Mixing your own Fajita Seasoning is easy and you control the spices and the amount of salt added.
Make a large batch and store it in your pantry. Perfect for adding to fajita or taco meat.
Homemade seasoning mix
It's so easy to buy packets of seasoning at the store, but it's even easier to make up a batch at home to have whenever you need it.
This homemade fajita seasoning mix is very similar to my homemade taco seasoning. You can use these two spice mixes interchangeably. If a recipe calls for taco seasoning, you can use this fajita seasoning instead.
Making your own means you're in control of what goes in. If there's something you don't like, or don't have, just leave it out. If you like more garlic, add more. Don't want salt, leave it out.
That's the beauty of making your own seasoning mix. You get to decide what goes in and what doesn't. The homemade seasoning is all spices and a bit of salt with no extra additives.
This homemade fajita mix does not have any sugar or sweetener added. And it doesn't have any other additives, like corn maltodextrin, caramel color or an ingredient called "natural flavor." These are all listed on packets of store-bought fajita seasoning.
This recipe makes about ½ cup of fajita seasoning which is about 3 packets. Each packet has about 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning. I usually start with 2 tablespoons of my homemade seasoning.
Spices
- Chili powder - This is where the majority of your flavor comes from. All chili powders are a blend of chilis and a few other ingredients. Pick a chili powder that you prefer.
- Garlic powder - Use powder, not garlic salt
- Onion powder
- Salt - I prefer to use a coarse salt like a kosher salt
- Pepper - Freshly ground adds a lot of flavor
- Ground cumin - Cumin adds that traditional Mexican flavor.
- Paprika - For this spice blend I've used a plain paprika. You could also use smoked paprika.
- Red pepper flakes - Just a touch for a bit of spice!
Easy to make
This spice mix is so easy to make! Just add all the seasonings, mix and store! That's it!
Variations
- Use cayenne pepper instead of red chili flakes
- Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, if you want a bit of sweetness
- Add ½ teaspoon of ground oregano
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika
- Add a bit of chipotle powder for a little smokiness and a little spice
Ways to use fajita seasoning
Use 1-2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning in any recipe calling for fajita seasoning or taco seasoning.
You could also use this spice mix as a dry rub on chicken, steak or shrimp.
Homemade spice mixes are a great gift to give to family and friends. Mix up a large batch of the is fajita seasoning mix and place in a small glass crock along. Add a label and directions for use and you have a perfect gift!
Frequently asked questions
There are slight variations in the seasonings. However, either spice mix may be used in place of the other.
It's best to use up the homemade seasoning within 2-3 months. The mixture will not go bad or spoil, but the intensity of the seasoning will begin to fade over time.
More homemade spice blends
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be certain to check out all my homemade spice mixtures!
Fajita Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (coarse salt like a kosher salt)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all spices together¼ cup chili powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature
Notes
- Recipe yields approximately ½ cup of seasoning
- Use cayenne pepper instead of red chili flakes
- Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, if you want a bit of sweetness
- Add ½ teaspoon of ground oregano
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika
- Add a bit of chipotle powder for a little smokieness and a little spice
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Deb says
I swear I was eating at the Alamo cafe in San Antonio! I don’t get down there much anymore. This is great!
Kathy says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks 🙂
David @ Spiced says
This is such a great idea! While you're right that it's easy to pick up a packet at the store, I have all of those spices in the pantry anyways...so might as well mix it up at home!
Kathy says
And it's really delicious too!