Easy Mexican Spice Blend Recipe (Tex-Mex Tacos)
An easy Mexican Spice Blend is a key ingredient in all of our favorite Mexican dishes. This homemade Taco Seasoning is simple, affordable to put together, and can be ready in minutes. Besides being essential to all of our favorite Mexican recipes, it adds a delicious, bold flavor to grilled or roasted chicken, fish, pork, or steak.
The unique flavor of this well-loved Mexican spice blend is the best way to make your favorite traditional Mexican food. With the abundance of flavor in these 7 key ingredients, you will never buy another packet of taco seasoning again!
TACO SEASONING VS. MEXICAN SEASONING🌮
Taco Seasoning and Mexican Seasoning are one and the same in my kitchen. I basically use this combination of Mexican spices in all of my Tex-Mex cuisine. I might add a few more common ingredients like black pepper, cinnamon, ancho chile powder, or red pepper flakes. It all depends on what new recipes I’m trying.
MEXICAN SPICE BLEND RECIPE INGREDIENTS
…What you’ll need
- Chili Powder: chili powder is a common ingredient that adds a spicy, smoky taste. It has a strong flavor and is used in almost every traditional Mexican cooking.
- Cumin: cumin is one of my favorite spices. It too has a smoky flavor but it also adds an earthy tone to any recipe.
- Garlic Powder: adds a roasted, toasted garlic taste.
- Onion Powder: onion powder has a toasted, sweet flavor that can easily overpower a dish.
- Paprika: a little paprika goes a long way. It’s a spicy, sweet, fire in any recipe.
- Sea Salt: you can use any salt as long as it’s not large-grain rock salt. I especially like this pink Himalayan Sea Salt because it has a high mineral count and it’s pretty. Win, Win!
- Oregano: oregano has an earthy, slightly minty taste. Mexican oregano has basically the same taste and texture except Mediterranean Oregano is described as earthy and Mexican is supposed to be “grassy”. It is very easy to grow and will spread like mint because it is mint…just a different variety than common mint.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves: it has a mellow, comforting spice taste. It’s one of that beautiful aromatic herbs that is so easy to grow and can be added to almost every kind of savory dish.
TACO SEASONING MIXING STEPS
- In a mixing bowl or glass container combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, oregano, and thyme leaves.
- Stir or shake all together until the seasoning is fully mixed.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy!
MEXICAN SEASONING TIPS
There are countless recipes and uses for this very versatile seasoning blend.
Mexican Marinade: Use this seasoning as a marinade for roast or grilled chicken, steak, or pork.
For Chicken: Simply spray your chicken with cooking spray and then rub on a handful of seasoning under the skin and then on top of the skin. This adds an abundance of flavors for a delicious, spicy flavor to juicy poultry. Your guests will love the extra kick!
For Steak and Pork: Rub the seasoning all over the steak and let it “dry brine” in the refrigerator uncovered for a couple of hours. Dry brining it with this seasoning add just the right amount of heat for a delicious barbecue. Serve it with potato salad, a big green salad, and a cold cocktail for a perfect summer meal.
Use this Mexican seasoning in place of fajita seasoning. Combine 1/2 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of seasoning to cut up boneless chicken thighs and breasts in a ziplock bag or covered bowl. Let marinade for a few hours and then grill and serve with all the traditional fajita fixings. So good!
More good uses for this Mexican spice blend✨
- Use it as Chili Seasoning. I generally use 1 tablespoon to one pound of meat.
- Sprinkle it on scrambled eggs and then serve on a toasted tortilla.
- Avocados or guacamole dip are next-level delicious with this seasoning. Note: go slow and season to taste.
- Try it on a hot baked sweet potato with butter and a little honey…it’s delicious!
- Add it to queso dip and salsa or sprinkle enchiladas.
- The bold flavors of this Mexican Spice Blend Recipe add an abundance of flavor to any meal. Try it!
MEXICAN SEASONING STORAGE
Storing this homemade Mexican spice mix is really very simple. It’s best to store it in an airtight glass container like the mason jar below. This seasoning will keep for a long time in your kitchen cabinet, preferably in a dark place.
Give it a shake or two (with the lid on and closed tight, LOL) in order to get the most flavor from seasoning.
A FEW RECIPES USING MEXICAN SPICE BLEND
Easy 3 Ingredient Avocado Toast
Easy Mexican Air Fryer Beef Burritos
Best Spicy Sausage Rotel Queso Cheese Dip
Easy Mexican Spice Blend Recipe (Tex-Mex Tacos)
Equipment
- measuring spoon
- mason jar with lid
Materials
- 10 tbsp chili powder
- 5 tbsp cumin
- 2.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 6 sprigs fresh thyme optional
Instructions
- measure and combine all ingredients
- store in a class container with a secure lid