Ditch the store bought fajita seasoning! This post will show you how you can easily mix your own right at home. You’ll be sizzling this Tex-Mex blend with grilled meat and veggies in no time!
Our family does Fajitas Fridays every month because we love alliteration and we love Tex-Mex! Needless to say, we use a lot of fajita seasoning. Which, yes, you can buy at some stores. But it’s cool when you can make it at home. That way you can personalize it, adding a little more of this, a little less of that, etc.
How you make your seasoning for your Steak Fajita Bowl might differ slightly from how you make it for Healthy Chicken Fajitas. This post will give you a great starting point that you can modify as desired. Maybe you add in a little more paprika, a little less chili powder…It’s up to you to decide!
What Do I Use Fajita Seasoning For?
Fajita seasoning is used while you’re cooking…fajitas! Which is a category of food in Tex-Mex cuisine that involves any kind of grilled stripped meat cooked with onions and bell peppers. Generally accompanied by corn (or flour) tortillas, it’s a relatively simple dish and the fajita seasoning is what makes it so amazing.
Did I mention fajitas are also a very affordable meal full of nutrition? This Healthy Chicken Fajitas Meal Prep is calculated at just $3.37 per dish!
This homemade fajita seasoning mix is fabulous on any protein. Get ready to try it on tofu, shrimp, beef (like steak fajitas!) and fish. This recipe is our favorite chicken fajita seasoning, hands down.
It’s really a versatile spice mix that you can use in so many ways! Seriously, I have a jar in the cupboard prepped and ready to go at ALL times.
What Is The Difference Between Fajita and Taco Seasoning?
While they are pretty similar, fajita seasoning has less chili powder and more cumin. For this reason, I’d say that taco seasoning has more heat, while fajita seasoning has a little more flavor. They can be used interchangeably if you have one on hand and not the other.
Why Should I Make My Own Fajita Seasoning?
I make my own homemade fajita seasoning for three main reasons… And for the total time it takes, it’s nice to know I’m feeding my family a healthy version of one of our most used spice mixes.
- It’s Cheaper: I’m not kidding! You probably already have most of the ingredients you need in your spice cabinet right now! All you gotta do is mix them together in a small bowl for an awesome spice blend. Learn more ways to eat on a budget here.
- No Hidden Ingredients: When you make your own blend you’ll have full control of what goes into it. Store bought spices often have tons of sodium – not this mix!
- Customizable: If you prefer to have your fajita seasoning with more heat, you can adjust it and add more chili powder. Or if you want a stronger black pepper taste, have at it!
What Is Fajita Seasoning Made Of?
Fajita seasoning generally contains the following …
- Sea Salt: As you already know, I’m anti-processed anything. And sea salt is produced through the evaporation of ocean water or from salt water lakes with just the teensiest tiniest bit of processing.
- Ground Cumin: One of my favorite spices right here! Cumin delivers depth and flavor, plus it’s got anti-inflammatory benefits! (If you like cumin, try this 10-Minute Enchilada Sauce).
- Ground Black Pepper: Similar to salt, black pepper is a mainstay for savory dishes.
- Paprika: Not only does it add that beautiful reddish color to your fajitas, paprika also offers a variety of health benefits. Paprika helps reduce inflammation while improving your cholesterol levels, eye health, and blood sugar!
- Garlic Powder: If you enjoy a hint of garlic, adding in some garlic powder is a no brainer.
- Coconut Sugar: All these spices combined can come off too strong for some people (particularly my kids!) which is why I add some coconut sugar to sweeten it up a bit. This also caramelizes nicely with heat.
- Onion Powder: To add more depth to the seasoning, onion powder easily evokes the flavor of fresh onions.
- Chili Powder: A fajitas seasoning blend isn’t complete without chili powder! Not only will it fire up your mix but you also get its fat burning and appetite reducing benefits.
- Cayenne Pepper: Last but not least, another anti-inflammatory spice! Cayenne pepper adds heat to your fajita seasoning and it also subtly enhances the flavor.
How Much Seasoning Do You Use On Fajitas?
As a rule of thumb, I often use around 1 tablespoon per pound of meat, whether it be chicken or steak. Though it also depends on your personal preference. Start with a tablespoon and build up from there. With spices, there’s no need to worry about extra calories!
How To Store Fajita Seasoning?
The best way to store fajita seasoning is in an airtight container in a cool cabinet. I usually store mine in a tightly sealed glass jar to make sure the aromatics retain their volatile oils. To ensure your seasoning doesn’t get clumpy, don’t store it in a warm place. AKA, not next to your stove! If you store your fajita seasoning right it can last up to six months in your pantry.
Then you can add it to an olive oil marinade mixture when needed, even adding additional herbs like oregano, parsley or basil if you like. Versatile and delish!
More Seasoning Blends
I bet you’re ready for more homemade spice blends! Mix up some guacamole and prep the sour cream to go along with this homemade fajita seasoning recipe. Enjoy the dish with your fam and then take a look at these seasoning blends to plan your next meal:
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
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1. Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well.
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2. Use approximately 1 tbsp per 1 pound of meat.
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3. Store in an airtight container if not using right away.
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