Fajita Seasoning (The Best Recipe)

Learn how to make homemade fajita seasoning in minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Ditch the packet of unrecognizable ingredients.

For quite awhile, I’ve been on a mission to get back to the basics. I always do what I can, when I can. Meaning, if I can make something from scratch, I do. But if I’m tired and would rather read a book to my kids than make something from scratch, you won’t find me beating myself up about it.

If I choose 30 minutes outside soaking up some sun while frozen lasagna bakes, over slaving away in the kitchen boiling noodles, grating cheese, making sauce, etc., I won’t be losing sleep over it. In fact, I have a few shortcut lasagna recipes, if you’re interested (Easy Skillet Lasagna, made in one pan, or Vegetarian Lasagna Soup).

But, here are some simple things I always choose to do:

• Read ingredients and nutrition labels – this one is pretty much a sure thing, because my kids have food allergies, so it’s not only a nutritional thing but also a matter of safety.
• Make spice mixes from scratch.
• Work out, whenever I’m able.
• Eat unprocessed foods, as often as I can.

I’m not perfect. (Probably not all that hard to believe). Sometimes I skip a tortilla with my fajitas and swap it out for a lettuce wrap (yaay, less carbs). But then I’ll probably have wine and popcorn later to make up for those calories I saved with that lettuce wrap.

We need to take care of ourselves, right? The health of our physical bodies is so important but please make sure not to neglect your mental health and happiness. The two go hand in hand.

Why Make Homemade Seasoning

I’ve found that spice mixes such as this homemade fajita seasoning are a really simple way to be conscious of your health. No anti-caking aids, no ingredients you can’t pronounce, no sky-high sodium. You throw a few ingredients into a jar and shake.

Have your kids shake the jar and then you’re killing two birds with one stone – you’re having fun with your kids and you’re making simple and effective health changes.  Plus, it tastes WAY better than store-bought stuff.

I started making my own blends with taco seasoning and found that there are all sorts of ways to use it, far beyond tacos. It’s been so popular in both my household and in many of yours, that I posted a recipe for large batch homemade taco seasoning.

This fajita seasoning is great on chicken, steak, shrimp, fish, and vegetables! Read some of the comments below for inspiration. It’s perfect for any kind of fajita you’re craving, and it’s so easy. I always use it for my sheet pan fajitas, fajita stuffed chicken, and fajita spaghetti squash.

What You’ll Need

• Chili Powder: Just a heads up that many chili powder blends do contain added salt. Look for a brand that doesn’t or decrease the amount of salt in this recipe.
• Salt: I love that you can add as much or as little salt as you want when you make your own.
• Paprika: Sweet paprika is the type you usually find on grocery store shelves. It’s slightly sweet and fruity with a hint of heat. If you love a smoky flavor, substitute smoked paprika.
• Brown Sugar: Sugar helps to caramelize the fajita meat and veggies, giving them a nice seared brown exterior.
• Ground Black Pepper: Grind your own or use already ground pepper. If you are using a very finely ground pepper, you may want to use less.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder is simply dehydrated ground onion; don’t confuse it with onion salt!
• Garlic Powder: Same as above.
• Mexican Oregano: While there is a bit of difference between the two, if you can’t find Mexican oregano, regular oregano works fine too.
• Ground Cumin: This spice really makes this blend tick. It’s what makes it taste like “south of the border.”
• Cayenne Pepper: Add as much or as little as you like — this really adds the heat!

How to Make it

Okay, guys. This one is pretty easy.

Put all the ingredients in a bowl or jar.

Shake or stir. That’s it – you’re ready to go!

Once it’s mixed up, you can store it with your other spices, or you can make fajitas. For each pound of meat, we recommend starting with 2 teaspoons of the spice mix. You can add more or less to taste, and sometimes we also sprinkle some on our peppers and onions!

FAQs

Make It Your Own

Another great thing about learning how to make homemade fajita seasoning is that the taste is in your hands. You are in control of this homemade fajita seasoning – make it your own! Here’s a few ways to change it up:

• Decrease the amount of salt in this seasoning blend if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• If you like things more mild when it comes to spicy food, decrease or omit the cayenne.
• Want to make this Paleo? Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Want to make it Whole30 or keto compliant? Omit the sugar and it will still taste fantastic!

Storage Tips

Store your homemade seasonings in small tightly covered containers. Look for small recycled jars or the mini canning jars (4 oz.) that are used for jams and jellies. Seasoning mixes keep best in a cool dark place. They’ll be good for at least a year.

More Homemade Seasonings

Ready to DIY a little more? Try:

• Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
• Cajun Seasoning
• Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Buttermilk)
• Homemade Mild Curry
• Herbes De Provence
• Chai Spice Mix
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Don’t miss my complete list of homemade spice blends!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!

Recipe

Get the Recipe: Fajita Seasoning Recipe

4.31 from 13 votes

Prep Time: 5 mins

Total Time: 5 mins

10 servings

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Learn how to make homemade fajita seasoning in minutes using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Ditch the packet of unrecognizable ingredients.

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 teaspoons chili powder
• ▢ 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ▢ 2 teaspoons paprika
• ▢ 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ▢ ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or an airtight container, stirring or shaking to combine.
• Store in airtight container. Makes about ⅓ cup.
• When ready to use, use 2 teaspoons of seasoning for each pound of meat. (So, for two pounds of meat, use 4 teaspoons of seasoning). Rub seasoning onto meat to adhere. Cook as desired (grill, sauté, broil).

Notes

• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice when preparing your meat for added flavor.
• If you’re watching your sodium intake, decrease the amount of salt added.
• If desired, brown sugar can be omitted. 

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1.5teaspoon, Calories: 9kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 0.2g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Sodium: 479mg, Potassium: 35mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 317IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 0.4mg

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.

© Author: Rachel Gurk

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