Bold, smoky, and full of flavor, this homemade fajita seasoning mix is a kitchen staple that brings Tex-Mex flair to your cooking. Made with pantry spices and no additives, this versatile blend enhances everything from grilled chicken and steak to sautéed vegetables. Whether you’re meal prepping or planning a fajita night, this DIY spice mix makes it simple to deliver consistent, vibrant taste every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crafting your own fajita seasoning ensures quality, control, and freshness. Unlike store-bought blends, this mix contains no preservatives or fillers, and you can customize the heat to suit your preferences. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make in batches, and perfect for a wide variety of dishes—making it a must-have in your spice rack.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, can omit for keto)
directions
- In a small bowl, combine all spices.
- Stir or whisk until evenly blended.
- Transfer to an airtight spice jar or container.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Use approximately 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat or vegetables.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: ~6 tablespoons (enough for 6 pounds of meat or vegetables)
- Calories per tablespoon: 10 kcal
Variations
- Low-Sodium Option: Reduce or omit the salt and adjust when cooking.
- Milder Blend: Omit or reduce the cayenne pepper for a less spicy version.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
- Sugar-Free: Leave out the sugar entirely for a keto- and paleo-friendly blend.
- Citrus Twist: Add dried lime zest for a tangy dimension.
storage/reheating
This seasoning mix requires no reheating. Store the blend in an airtight container, away from heat and moisture. For optimal freshness, use within 6 months. Label the jar with the date of preparation to keep track.
FAQs
What spices are in classic fajita seasoning?
Classic fajita seasoning typically includes chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cayenne and sugar are sometimes added for extra heat and balance.
Can I use this fajita seasoning for tacos?
Yes, this seasoning works well for tacos, burritos, and other Tex-Mex dishes. Adjust the quantity based on your taste.
Is fajita seasoning gluten-free?
Yes, when made at home with pure spices, this mix is naturally gluten-free.
How much seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
Use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat or vegetables.
Can I make a large batch for storage?
Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients and store the mix in a sealed container for future use.
What can I use instead of cayenne pepper?
You can substitute cayenne with crushed red pepper flakes or simply omit it for a milder blend.
Does this seasoning work for seafood?
Yes, it’s excellent on shrimp and other seafood—just be mindful not to overpower delicate flavors.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
For this dry blend, stick with dried herbs. Fresh herbs are best added directly to dishes during cooking.
Is this fajita seasoning keto-friendly?
Yes, especially if you omit the optional sugar.
Does this seasoning contain MSG or preservatives?
No, this homemade mix is free of MSG, preservatives, and artificial additives.
Conclusion
This homemade fajita seasoning mix is a flavorful, cost-effective way to enhance your meals without relying on store-bought packets. With just a few minutes of prep and common pantry ingredients, you’ll have a versatile spice blend ready for everything from quick weeknight dinners to weekend grilling. Adjust it to suit your taste, and enjoy authentic Tex-Mex flavor any time.
Print
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ~6 tablespoons
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix delivers bold, smoky, and savory flavor with the perfect amount of heat. This DIY fajita seasoning is ideal for chicken, steak, shrimp, or veggies, and it’s easy to make in bulk for taco nights, grilling season, or healthy meal prep. Gluten-free and keto-friendly with no additives!
Ingredients
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1 tbsp chili powder
-
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
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1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp dried oregano
-
1/2 tsp ground cumin
-
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp sugar (optional, can omit for keto)
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine all the spices.
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Mix thoroughly until well blended.
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Store in an airtight spice jar or container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
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Use approximately 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat or vegetables.
Notes
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Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor, but sweet paprika works well too.
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Omit sugar for a keto or low-carb version.
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Perfect for grilling, sautéing, or oven-roasting proteins and veggies.
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Scale up the recipe for batch prep and homemade spice gifts.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Spice Mix
- Method: Mix/No-Cook
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
