Taco Seasoning is a classic Mexican spice mix known for its warm and spicy flavor profile. The mix is typically made using chili powder, paprika, black pepper, cumin powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano.
This homemade Taco Seasoning is often utilized to add flavor to taco fillings, taco soup, and taco rice. Its versatility extends to various proteins like chicken, shrimp, beef, salmon, and more, as well as roasted or baked meats and vegetables. The best part? this DIY Taco Seasoning remains fresh for up to six months at room temperature when made in bulk.
In this recipe, I'll show you how to make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning using simple step-by-step instructions. I've also included a detailed recipe video to provide visual clarity to the process.
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What is Taco Seasoning?
Taco Seasoning is a mixture of warm and spicy spices, typically including chili powder, paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper, and oregano, that is used to enhance the flavor of meats like chicken, shrimp, fish, and beef in Mexican tacos.
Tacos are famous street food in Mexico, which consists of a soft or crispy corn tortilla filled with a variety of ingredients like chicken, seafood, and vegetables. You can also use it to flavor other dishes like soups, stews, roasted chicken, and seafood.
This homemade Taco Seasoning is a fantastic DIY spice mix that elevates the flavor of your fillings, making them even more delicious. You can also use it to create mouth-watering fried chicken recipes, chicken wing dishes, comfort foods like soups, and more to make your dinner unforgettable.
This spice mixture is also customizable to your tastes, making it a versatile ingredient in Mexican cuisine. This homemade Taco Seasoning stays fresh for longer by storing it in an airtight container. And that makes this homemade spice mix a more cost-effective alternative to store-bought blends.
Ingredients
To make Taco Seasoning, you will need some common kitchen ingredients, most of which you may already have in your kitchen. If not, these ingredients are easily available at most grocery stores. The ingredients are:
- Chili Powder - Adds a spicy kick to dishes
- Paprika - Provides a red hue and a mild, sweet flavor (can range from sweet to hot)
- Onion and Garlic Powder - Add a warm, sweet, and garlicky taste
- Cumin Powder - Brings a savory and nutty flavor and, when combined with other spices, adds an earthy and aromatic taste to food
- Black Pepper - Imparts a woody aroma and a piney flavor
- Oregano - Adds an earthy and minty flavor to the seasoning. It also enhances the overall taste of the dish when mixed with other ingredients
- Salt - You can add or skip the salt, as you can add it while making tacos, soups, or other recipes, as desired
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to Make Taco Seasoning at Home?
The recipe I am sharing is for a homemade Taco Seasoning, a blend of spices used to flavor tacos with chicken, shrimp, beef, or other fillings. It is made with common kitchen staples and can be adjusted to meet individual taste preferences.
Below are the high-level instructions for this recipe, but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and a video, please see the recipe card below.
- Gather all the ingredients: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and oregano
- Mix: Combine the ingredients in a glass bowl. Mix everything until the spices are well blended
- Use: Now you can use it in various dishes like tacos, soups, stews, and more
Tips
- Ratios: When making taco seasoning, it's essential to use the right ratios of spices to achieve the desired flavor. You can also adjust the level of spiciness to your liking
- Preservation: Making a larger batch of taco seasoning and storing it in an airtight container for future use can be convenient. The seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months if stored at room temperature
- Serving Size: This recipe yields enough taco seasoning to flavor 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken, shrimp, turkey, or other protein for making tacos or taco soup
Storage Suggestions
This homemade Taco Seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Make sure to store them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Proper storage is essential in preserving the flavor and freshness of the spice blend. Keeping the spice mix in a cool, dry place will ensure its shelf life. It makes it a convenient ingredient to have on hand for your favorite Mexican-style dishes.
Serving Suggestions
The homemade Taco Seasoning can add flavor to a variety of dishes beyond just tacos. Not only can it be used to season the chicken, shrimp, or other meats for tacos, but it can also be used to flavor taco soup, stews, roasted chicken, baked chicken drumsticks, chicken breast, chicken wings, and chicken thighs, or even rice. This seasoning is versatile and can be used to add depth and warmth to your meals.
Related Recipes
You can also find similar seasoning recipes below and more at dips & condiments.
- Cajun Seasoning
- Chili Seasoning
- Italian Seasoning
- Fajita Seasoning
- Garam Masala
- Curry Powder
- Five Spice Powder
If you're looking for more Mexican recipes, look no further. Below, you'll find some delicious recipes to try at home.
Taco Seasoning Recipe Video
I have also included a video tutorial of this Homemade Taco Seasoning, which I believe will assist you in creating a delicious spice blend in the comfort of your own home. You can also find this recipe in story format.
📖 Recipe
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- ½ tbsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tbsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper, ground
- Salt, adjust as recipe requirements
Instructions
- To make your own Taco Seasoning, simply combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, salt, and oregano in a glass bowl
- Mix the ingredients until they are well blended
- Your homemade Taco Seasoning is now ready to use
- Use this Diy Taco Seasoning in a variety of dishes, such as tacos, taco soups, stews, roasted and baked meats, fish, and more. You can also store the spice mix for about 6 months if made in bulk
Video
Notes
- Ratios: When making taco seasoning, it's important to use the right ratios of spices to achieve the desired flavor. You can also adjust the level of spiciness to your liking
- Preservation: Making a larger batch of taco seasoning and storing it in an airtight container for future use can be convenient. The seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months if stored at room temperature
- Serving Size: This recipe yields enough taco seasoning to flavor 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken, shrimp, turkey, or other protein for making tacos or taco soup
Nutrition
FAQ
Taco Seasoning is a blend of warm and spicy Mexican spices, typically made from chili powder, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. It is used to season the chicken, beef, shrimp, and other proteins for making tacos.
Typically, 2 to 3 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning is enough to season 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Yes, this versatile seasoning can be used in a variety of dishes such as soups, stews, fried chicken, baked chicken, roasted meats, seafood, and beyond. The possibilities are endless.
I hope you found the recipe enjoyable and I would appreciate hearing about your experience with it.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to leave a comment and I will do my best to respond promptly. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
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