Fajita Seasoning is the best way to kick up your next Mexican night at home. This recipe uses spices that are likely already in your pantry such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. If you have 5 minutes then you have enough time to skip the packet and make your own seasoning blend at home!
For almost a decade I have known firsthand that making your own taco seasoning at home is the WAY to give your Mexican dishes a ton of flavor.
But it wasn’t until recently that I discovered the small but very important differences between fajita seasoning and taco seasoning.
You see, taco seasoning is typically more cumin forward, while fajita seasoning is heavier on the chili powder, giving them that delicious smoky flavor.
Fajita blends also normally have some sort of dried herb included, whereas taco mixes do not.
These minor ingredient differences may not seem like much, but when you taste it in your fajitas, you’ll understand why it’s so important.
Mix up a big batch of this simple spice mix and keep it on hand the next time you want to give your Steak Fajitas, Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas, or Fajita Veggies a special kick of flavor!
Fajita Seasoning Spices
The simple ingredients you need to make this Fajita Seasoning Recipe include:
- Chili powder. My go-to is McCormicks. Be sure to pay attention to whether it’s mild, medium, or spicy, as this will affect the flavor.
- Cumin. This is a must for a truly, Mexican flavor. It has an earthy, peppery taste.
- Paprika. Opt for regular paprika. Or, use half regular, half smoked for an extra kick.
- Garlic and Onion powders. Both are important, and NOT interchangeable. Garlic powder is a must, but you could get by without onion powder if you must.
- Cayenne powder. Provides a nice punch of heat. You can decrease or increase depending on your spice preference.
- Salt and Pepper. Opt for sea salt and fresh cracked pepper for the most flavor. Use and adjust to your taste. You can also leave these out and simply add to the final dish
How to Make
These are the simple steps to follow to make Fajita Seasoning. See the recipe card for more detailed ingredient amounts.
Gather the Ingredients
First, collect all of the spices you will be using.
Add all spices to a small bowl. To save dishes, combine ingredients in the jar you will be storing the seasoning in.
Mix it Up
Thoroughly mix everything together until it is well-blended. You do not want to see any chunks of one kind of spice.
Store the fajita seasoning in a jar or canister with a tight-fitting lid. You can also use a plastic bag. Be sure to store away from direct heat, like over the stovetop, as this will decrease the potency of the spices.
Use 1 ½-2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning per pound of meat or 1 tablespoon per pound of vegetables.
Meal Prep & Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: You can mix up the spice blend ahead of time and keep it in a cool cabinet for up to 12 months.
- To Store: Place fajita seasoning in an airtight jar or canister and store in a cool, dry place for up to one year.
- To Freeze: It is best not to freeze spices as it can trap humidity and ruin their flavor.
FAQs
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, fajita seasoning can last for up to one year.
Traditionally, fajita seasoning contains a variety of Mexican spices, like chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, along with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
While both contain very similar spices, taco seasoning contains more cumin while fajita seasoning contains more chili powder and dried oregano to enhance the smoky flavor.
Fajita seasoning can be served on so many things! Try it on beef, shrimp, chicken, or other proteins. You can also season vegetables like bell peppers and onions with it. Think outside the box and sprinkle it on rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, or corn on the cob. It goes on just about any Tex-Mex dish!
Or, mix fajita seasoning with olive oil and use it as a marinade!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Adjust the heat. This recipe can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or decreasing the chili and cayenne powder.
- Keep it sealed. Be sure to store seasoning in an airtight container.
- Avoid high temps. If this mix gets too hot, it can be ruined. Leave fajita seasoning in a cool, dry place.
- Get creative. Think outside the box with this recipe and use it on veggies or sides.
- Let it marinate. Mix this seasoning with olive oil and use it as a marinade.
Recipes that Use Fajita Seasoning
This Fajita Seasoning recipe is perfect when used in any of these dishes:
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Veggie Fajitas
- Beef Skillet Fajitas
- Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Grilled Fajita Chicken Kabobs with Vegetables
- In lieu of taco seasoning in this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, Chicken Enchilada Soup, or Chicken Taco Soup.
More Seasoning Mix Recipes
You can make so many seasoning mixes at home! Try one of these next:
Tap stars to rate!
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe
email this recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. cumin
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- ¼-½ tsp. cayenne pepper optional
- 1 ½ tsp. salt to taste, optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in either a medium-sized bowl or in the jar it will be kept in. Store in a cool and dry place for up to a year.
- Use 1 ½-2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning per pound of meat or 1 tablespoon per pound of vegetables.
Tap stars to rate!
Video
Notes
Meal Prep & Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: You can mix up the spice blend ahead of time and keep it in a cool cabinet for up to 12 months.
- To Store: Place fajita seasoning in an airtight jar or canister and store in a cool, dry cabinet for up to one year.
- To Freeze: It is best not to freeze spices as it can trap humidity and ruin them.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
