If you’re looking to add a little zing to your dining table, look no further. Our 21 Tex-Mex recipes are all about bold flavors and simple ingredients coming together to create something truly memorable. It’s time to break free from the routine and dive into dishes that are as vibrant and lively as they are delicious. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a special gathering, prepare to wow your guests and hear them ask, “More, please!”
Chicken Tinga
A spicy and smoky flavor profile makes this dish a go-to for anyone looking to add some kick to their meal. Shredded chicken simmered in a tomato-based sauce gets a new lease of life when served on tacos or with rice. It’s a versatile option that proves simplicity and depth of flavor can go hand in hand.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga
Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Juicy smoked pork belly meets the soft embrace of corn tortillas, topped off with onions and cilantro for a fresh contrast. The smokiness of the pork belly is a game-changer, elevating the humble taco to new heights. It’s a fusion that captures the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine, blending traditional techniques with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Pork Belly Tacos
Arroz Verde
Infusing rice with the fresh flavors of cilantro and spinach not only gives it a vibrant color but also a subtle, herby taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes. This side dish is anything but ordinary, offering a refreshing change from the usual. It’s a great way to get some greens in your meal without making a salad.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Texas Corn Succotash
A hearty mix of corn, bell peppers, and beans brings a colorful and flavorful side dish to the table, capturing the essence of Texan cuisine. It’s a combination that’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it a great complement to any meal. The dish is a celebration of local produce, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Mango Habanero Salsa
This salsa combines the sweetness of mangoes with the heat of habanero peppers for a dip that’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a bold choice that adds a tropical twist to your meals. Whether it’s used as a topping or a dip, it brings a lively burst of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mango Habanero Salsa
Baked Spanish Rice
Oven-baking infuses every grain of rice with rich tomato flavors and a perfect blend of spices, creating a side dish that could easily steal the show. It’s a simple, hands-off recipe that yields delicious results every time. This dish is a testament to the power of baking in bringing out the best in simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Tomatillo Sauce
This sauce is a blend of roasted tomatillos and chilies, offering a tangy and slightly spicy addition to any dish. It’s versatile enough to be used as a marinade, a dip, or a sauce, adding a zesty kick. Its vibrant green color and fresh flavor make it a favorite for elevating the simplest of meals.
Get the Recipe: Tomatillo Sauce
Tacos Dorados
Crispy fried tacos filled with a hearty filling are a textural delight, combining the crunch of the taco with the softness of its contents. They’re a playful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Dipping them into salsa or guacamole adds another layer of flavor, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Tacos Dorados
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Turning cauliflower into a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional rice, this dish is seasoned with Mexican spices for a side that’s both healthy and hearty. It’s a clever way to enjoy all the flavors you love in a lighter, veggie-packed form. This dish proves that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
A mix of creamy base and fiery jalapenos, this dip strikes a balance between heat and comfort. It’s perfect for those who like their food with a bit of a kick. The dip is a crowd-pleaser, easy to whip up, and even easier to enjoy with chips or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Jalapeno Dip
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Taking the beloved flavors of elote and turning them into a salad, this dish mixes grilled corn with a creamy, spicy dressing and cotija cheese. It’s a side that brings the experience of Mexican street food right to your plate. Every forkful is a blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy tastes that’s completely addictive.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Guacamole Snack Board
This board centers around a generous bowl of freshly made guacamole, surrounded by a variety of chips and veggies for dipping. It’s a social eating experience that’s both fun and flavorful. The board is a hit for gatherings, making everyone dive in for a taste of the creamy, rich avocado dip.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole Snack Board
Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Spicy chicken tinga serves as the star in these tostadas, creating a meal that’s both crunchy and packed with flavor. Topped with fresh lettuce, cheese, and sour cream, it’s a dish that balances spice with cooling elements. These tostadas are a hit for their combination of textures and tastes.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga Tostadas
Birria Tacos
Tender, spiced meat tucked into tortillas and pan-fried until crispy makes birria tacos a rich and satisfying meal. Dipping them into consomé adds depth and warmth, making each taco a comforting experience. They’re a culinary adventure, blending traditional flavors in a way that’s both novel and deeply rooted in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Birria Tacos
Chile de Arbol Salsa
For those who love their salsa with a fiery kick, this blend of chile de arbol peppers offers heat and depth in every spoonful. It’s a simple yet powerful condiment that can transform any meal from ordinary to memorable. This salsa is for the brave, adding a bold touch to your Tex-Mex feast.
Get the Recipe: Chile de Arbol Salsa
Cheez-Its Tostada
A quirky take on the traditional tostada, using Cheez-Its for an added crunch and cheesy flavor. It’s an inventive dish that combines familiar snacks with classic Tex-Mex elements for a fun and tasty experience. This tostada is a playful way to enjoy a meal, proving that creativity in the kitchen can lead to delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Cheez-Its Tostada
Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
These empanadas bring the savory filling of beef and spices into a crispy, golden shell, all made easier with the air fryer. They’re a convenient and tasty option for any meal or snack, proving that traditional flavors can be enjoyed in modern ways. The air fryer ensures a perfect texture, making these empanadas a favorite for their ease and taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Beef Empanadas
Birria Pizza
Taking the juicy, flavorful meat from birria and spreading it on
Get the Recipe: Birria Pizza
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Skewers of marinated steak grilled to perfection and served with mojo rojo sauce offer a meal that’s bursting with flavor. The smokiness of the grill and the tanginess of the sauce complement each other perfectly. These skewers are a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined thoughtfully.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo
Pico de Gallo
Fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime come together in this classic salsa that’s refreshing and versatile. It’s a staple that adds a fresh touch to any dish, from tacos to grilled meats. This pico de gallo is a celebration of fresh flavors, brightening up your meals with its simplicity and zest.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Fried Tomatillos
Slices of tomatillos are fried until crispy, offering a tangy and crunchy addition to your Tex-Mex spread. They’re a unique way to enjoy this tart fruit, especially when paired with a creamy dipping sauce. Fried tomatillos are a novel snack that’s both tasty and easy to make, adding a pop of flavor and texture to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos