Your Mexican food experience should not be limited to tacos on the go and chips and salsa… and margaritas. Mexican spices and flavors have endless potential when paired with fish, chicken, pork or even shrimp. We’re talking five-star deliciousness, chica. Check out these 20 gourmet Mexican recipes that are guaranteed to please your tastebuds and take you past the taco.

1. Grilled Citrus-Marinated Mexican Chicken: Marinades are a super easy way to add flavor to a plain piece of chicken. And who doesn’t love a pop of citrus? (via The Wanderlust Kitchen)

2. Pulled Pork Tamales With Corn Salsa: If you’ve never had a tamale, you’ve basically never lived. Dig in to this one ASAP. (via Kitchen Konfidence)

3. Shredded Pork Tacos: Move over ground beef, pulled pork tacos are what grown-up Mexican dishes are all about. (via Real Simple)

4. Mexican Polenta Stacks: Polenta cakes make a great base for lots of dishes, even pizza. And these Mexican polenta treats are totally gluten-free! (via The Sweets Life)

5. Stuffed Peppers With Quinoa and Black Beans: Totally vegetarian and full of delicious flavor, these stuffed peppers are far from the meat and cheese versions you’re probably used to. (via Love and Lentils)

6. Mexican Pasta With Vegetables and Chile: Mexican pasta? Yes, you read that correctly. Jalapeño chiles and cilantro mix with angel hair pasta in this dish to give it a good south-of-the-border kick. (via Yummly)

7. Cilantro Lime Shrimp: Shrimp is already a sophisticated dish on its own, but throw in some savory Mexican spices and you’ll be beggin’ for this grown-up dinner. (via The Girl Who Ate Everything)

8. Cauliflower Rice Fish Taco Bowls: A healthy twist on fish tacos, without the tortilla. (via Food Faith Fitness)

9. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Mexican Salad: This salad is officially joining our long list of faves. It’s packed with protein, greens and veggies! (via Two Peas + Their Pod)

10. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Tostada: That’s no taco… that’s a tostada. Whaaaat! (via A Zesty Bite)

11. Chipotle Mexican Risotto: Don’t fool yourself into thinking risotto is reserved for Italian dishes. This dinner puts a chipotle twist on a gluten-free favorite and gives your shrimp scampi a run for its money. (via Food Recipes HQ)

12. Vegan Mexican Filled Spaghetti Squash: When you get tired of stuffed peppers, stuffed squash should be your next dinner adventure. (via Little Leopard Book)

13. Pan Seared Salmon With Roasted Corn Salsa: If this meal tastes even half as good as it looks, we’re in. (via Brunch Time Baker)

14. Chipotle Mahi Mahi Burrito Bowl: Meet the classic burrito bowl’s mature, hotter older sister. (via Half Baked Harvest)

15. Grilled Tilapia Bowl With Chipotle Avocado Crema: We’d like to pour that chipotle avocado crema all over everything, not just that delicious-looking grilled tilapia. (via Love Grows Wild)

16. Portobello and Poblano Enchiladas: While enchiladas have always been delicious filled with shredded chicken or other meats, we’re pretty pumped to try out this mushroom and pepper version. (via Blissful Basil)

17. Calabacitas (Mexican Style Zucchini): We know this may not qualify as a whole dinner, but it’d make a perfect, simple side dish. (via Fit, Fun + Delish)

18. Vegetable Enchilada Casserole: A good casserole is an automatic weeknight go-to. This one’s sure to work its way to the top of your list! (via Cookie Monster Cooking)

19. Lime + Cilantro Quinoa-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Ditch the cinnamon and sour cream toppings (although, we agree, they’re delicious) and opt for some quinoa and avocados. (via Luci’s Morsels)

20. Margarita Fajitas: If ever there was a way to upgrade your fajitas, this is it. How much more sophisticated can it get than margarita-flavored Mexican food? (via The Wanderlust Kitchen)

Which of these mouthwatering Mexican dishes will you be testing out in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below!

Allison Hutchins
Allison, a community editor at Brit + Co, has a love for art and a passion for fashion. Her latest DIY projects and homemade objects can be found on her Etsy shop, Designs By A Renee.