friends of Hispanic heritage to help you unearth some hidden gems of Mexican music.
Fiesta Time!
Make this Cinco de Mayo a truly memorable one. Celebrations like these bring us together and help us appreciate what really matters in life. Good times call for good food. At RiceSelect®, we’re committed to providing home chefs with the inspiration they need to create culinary experiences their guests will remember forever.