Fajita Seasoning (the best homemade recipe) – with Video!
Posted: 06/19/2015
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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.
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 cooks, over slaving away in the kitchen over from-scratch lasagna, I won’t be losing sleep over it.
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, when I can.
- Work out, when I can.
- Eat unprocessed foods, as often as I can.
As you can see, 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. But then I’ll probably have wine and popcorn later to make up for those calories I saved with that lettuce wrap.
I try to take care of myself, both in terms of my physical body and health, but also in terms of my mental health and happiness.
If making homemade pasta and from-scratch ketchup is going to take away from the time I can spend playing my kids, I will probably choose not to do it. Because my mental health and happiness (and more importantly, that of my kids) is more important than making something from scratch that really is good enough from the store.
Why you should make this fajita seasoning:
However, 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 totally 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 that icky store-bought stuff.
We go through our taco seasoning like water – I put the stuff in everything.
This fajita seasoning is great on chicken, steak, shrimp and fish! Perfect for any kind of fajita you’re craving, and it’s so easy. It’s absolutely perfect for my sheet pan fajitas!
Tip: Want to make this Paleo? Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. Want to make it Whole30 compliant? Omit the sugar and it will still taste fantastic!
Another great thing about learning how to make homemade fajita seasoning is that the taste is in your hands. If you’re watching your sodium intake, feel free to decrease the amount of salt in this spice mixture.
If you’re a wimp when it comes to spicy food (it’s okay, I am too!), decrease or omit the cayenne. If you need to keep an eye on your sugar intake, omit the brown sugar or substitute with another (dry) sweetener — I’d recommend coconut sugar. You are in control of this homemade fajita seasoning – make it your own!
Ready to DIY a little more? Try making your own beef stew seasoning mix, homemade mild curry, herbes de provence, chai spice mix, pumpkin pie spice, or homemade Bisquick mix. 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!
servings
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 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
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl or an airtight container, stirring or shaking to combine.
- Store in airtight container.
- 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
- Photos depict a double batch of seasoning.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh lime juice when preparing your meat for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1of 10, Calories: 11kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Sodium: 455mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g
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.
Donna Bruns says
Simple to make and delicious! I’ll never purchase a packaged mix again!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear that! It’s one of our favorites, too!
Kelly says
I love this seasoning, and have made it before. For some reason the recipe isn’t showing? Can you email it to me, as I need to make more.
Rachel Gurk says
I hope you got my email! Thanks again for letting me know, it should be fixed on here now too.
Bonnie says
Could you please e-mail me the ingredients for this recipe, I have tried 3 devices and none will let me play the video !! I want to make this in 2 hours, help !!
Rachel Gurk says
So sorry that now it’s past two hours…we were doing some maintenance on my site and we had some downtime. My apologies!!!!
Debra Thomas says
Oh my gosh, your recipe for a fajita mix is the best ever! I made it to your recipe and my husband and I loved it. Will never buy a package mix again. Thank you!!!!
Rachel Gurk says
So glad to hear you like this recipe! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
ellie says
I’ve been using your recipe for months now, no other recipe I’ve tried in the past compares.
Thanks, we all love it in my home.
Rachel Gurk says
Wow, thank you so much, Ellie! I really appreciate you taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Lori A Kimbrell says
why brown sugar?
Rachel Gurk says
It helps the meat caramelize and adds a nice crust to the meat and a little sweetness to balance out the spice. :) You can leave it out if you want, but I love the flavor and texture it adds.
Sarah L says
I made a batch up a while ago from your recipe. It is really very good. I don’t have garlic powder so use fresh garlic which is no problem. I won’t use a packet version again. I’ve just made up a double batch this time. Thank you
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad you like this recipe and it’s become a staple in your home! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Dorie Magee says
I don’t leave comments often but I had to thank you for the recipe. I have always made a marinade but when I forgot to make it and had a beautiful flap steak, I found your recipe. Hmmm, why not? Thirty minutes later we were wrapping tender, fragrant and flavorfull strips of steak into warm tortillas. Add a few pan seared onions and red bells, also sprinkled with your seasoning, some avo and we were very happy. So thank you.
Rachel Gurk says
Your comment made my night! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and share your thoughts. I’m so glad you liked the recipe – now I’m suddenly craving fajitas!
Rob G says
Excellent. Exactly what I wanted and craved for my chilli bean tortilla. Thank you!
Rachel Gurk says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Erica says
I have been LOVING this seasoning. I just graduated and moved out this past year, and my thoughtful Christmas gift from my mom was a comprehensive spice collection. Making my own rubs has become one of my favorite activities, and this takes the cake!! I just hosted a make-your-own fajita night for my small group at church last evening and the seasoned chicken and veggies were a hit. My only modifications are using garlic salt instead of regular salt and adding a hit of red pepper flakes for extra spice. SO good! :) Thank you for this forever-addition to my spice cabinet.
Rachel Gurk says
This comment made me so happy! Thank you for the kind words and for leaving a comment – I’m so happy you like this seasoning. I love the idea of a make-your-own-fajita night – how fun!
sharon Martin says
what can I use in place of the Mexican Oregano?? Thanks
Rachel Gurk says
You can use regular oregano :)