What to Cook in May


The Casual Epicurean

Volume 2 Issue 15

What to Cook in May

Hola Mayo! April flew by in a whirlwind of activity, and now we're eagerly anticipating the celebrations that make May a special time. With Cinco de Mayo kicking off the month, followed by Mother's Day brunches, and ending with Memorial Day festivities, May offers plenty of opportunities to gather around good food.

As temperatures rise across Texas, we're excited to share fantastic recipes that are perfect for outdoor dining and festive occasions, from margaritas to grilled favorites that will make your Cinco de Mayo celebrations unforgettable.

Must Make This Month

Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to enjoy Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites:

Mangonada Margarita

This vibrant cocktail blends sweet mangos with tequila, chamoy, and Tajín for a colorful, refreshing celebration drink.

Tex-Mex Queso

Made with real cheese and fresh ingredients, this rich dip is perfect for any time, from weeknight dinners to weekend celebrations.

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa

Quick and easy tacos topped with fresh mango salsa for the perfect blend of sweet and savory. Ready in minutes but bursting with flavor.


Cook Once, Eat Twice

Start with our Carne Asada recipe - a citrus-marinated steak perfect for grilling. Day one, enjoy it as the centerpiece of your dinner with rice, beans, and tortillas.

Transform leftovers into these quick meals:

Carne Asada Street Tacos - Serve chopped steak in small corn tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, and lime for authentic street-style tacos.

Carne Asada Quesadillas - Tuck leftover steak into tortillas with cheese for a quick lunch or dinner.

Carne Asada Nachos - Top tortilla chips with chopped steak, cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings.

Carne Asada Bowls - Create a filling meal with leftover steak, rice, beans, avocado, and fresh vegetables.

Pro tip: Grill extra meat to ensure you'll have enough for these tasty creations!


Kitchen Basics: Skirt Steak vs Flank Steak

Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm muscle - it's long, thin, and has visible grain. With its more intense flavor and higher fat content, it's ideal for quick, high-heat cooking in dishes like fajitas, tacos, and stir-fries. Always slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Flank steak comes from the lower abdominal area - wider, flatter, and leaner with robust flavor. It works well for grilling, roasting, or broiling in dishes like London broil and stuffed recipes. Slice against the grain at a 45-degree angle for best results.

For both cuts, marinate at least 2 hours, allow a brief rest after cooking, and use proper slicing technique. With the right preparation, both deliver exceptional flavor at a fraction of the price of a premium steak.


Weekend Cooking Project: Mexican Coca-Cola Marinated Beef Fajita Tacos

Elevate your tacos with a Mexican Coca-Cola marinade, which adds a caramelized sweetness to complement the savory skirt steak.

Marinate thinly sliced steak in Mexican Coca-Cola, lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 4 hours. The soda's sugars create a beautiful crust when the meat is grilled, while the acids tenderize it.

Cook over high heat alongside onions and peppers until charred. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and lime wedges.

Perfect for weekend entertaining – simple prep, quick cooking, impressive results, and flavors that transport you to Mexico!


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Happy cooking!

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