Tired of the same old store-bought taco seasoning? Why not try making your own with this simple recipe? This seasoning blend is easy to use and customized to your taste. Whether you’re cooking up a batch of tacos, seasoning some grilled chicken, or adding a kick to your veggies, this taco seasoning recipe is sure to be a game-changer in your kitchen.
Say adiós to bland and hello to a burst of flavor with this homemade taco seasoning! Elevate your dishes with the warm, spicy, and smoky notes crafted from the perfect blend of spices. The Allrecipes community can't be wrong – over 7,500 rave reviews can attest to the magic of this DIY seasoning. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or spicing up your veggies, this recipe is your ticket to a culinary fiesta. Ditch the store-bought packets and savor the freedom of customizing your seasoning to perfection!
What Is Taco Seasoning?
Taco seasoning is a delicious blend of spices that adds a warm, spicy, and smoky flavor to various dishes like tacos, soups, and casseroles. You can purchase taco seasoning from stores or create it at home using ingredients that you likely already have. Depending on personal preference, the exact combination of seasonings may vary. Taco Seasoning adds a savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to the meat. It enhances the flavor and gives it that classic taco taste. It has become a staple in many kitchens for making tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes because it’s a convenient way to season taco meat quickly and easily.
What’s In Taco Seasoning?
Most taco seasoning mixes typically include salt, warming spices like paprika, oregano, and chili, along with onion and garlic powder. However, this highly-rated recipe is made using a combination of smoked paprika, cumin, dried garlic, jalapeño, oregano, and dried chili. Well, let me tell you about the role of each spice.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds depth of smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Cumin: It adds complexity and richness to the seasoning mix.
- Dried Garlic: Adds a pungent and savory flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Jalapeño: It provides a fresh, green pepper flavor.
- Dried Chili: Adds additional heat and depth of flavor to the seasoning mix.
- Oregano: Provides a robust, slightly bitter, and herbaceous flavor that complements the other spices and adds a distinctly Mexican flavor to the seasoning mix.
How to Make Taco Seasoning?
- Place paprika, cumin, dried garlic, jalapeños, dried chili, and oregano in a bowl.
- Mix them together well.
- Use taco seasoning to marinate meat, poultry, and fish.
Chef Recipe Tip:
- You can also add dried onions to the spice.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Taco Seasoning
Why purchase a packet of taco seasoning when you can make a DIY version? Here are some reasons why homemade is better:
- You can determine the exact components of your homemade spice blend, as you are putting it together yourself. You will also be able to regulate ingredient amounts, which is especially beneficial if you are monitoring your sodium intake.
- If you make your own taco seasoning, it can be more cost-effective in the long run, even if you don’t already have all the necessary ingredients on your spice rack. You can get more seasoning for your money when you use your own ingredients.
- Making your own taco seasoning mix gives you the flexibility to adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences. If you don’t like paprika, you can simply omit it from the recipe. And if you prefer your tacos to be spicier, you can always add more chili powder. The best part is that you can get as creative as you want when making your own taco seasoning since it’s your recipe, after all!
How Much Taco Seasoning Is In a Packet?
If your recipe calls for one packet of taco seasoning, you may wonder how much DIY mix to use instead. While different commercial brands package their taco seasonings in different amounts, most packets usually contain around 1 ounce or 3 tablespoons of product. To replace a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, simply use 3 tablespoons of your homemade taco seasoning mix.
How to Use DIY Taco Seasoning
This highly-rated seasoning is perfect for adding a lot of flavor to ground meat for tacos. However, it can be utilized for preparing many other mouth-watering dishes too. It works great in soups, stews, casseroles, dips, and many other dishes.
How to Store Taco Seasoning
It’s best to store your homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Its peak freshness lasts for about six months.
Any spice is not only a natural enhancer of food taste and aroma, but, when skillfully used, also a natural medicinal remedy. According to the ancient science of Ayurveda, spices nourish not only the body but also the mind and soul of a person, as they help enrich the diet with all the tastes necessary for proper nutrition (Ayurveda states that for complete saturation of the body at all levels, each meal should include six basic tastes: salty, sweet, bitter, astringent, sour, and pungent). The spices in Taco Seasoning possess antioxidant properties (cumin, oregano) and anti-inflammatory properties (pepper, paprika, garlic). Moreover, spices always add to the feeling of satiety, so if you are trying to lose weight and find it difficult to adhere to the required portion sizes due to strong hunger pangs, consider using the hack of using a large amount of spices in all your dishes. Therefore, I highly recommend using this and all similar spice blends in your diet.
Place paprika, cumin, dried garlic, jalapeños, dried chili, and oregano in a bowl.
Mix well.
Use taco seasoning to marinate meat, poultry, and fish.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
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Creating your own taco seasoning is a game-changer, but here's a pro tip for extra finesse: toast your spices! Before blending, lightly toast the ground cumin, paprika, and chili powder in a dry pan. This quick step intensifies their flavors, adding a smoky depth to your seasoning. Plus, it releases their essential oils, ensuring a more aromatic and flavorful experience. Embrace the art of toasting for a truly sensational taco adventure!
