Top 10 Mexican Seafood Dishes
Mexico is home to an incredible variety of culinary delights enjoyed for centuries. Mexican cuisine is known for its vibrant colors, flavors, and ingredients — it’s no surprise that it has become a world-renowned favorite!
Seafood has always been an integral part of Mexican culture — from the complex flavors of Pescado Zarandeado to innovative creations such as Camarones al Mojo de Ajo and Ceviche de Sierra. These dishes are sure to satisfy any appetite — each one more delicious than the last!
Check out our reviews of other seafood dishes from around the world.
Here is a list of my 10 favorite Mexican seafood delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds!
1. Huachinango a la Veracruzana
Nothing brings quite the same authentic Mexican flavor as Huachinango a la Veracruzana. This traditional dish is made with an entire red snapper cooked in a zesty tomato-based sauce featuring flavorful accents like garlic, onions, bell peppers, and olives. Add some chili pepper heat plus other secret spices to complete this delicious homage to Veracruz!
You’ll want to indulge in this freshly-baked fish, oozing with sauce so tasty your taste buds will tingle! Serve it alongside sides of fluffy rice, succulent steamed veggies, or delectable roasted potatoes — definitely the perfect meal for any occasion.
2. Arroz a la Tumbada
Take a journey to the Mexican coast and savor Arroz a la Tumbada, the iconic dish from Veracruz. Infused with succulent flavors of seafood (think fish, shrimp, octopus, crabs, and clams), rice, garlic, onions, and tomatoes cooked in buttery goodness in a traditional thick clay pot called a cazuela.
The end result? A simmering combination of flavors so tantalizing your taste buds will be begging for more!
3. Camarones a la Diabla
Looking for a zesty Mexican culinary experience? Then look no further than Camarones a la Diabla! This classic spicy dish will bring the flavor to your plate, featuring sautéed shrimp seasoned to perfection with tomatoes, garlic, and onion. The heat comes from special arbol chili peppers that give just enough extra kick!
This traditional Mexican dish is simmered until the flavors erupt into bubbling bliss. Treat your taste buds to a fiery fiesta and serve this spicy wonder on its own or pair it with crunchy bread or warm tortillas for a truly authentic experience!
4. Enchiladas de Camaron
Are you craving a Mexican delicacy? Look no further than Enchiladas de Camaron! These popular rolled tortillas are filled with shrimp, corn, onions, chilies, tomatoes, and coriander and deep-fried to golden perfection!
A favorite in the North Pacific and Gulf regions of Mexico — they complete the dish by adding crema Mexicana, avocado slices, and grated cheese for extra flavor. Seriously… nobody can resist this delectable treat!
5. Aguachile
Aguachile, the Mexican ceviche from Sinaloa, is a delicious combination of fresh raw shrimp, red onion, and crispy cucumbers. It packs quite a zesty punch with lime juice blended with water-pulverized chilies — creating an unforgettable experience that’ll leave your taste buds on fire!
And you can forget the “normal” ceviche wait! Aguachile will satisfy your craving without any delay! It is usually topped with avocado and served on a crunchy tostada alongside an ice-cold beer or tequila shot — what more could you ask for?
6. Caldo de Camarón
For the discerning palate, Caldo de Camarón is a Mexican soup that tantalizes with its complex flavors. Featuring succulent pieces of shrimp, chayote squash, and carrots simmered in a spicy chili-tomato broth and garnished with fresh avocado and lime juice — it’s no wonder this iconic dish has stood the test of time.
This traditional Mexican dish is attributed to the ancient Nayarit people, and it’s a flavor that everyone should experience at least once!
7. Ceviche de Sierra
Thinking of a classic coastal meal? Look no further than Ceviche de Sierra — the traditional Mexican type of ceviche that has all the flavors you need. A mouthwatering mix of mackerel, lime juice, carrots, and onions set off with some serrano peppers plus oregano and salt make for an unbeatable combination!
The fish is finely chopped before being marinated in lime juice and salt — giving you an unforgettable burst of flavor in every bite! Try it as-is, or make it your own by adding diced avocado or fresh chopped tomatoes to create a fresh twist.
8. Caldo de siete mares
Craving a truly unique flavor? Look no further than Caldo de Siete Mares. This Mexican seafood soup is beloved in the country’s coastal regions, where an abundance of local catches make this dish stand out from all others with its light broth and extraordinary taste! Best enjoyed with citrusy lime wedges and spicy hot sauces bringing that extra kick — it’ll have you coming back for more.
9. Pescado Zarandeado
If you’re looking for a true taste of Nayarit, Mexico, Pescado Zarandeado is an absolute must. This classic dish takes fresh red snapper caught in local waters — and slow-cooks it over smoky mangrove wood charcoal to perfection. Every bite will tingle your taste buds with its unique flavor!
Today, innovative chefs know just the right combination of spices and hot chilis to give their fish dishes a flavorful kick! The name for this delicious meal comes from ‘zaranda’ — the name of the grill used in its preparation.
10. Camarones al Mojo de Ajo
Get ready for the ultimate flavor frenzy! Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is a knock-your-socks-off Mexican dish that will put your taste buds into overdrive. Shrimp fried in butter, with garlic, chili, and coriander, combine to create something very special — and don’t forget the zesty lime juice!
Camarones al Mojo de Ajo is a crowd-pleaser that will put your Cinco de Mayo celebrations over the top. So let the fiesta begin! Bring the margaritas to make an unbeatable flavor combo — cheers to good food and drinks with friends!
Wrapping It Up
Mexican cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors and aromas that deserves to be explored. From the exciting combination of traditional ingredients in innovative recipes such as Camarones al Mojo de Ajo and Ceviche de Sierra, Mexican cuisine has something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing meal like Caldo de Siete Mares or something rich and complex like Pescado Zarandeado, Mexican cuisine has it all! With its vibrant colors, flavors, and ingredients — there’s no doubt that this culinary delight will continue to enchant food lovers everywhere for years to come. Is it time to let your taste buds explore the wonders of Mexico and its mouth-watering cuisine?
¡Buen provecho!