Say goodbye to store-bought packets and hello to the rich, authentic flavors of this homemade fajita seasoning.
Making your own blend at home is easy, customizable, and absolutely delicious.
With this recipe, you know exactly what’s going into your food. There are no preservatives or unpronounceable ingredients here.
And the best part? You can use it to elevate many dishes other than fajitas.
Ready? Turn everyday recipes into extraordinary meals with this secret weapon!
Fajita Seasoning
Ah, fajita seasoning is my go-to blend for making meals into fiestas!
Once you’ve made your own, you’ll never return to the store-bought stuff. It’s all about balancing the smoky, spicy, and savory flavors with just a touch of sweetness.
The chili powder and cayenne bring a warm, spicy kick, while cumin adds an earthy depth.
Paprika gives it a sweet, peppery note, and the garlic and onion powders make it aromatic. A pinch of sugar and salt tie everything together.
And if you like your fajitas saucy, a little cornstarch helps thicken flavorful juices.
And it’s not just for fajitas. I use it to jazz up everything from scrambled eggs to grilled veggies. Trust me, this seasoning is a game-changer.
Fajita Seasoning vs. Taco Seasoning
Fajita and taco seasonings both originate from Mexican cuisine and share several ingredients. Both feature chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
The primary difference lies in their flavor profiles and traditional uses. Fajita seasoning tends to be smokier and designed for grilled meats.
Taco seasoning is often spicier, with a broader spice mix for various taco toppings. Plus, it has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning.
While they have distinct flavors, they can be used interchangeably in many dishes with a subtle flavor difference.
Ingredients
Mixing these ingredients feels like creating magic dust to make your dishes an absolute delight:
- Chili Powder – Offers a mild to moderate heat to the seasoning and serves as its base flavor.
- Cumin – Adds depth and a hint of citrusy warmth.
- Paprika – Gives the mix a sweet, peppery flavor and can also provide a rich color.
- Granulated Sugar – Balances the spicy and savory elements, enhancing the overall harmony of flavors. It can also aid in caramelization when cooking.
- Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
- Garlic Powder – Offers a concentrated garlic flavor that complements the other spices and provides a savory depth.
- Onion Powder – Deepens the savory notes of the seasoning, offering a mild sweetness and aromatic quality.
- Cayenne Pepper – Even in small amounts, cayenne can significantly increase the heat level of the mix. Adjust if necessary.
- Cornstarch – Helps create a slightly thickened sauce that clings to the meat or veggies.
Tips and Variations
Making the perfect fajita seasoning requires using the best ingredients and adjusting to personal tastes.
Here are some tips to ensure your fajita seasoning stands out:
- Quality is key. Always start with fresh, high-quality spices. Stale or old spices can lack flavor and intensity.
- Play around. There are many variations of fajita seasoning. Some might include dried herbs or different types of chili powders.
- Add a little citrus. A little bit of lemon or lime zest adds a refreshing touch.
- Spice it up. Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Throw in some herbs. Add a touch of dried oregano or cilantro for a more herbal flavor.
- Ditch the salt. Omit the salt and increase other spices slightly for those monitoring their sodium intake.
Ways to Use Fajita Seasoning
With its robust mix of flavors, Fajita seasoning isn’t just for fajitas! Here are some delicious ways you can use fajita seasoning in your cooking:
- Chicken Fajitas
- Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Slow Cooker Texas Pulled Pork
- BBQ Baked Beans
- T-Bone Steak
- Breakfast Tacos
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
How to Store
Store the seasoning in an airtight container. Ensure your container is completely dry before storing the seasoning.
You can use a glass jar with a screw-top lid or even a zip-top bag.
It’s best to store your fajita seasoning in a cool, dark place, away from heat and moisture. The herbs will stay fresh and potent for 6 months up to a year.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning That’s Better Than Store-Bought
Skip store-bought and make your own fajita seasoning at home! With chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a few other spices, you’ll love this simple blend.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.
- Store it in an air-tight container for up to 6 months.
Notes
- The cornstarch serves dual purposes:
It acts as a moisture absorber, preventing the seasoning mix from clumping.
When used in cooking, it thickens sauces and ensures ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning. - It acts as a moisture absorber, preventing the seasoning mix from clumping.
- When used in cooking, it thickens sauces and ensures ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Play around with the amounts of each spice to tweak the flavor profile to your taste.
- Replace a packet of store-bought seasoning with 3 tablespoons of this homemade mix.
- Store in an airtight container, ideally in a spice cabinet or pantry, to keep fresh for up to 6 months.
