Tacos have always been more than just food—they’re a fiesta of flavors wrapped in a tortilla! I remember my first bite of a homemade taco, where the seasoning was the star, transforming simple ingredients into something spectacular. Your taste buds are in for a wild ride with this seasoning mix that’s as vibrant as a summer sunset and as comforting as your favorite old sweater.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients for your taco seasoning, including chili powder, ground cumin, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Stir until all the spices are evenly mixed together.
- Transfer the mixed spices into an airtight container to maintain freshness. Store the container in a cool, dark place where it will remain fresh for up to six months.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon of ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon of onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
Nutritional Values
Calories: 50 | Total Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 2350mg | Total Carbohydrate: 10g | Dietary Fiber: 0g | Total Sugars: 0g | Protein: 0g | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: N/A | Potassium: 290mg
FAQ
- What is taco seasoning?
- Taco seasoning is a flavorful blend of spices used to impart a warm, spicy, and smoky taste to a variety of dishes, including tacos, soups, and casseroles. While you can purchase it at the store, it’s also simple to make at home using common pantry ingredients.
- Why choose homemade taco seasoning over store-bought?
- Creating your own taco seasoning at home allows you to know exactly what ingredients are included, which is beneficial for those monitoring sodium intake. It’s cost-effective over time and offers the flexibility to adjust the spices to suit personal preferences, such as reducing paprika or increasing chili powder for extra heat.
- What ingredients are typically found in taco seasoning?
- Most taco seasoning recipes include a mix of salt, warming spices like paprika and chili, along with onion and garlic powders. This particular recipe uses chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- How much homemade taco seasoning should be used as a substitute for a store-bought packet?
- Generally, commercial taco seasoning packets contain about 1 ounce or roughly 3 tablespoons of seasoning. Therefore, you should use 3 tablespoons of your homemade mix for each packet required in your recipe.
- How should homemade taco seasoning be stored?
- To maintain its freshness, store your homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark location. It will stay at its best quality for approximately six months.
Tips
- Adjust the seasoning to match your personal taste preferences. Feel free to omit or add more of certain spices, such as paprika or chili powder, to make it more suitable for your palate.
- For recipes that call for a packet of taco seasoning, use about 3 tablespoons of your homemade mix as a substitute to achieve a similar flavor profile.
- To prolong the freshness of your homemade seasoning, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It should retain its optimal flavor for up to six months.
- Consider adding a bit of cornstarch to the mix if you prefer a thicker consistency when using the seasoning in taco meat or other dishes.
Equipment
- Airtight Container – For storing the homemade taco seasoning to keep it fresh.
- Spice Grinder (optional) – If you prefer to grind fresh spices for more flavor, though not strictly necessary for this recipe.
- Measuring Spoons – Precise measurement of spices is important, so having a good set is useful if you don’t already have one.
- Small Mixing Bowl – A dedicated bowl for mixing spices might be something to consider if you don’t have one.
