How to Make Mexican Seafood with Pickled Vegetables

Mexican cuisine offers a delightful variety of flavors, and seafood dishes are no exception. One popular way to elevate seafood is by incorporating pickled vegetables, which add a tangy crunch that perfectly complements the fresh flavors of the ocean. Here’s a delicious guide on how to make Mexican seafood with pickled vegetables.

Ingredients for Mexican Seafood

To create a mouth-watering Mexican seafood dish, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound of fresh shrimp, cleaned and deveined
  • 1 pound of calamari, sliced into rings
  • 8 oz of fish fillets (like tilapia or snapper)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Pickled Vegetables

For the pickled vegetables, gather:

  • 1 cup of sliced carrots
  • 1 cup of sliced red onions
  • 1 cup of sliced cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup of white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions for Pickling Vegetables

Start with the pickled vegetables since they require time to marinate:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, oregano, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the sliced carrots, red onions, and cucumbers to the saucepan. Remove from heat.
  3. Let the vegetables sit for about 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the pickling flavors.
  4. Transfer the pickled vegetables into a glass jar and refrigerate to chill until ready to serve.

Instructions for Preparing the Seafood

Once your pickled vegetables are ready, it’s time to turn your attention to the seafood:

  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the shrimp and calamari to the skillet. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and the calamari is tender, usually about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, grill or pan-sear the fish fillets for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through and flaky.
  4. Combine the cooked seafood in a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

To serve this delicious Mexican seafood with pickled vegetables:

  • Arrange the seafood on a large platter.
  • Top generously with the chilled pickled vegetables.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
  • A splash of lime juice adds an extra burst of flavor!

Conclusion

This recipe for Mexican seafood with pickled vegetables is perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of fresh seafood and zesty pickled veggies will surely impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for vibrant flavors. Enjoy your culinary journey through the tastes of Mexico!