The Best Taco Seasoning
As a San Diegan with a deep love and experience in authentic Mexican cuisine, I’ve perfected this homemade taco seasoning to create a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder. dried oregano, ground coriander, salt
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste ((optional))
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 6 months.
- Taco Meat: Use 1 recipe (2 ½ tablespoons) per 1 pound of ground beef, turkey or chicken.
Follow along for detailed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to achieve restaurant-quality flavor every time!
The perfect Recipe for Taco Seasoning
If you’re ready to take your everyday culinary creations from ordinary to extraordinary, this taco seasoning mix recipe is for you! With a recipe honed to perfection, it offers foolproof, robust, earthy spiciness that tastes so much better than store-bought!
Taco Seasoning ingredients
This recipe is crafted with handpicked herbs and spices, each contributing its unique character to the seasoning.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
Let’s take a look at just how easy taco seasoning is to make.
How to use Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning is my go-to seasoning mix for just about any Mexican or Tex-Mex recipe.
How to store Taco Seasoning
To store homemade taco seasoning, transfer to an airtight container such as a glass jar or resealable plastic bag. Keep the container in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and moisture to preserve the spices’ freshness and flavor. Label and date.
How long does Taco Seasoning last?
Taco seasoning does not spoil, but the spices will lose their potency over time. If you make the spice blend with fresh spices, it can last up six months; if you make the blend with spices that have been sitting in your pantry for a while, it will last closer to 2 months.
How much Taco Seasoning per pound of meat?
You will use one recipe Taco Seasoning, which is 2 ½ tablespoons, per pound of meat. However, you can adjust the amount based on your taste preferences and the intensity of flavor you desire. Start with a smaller amount and taste as you go, adding more seasoning if needed to achieve the desired flavor. Keep in mind, some taco seasoning blends may be more concentrated than others, so it’s always a good idea to adjust based on personal preference.
Is Taco Seasoning gluten free?
Homemade taco seasoning is gluten-free as most individual spices and herbs are naturally gluten-free, but as always, it’s essential to check labels. By using pure, unadulterated spices and avoiding any potential sources of gluten contamination, you can ensure that your homemade taco seasoning is gluten-free.
How do you cut the spice in taco seasoning?
To cut the spice in taco seasoning, reduce or omit the amount of cayenne pepper. For milder overall flavor, reduce the chili powder and increase the ratios of milder spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
What’s the difference between taco seasoning and fajita seasoning?
Taco seasoning and fajita seasoning are extremely similar with almost identical ingredients, but the proportions vary. Here’s the breakdown: 1. Taco seasoning only contains trace amounts of onion powder and garlic powder (about 75% less) because it’s expected to be cooked with fresh onions and fresh garlic. 2. Taco seasoning contains ground coriander for hints of earthy, tart, and sweet notes; fajita seasoning does not. 3. Fajita seasoning contains sugar because it’s expected to be combined with an acidic marinade; taco seasoning does not. 4. Store-bought fajita seasoning typically contains citric acid to mimic freshly squeezed lime juice; taco seasoning does not. You can achieve this same fresh pop with a fresh squeeze of lime juice at the end of cooking to avoid any additives.
Best Taco Seasoning Mix
This homemade taco seasoning recipe is quick, easy, pantry friendly, versatile, inexpensive and lasts for months! Its perfectly spiced proportions elevate everything from meat to vegetables with its aromatic robust, earthy, spiciness. Best of all, DIY taco seasoning gives you complete control over its flavor, eliminates sugar, MSG, anti-caking agents, and other additives and tastes so much better than store-bought!
