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.

Seafood can also be simmered in the Veracruzana style. This is a sauce preparation made with tomatoes, chilies, olives, and capers. The resulting dish is both tangy and spicy. This sauce is often prepared with red snapper or shrimp. Veracruz and its surrounding region are well known for this and many other 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 most prolific season for fishing in Mexico. Many people follow the edicts of the Catholic Church in Mexico, and so they do not eat meat on Fridays or for Lent. Seafood comes to the rescue on these days since the Church exempts it from being classified as meat. Due to this, seafood plays a big part in Mexican religious celebrations. Every family has their own recipes for making the most of whatever type of seafood they can afford to buy, no matter if it is something humble or something luxurious.

When it comes to making food in your own kitchen, do not overlook the Mexican recipes for seafood. Fish is really a versatile ingredient. Many popular dishes in Mexico include spicy stuffed clams, red snapper and shrimp stuffed chilies. Let them tickle your taste buds without having to go on vacation.

Add some of these delicious Mexican recipes to your recipe file. Seafood soup, stews and other dishes are both delicious and filling. Shrimp is used in enchiladas, tacos, and many more favorite dishes. Seafood and rice is a common dish served in Veracruz that contains fish, shrimp, octopus, clams, and crabs. Seafood frittatas are made with octopus, shrimp, crab, fish, and shellfish such as oysters, mussels, or clams for an exciting way to enjoy eggs.

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.

Traditional Mexican ingredients which feature in many different Mexican recipes, such as corn, tomatoes, avocado, chicken and cheese, also make an appearance in a lot of Mexican salads. If the weather is warm, making your own Mexican salads can be a nice way to enjoy another facet of typical Mexican cuisine.