If you love tacos and make them at home with packaged taco spice mix it's time to make your own homemade taco seasoning mix. No artificial flavors, fillers or additives, just bold flavor that adjusts to your taste preference. We enjoy tacos for lunch regularly and I realized I've never posted my recipe so here it is. Just made a fresh jar for my spice drawer.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
This recipe makes 1 ½ ounces of taco seasoning mix and is easily doubled. Mix up a batch in a repurposed jar. Label and date your taco seasoning mix. Stored in a cool dark pantry or drawer it should be good for at least 6 months. For taco meat, use 1 ½ tablespoons per pound of ground meat. Although this is called Taco Seasoning Mix it's good for more than just tacos. It's a multipurpose blend for:
- Your favorite chili recipe
- Gilled chicken
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Scrambled or poached eggs
- A a dry rub for flank steak
- A topping for deviled eggs
- To turn standard chicken salad into taco chicken salad, mixed with mayo
- As a dip mixed with mayo for steamed artichokes or veggies
The Spices You Need
You'll need dried oregano, dried ancho chile, ground cumin and coriander, chipotle chile powder, granulated garlic, smoked or regular paprika, and ground black pepper. I intentionally omitted the salt so you can make it salt-free or add it to the recipe you are cooking. You can make it as mild or spicy as you prefer.
A Few Notes on Spices
You can purchase all of the spices online if needed. I often buy from this company who also has stores, but shop wherever works best for you. This brand is all organic and available at better markets (like Whole Foods).
Ancho chile is the sweetest of dried chiles. The fresh form is a Poblano chile. They are mild, only 1 out of 10 on the Scoville Scale. It's the rich red color and savory flavor in many Mexican and Southwestern dishes.
Chipotle chile powder is made from fully ripe (red) jalapeno peppers that are smoked and dried. It packs quite a punch. Cayenne pepper is a substitute.I t doesn't have the smoky flavor of chipotle but it brings the heat.
Granulated garlic is something I can't live without. It's more granular than garlic powder. If all you have is garlic powder, substitute that and use a bit less.
Far from being used only as a garnish for Deviled Eggs, paprika has a wonderful flavor. The Smoked paprika is easy to find so try it if you enjoy smoky flavors. It's another great add to your spice arsenal.
Histamine Intolerance Note
If you, like me, are histamine intolerant (HIT) or have allergy issues, be mindful of using this blend. Right now my HIT is well managed but sometimes I feel it when I consume this spice blend. My face gets warm and my eyes get red (a warning sign for me), but if I take a HistaminX and a Histamine Block it helps. I'm glad I've found tools to help me manage my HIT because the flavors of this seasoning mix are so good!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons ancho chile
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika substitute regular paprika
- ½ teaspoon granulated garlic substitute garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried chipotle pepper substitute cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all herbs and spices to a clean dry jar and shake to blend. Label, date and store in a cool dark drawer or pantry for best longevity. Properly stored it lasts 6-12 months.
Debbie Burgess says
Thank you for sharing this, Sally. I'm going to order the spices and make it. We sure do miss our favorite Mexican restaurant.
Sally Cameron says
Glad you like it Deb, thanks for commenting. Last night I tossed shrimp with the taco mix and added olive oil and lime juice as a marinade. Came out great!