Tacos have always held a special place in my heart—there’s just something about that first bite that feels like a joyful explosion of flavors. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, right? Recently, I stumbled upon a taco truck in Austin that served the most mind-blowing tacos, and it inspired me to craft my own seasoning blend at home—one that could rival even the best street tacos.
Steps
- Gather all the necessary ingredients before you start: chili powder, ground cumin, sea salt, ground black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano until they are well combined.
- Transfer the blended seasoning into an airtight container for storage. Keep the container in a cool, dark place to maintain the seasoning’s freshness for up to six months.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon 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: 0mg | Potassium: 290mg
FAQ
- What is taco seasoning and how is it typically used?
- Taco seasoning is a blend of spices that imparts a warm, spicy, and smoky flavor to dishes such as tacos, soups, and casseroles. It can be purchased pre-made or easily prepared at home using common pantry ingredients.
- Why should I make taco seasoning at home rather than buying it?
- Creating your own taco seasoning allows you to control the ingredients and their quantities, which is beneficial for managing sodium levels or personal taste preferences. Homemade seasoning is also more cost-effective over time and can be customized to suit your flavor profile.
- What ingredients are typically found in a homemade taco seasoning mix?
- Most taco seasoning recipes include salt, warming spices like paprika and oregano, chili, onion powder, and garlic powder. A popular version might contain chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- How do I substitute homemade taco seasoning for a store-bought packet?
- If a recipe calls for one packet of taco seasoning, you can substitute it with approximately 3 tablespoons of your homemade mix, as this is the typical content of commercial packages.
- What is the best way to store homemade taco seasoning?
- To maintain its freshness, store your homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark location. It should stay fresh for about six months.
Tips
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding or omitting ingredients. For instance, if you prefer a bit more heat, you can increase the amount of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.
- To make your taco meat slightly thicker, consider incorporating a small amount of cornstarch into the mix.
- Always store your homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container and keep it in a cool, dark place to maintain its freshness for up to six months.
- Use approximately 3 tablespoons of your homemade taco seasoning to replace a store-bought packet in recipes, ensuring you achieve the same flavor intensity.
Equipment
- Airtight Container – To store the homemade taco seasoning and keep it fresh.
- Spice Jars – If you prefer to store each ingredient separately or for organizing your spices.
- Measuring Spoons – For accurately measuring the small quantities of spices required in the recipe.
- Mixing Bowl – A small bowl for combining the ingredients.
- Spice Grinder – If you prefer freshly ground spices or need to grind any of the spices yourself.
