Make Your Memorial Day Sizzle by Adding a Mexican Favorite to the Grill

Men (and women) across America rejoice. Warmer weather doesn’t just mean it’s time for shorts, sunscreen and drinks on the patio – it means it is time to take off the grill covers, grab some charcoal and start grilling. Since we can’t be on the island all the time, we’ve mastered a few techniques and recipes to give our grilling a bit of Mexican and Caribbean flair to help us pass the time before our next beach vacation.

While our neighbors get excited about hot dogs and hamburgers, we’re always hard at work to master one of our favorite vacation dishes – fajitas! By following just a few easy steps, you can impress your family, spice up your cookout and make your neighbors jealous – all in one dish.

No matter what you’re going to serve, the first step is to create the right marinade. We start by mixing ½ cup olive oil, ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, ½ cup of lime juice and 2 packages of dry Italian-style salad dressing mix in a large bowl. The fun part is then picking your ingredients. Most folks stick with the basics of chicken and steak, but shrimp, sausage, pork and even Mahi Mahi cut into strips all make great fajitas. Most fajitas include onions and bell peppers, but more adventurous eaters have added everything from strips of portabella mushrooms to spicy poblano peppers. Once you have your ingredients picked out, add them to the marinade mix and let them all…well…marinate for 1-2 hours.

During this time, preheat your grill to medium high heat. Once the marinating process is over, toss your protein(s) and veggies into a 13x9 inch disposable foil roasting pan, poke holes in the foil and place it on the grill. Plan for about 20 minutes for heavier meats while only about six for fish, but be sure to keep an eye on the ingredients and stir everything occasionally to keep the flavors even. Once everything is cooked, take the ingredients of the grill and loudly declare “I am the grill master!”

We like to serve these with traditional Mexican fixings like flour or corn tortillas, shredded cheese, black or refried beans, guacamole, sour cream…and of course a margarita or two!

Of course, in you’re in the mood for fajitas on the beach without any of the prep work, why not enjoy the real deal this summer at one of our awesome properties in Riviera Maya or Cancun?

The Ocean Coral & Turquesa in Riviera Maya knows just how to embrace its Mexican roots. The chefs at the onsite Hacienda Los Girasoles are known for fajita creations like arrachera skirt steak or chicken smothered in mole poblano sauce. Plus, the hotel features stunning views and a chance to observe the fish, urchins, anemone and other sea critters that Mexico has to offer in nearby waters.

If you’re looking for another taste bud-changing meal, try the fajitas at Tio Pepe at The Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun. This all-inclusive dining heaven offers 24-hour snacks, beverages and spectacular room service options. If you need a break from fajitas, Tio Pepe is also known for its Spanish style tapas known for their distinctive and sophisticated flavors with a lot of different spices. The luxurious beachfront property also features views of pristine white sand and the Caribbean sea, and has some of the most elegant facilities and excellent service that we’ve ever experienced.

Whether you leave the grilling to the professionals or get adventurous in your own backyard, we hope all of you have a chance to experience a taste of the bolds flavors of Mexico this summer!