Seafood is a major component of coastal Latin American cuisine. The countries along the coast of Latin America have abundant access to the ocean, which has resulted in a rich variety of seafood dishes that are steeped in history and tradition.
In Mexico, seafood is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, particularly in coastal regions such as the Yucatán Peninsula, where seafood is often prepared with a variety of spices and seasonings, including lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers. Popular seafood dishes in Mexico include ceviche, a dish made from raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices, and fish tacos, which are made from grilled or fried fish and are often served with a variety of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and avocado.
In Central America, seafood is also a popular ingredient in traditional dishes. In Costa Rica, seafood is often prepared with coconut milk, lime juice, and spices, and is often served with rice and beans. In Panama, seafood is often prepared with a variety of Caribbean spices and seasonings, including cumin, ginger, and allspice, and is often served with plantains. In El Salvador, seafood is often served in traditional dishes such as pupusas and yucca fritters.
In South America, seafood is also a popular ingredient in traditional dishes. In Ecuador and Peru, seafood is often prepared with lime juice and chili peppers, and is often served in traditional dishes such as ceviche and tiraditos. In Brazil, seafood is often prepared with a variety of seasonings and spices, and is often served in traditional dishes such as feijoada, a stew made from black beans and meat, and churrasco, a traditional southern cone dish that involves grilling beef or other meats over an open flame.
In Cuba, seafood is often prepared with lime juice and garlic, and is often served in traditional dishes such as paella. In the Dominican Republic, seafood is often prepared with a variety of tropical fruits, such as pineapple and mango, and is often served in traditional dishes such as sancocho, a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables.
From Mexico to Brazil, and from Costa Rica to the Caribbean, seafood is prepared with a variety of spices and seasonings, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped these regions. And each country has its own unique take on traditional seafood dishes which reflect the culture, history and geography of the region.
The seafood dishes vary depending on the region, but some popular traditional dishes commonly found in coastal Latin American countries include:
- Ceviche: This is a dish made from raw fish marinated in lime juice and spices. It is popular in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, but also can be found in Central America and Mexico.
- Paella: A traditional Spanish dish that has been adopted in some coastal countries like Venezuela and Colombia, it is a rice-based dish that can be made with seafood, chicken or meats.
- Moqueca: This is a traditional Brazilian dish made from fish, coconut milk, and spices. It is typically served with rice and is popular in the coastal regions of Brazil.
- Tiraditos: This is a Peruvian dish made from thinly sliced raw fish that is similar to sashimi. It is typically served with a variety of sauces and spices.
- Asopao: This is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from a thick stew of seafood, chicken or meats and rice.
- Zarzuela: A traditional Spanish seafood stew, it is a hearty dish made with a variety of fish, shellfish and saffron, served with rice.
- Arroz con mariscos: This is a traditional dish from several countries like Mexico, Chile, and Peru, it is a seafood rice dish that can include a mix of shrimp, octopus, crab and other seafood.
