Ditch the store-bought seasoning and learn to make your own homemade Fajita Seasoning blend with a quick and easy blend of basic spices! Simply mix together a big batch and store in a small jar to use later.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Ingredients
- Chilli Powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Sumac
- Sugar (optional)
Like most spice blends, specific ingredients and amounts will vary – no two fajita seasoning mixes are alike. What’s included and how much is really a matter of personal preference. Feel free to use the recipe as a starting point to make your own homemade fajita seasoning mix.
FYI: The Importance of Salt
Ever try taste powdered spices on their own? Bitter, is one description that quickly comes to mind.
Throw some salt in the mix and suddenly you’re able to taste things that couldn’t really shine through. It’s a quick and easy way to take just about any recipe to the next level.
This is because salt plays an important role in how we experience flavor by highlighting sweet and umami-type flavors and decreasing bitter, unpleasant flavors.
Without salt, you’d struggle to taste much in a fajita mix like this. If desired, decrease the amount of salt to better suit your needs.
Customise It
Play around with the amounts! Add or swap spices depending on what you like and what you’ve got on hand.
A few ways you can alter the flavor:
- Paprika Type: Smoked, Sweet, Hot
- Use any variety you like or even a mix of a few.
- Chilli Powder: Mild, Medium, Hot
- Increase or decrease the heat by choosing a heat-level you prefer.
- Add Cayenne
- Like it hot? Add 1/2 tsp (or more) cayenne pepper
- Add Pepper:
- Add 1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper.
- Low FODMAP: Basically you just need to leave out the onion powder and garlic powder, but if you’d like a bit more explanation check out my low FODMAP fajita seasoning recipe.
What’s with the Sumac?
While sumac is quite a popular Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spice, it’s not one you’ll find often (or ever) in Mexican or South American cuisines.
Though unconventional, its bright, citrusy, acidic flavor makes for an excellent addition to your homemade fajita spice blend to use in place of citric acid (what’s normally used in store-bought mixes to get the flavor).
I do think it’s worth trying, but if you don’t have any available and it’s not one easily found in stores near you – leave it out. If you plan on using this spice blend on chicken or steak, you can always squeeze fresh lime juice over the top just before serving to add that extra pop of flavor.
What else to make with sumac?
Why add sugar? Can I leave it out?
Added sugar improves flavor & color through balancing out the salty flavor and ensuring your protein will properly caramelize and brown when cooked.
That being said, you can leave it out of your mix if you’d prefer a sugar-free option.
More Homemade Seasoning Mixes
- Lebanese Seven Spice (Baharat)
- Chinese Five Spice
- Za’atar Spice
- Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Apple Pie Spice
- Masala Chai Spice Mix
Enjoy!
Let me know if you add this Homemade Fajita Seasoning recipe to your spice rack! I’d love to hear what you made with it and how it turned out! Please leave a comment and review with your thoughts and suggestions for me and future readers.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix
Easy to make with pantry staples - customise as you like to create your own perfect homemade fajita spice blend!
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoon chilli powder
- 3 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon sumac
- 3 teaspoon white sugar or brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Add spices to a small bowl or jar and mix together until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container if needed or screw the lid on tight. Keep stored out of direct sunlight and enjoy.
Notes
Shelf Life: This should keep well for about 6 months if stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container.
How Much to Use: If you're following a recipe that calls for a whole store-bought packet, use 3 tablespoons. Recipes vary, but you generally need about 2-3 tablespoons to season 1 pound of meat.
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