Homemade Fajita Mix Recipe - Ditch the store-bought fajita seasonings and make your own spice blend! It only takes 5 minutes but tastes 100 times better than store-bought.
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Why you'll love this recipe
By now, you know I'm a big fan of making my own seasonings, and I hope you are, too! It saves time because you don't have to run to the grocery store, it's less expensive, and you control the heat!
Most importantly... you know what's in this mix - no preservatives and nothing you can't pronounce!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements for the homemade fajita seasoning mix recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. You'll just need a handful of basic spices.
- chili powder - adds warms and spice.
- sugar - for just a touch of sweetness.
- cumin - adds an earthy depth of flavor.
- smoked paprika - you can substitute with regular if you don't have smoked, but I like the smoked for that little hint of grilling without all the work!
- onion powder - adds concentrated onion flavor and depth.
- granulated garlic - compliments the spice mix, can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- kosher salt - to add flavor
- red pepper flakes - helps turn up the heat! Cayenne pepper also adds a nice pop of heat!
Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. For complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Measure ingredients into a small bowl or jar.
- Stir to mix.
- Store in an airtight container or glass jar.
Equipment
- Measuring spoons - these are great because they will fit into the spice jars.
- These small canning jars are perfect to store the fajita spice mix.
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FAQ's
You bet, you'll need 2-3 tablespoons per pound of meat. Many seasoning mixes contain flour to thicken the sauce, so if you want the sauce with your tacos to be thick, add 1 teaspoon of flour to the seasoning mix prior to adding it to the meat.
Yes, most fajita seasoning contains oregano and less garlic and onion powder, but in a pinch you can substitute.
There are two tablespoons of seasoning in the packets you'll purchase at the store.
Stored in your pantry in an airtight container it will last about six months. So why not make your own?
Top Tip
After you've combined the mix, be sure to label the jar or container so. you don't forget what's inside! I always forget to label them. 🤦🏼♀️
Fresh spices will always have more flavor.
Common fajita veggies
- red bell pepper, yellow, orange or green bell peppers.
- sliced onions - you can use yellow, white or red onions.
- jalapeños, cilantro are great for garnishes and even more flavor!
Storage
Store spice mixes in an airtight container like a small mason jar in a dry place. They are best stored and will keep longer in a dark place like the pantry or spice cabinet and will stay fresh up to six months!
If you make a big batch, freeze excess fajita spice mix will help it to last even longer.
Related recipes
These are easy recipes. Homemade spice blends taste so much better than store-bought seasoning!
- Homemade Old Bay Seasoning - easy to make with ingredients you have on hand - delicious!
- Chef's Blend Spice Rub - five minutes to make for the most versatile spice mix!
- Montreal Steak Seasoning - great on steaks, liven up your meal with a perfect balance of flavor!
- Homemade Taco Seasoning - get the heat just right when you make your own!
Serving suggestions
Using this recipe make a big platter of;
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas - love this great recipe!
- Chicken and Shrimp Fajitas - use a large skillet for this recipe, it makes a big batch. Our favorite fajita recipe - yum!
- Skillet Chicken Fajitas - Loaded with bell peppers and red onion, they are delish! I always top mine with sour cream and jalapenos.
- Steak Fajitas
Then to go with your meal here are some great side dishes:
- Chipotle Black Bean Recipe - easy to make on the stovetop or pressure cooker.
- Mexican Street Corn - your favorite vegetable made even better!
- This easy-to-make Mexican Coleslaw Recipe is a tasty twist on traditional slaw.
- Southwest Salad - loaded with bright fresh crunch this is easy to make and delicious.
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Fajita Spice Mix
Equipment
- canning jars
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Measure all of the ingreients into a small jar.
- Shake to combine!
- Use 2-3 tablespoons in place of seasoning packet.
- Seal well and store in the pantry for up to six months.
Gisela Smith says
How much of the smoked paprika? The recipe doesn't mention paprika at all.
Bowl Me Over says
It's one teaspoon, thanks for bringing it to my attention Gisela! Have a great day and enjoy the recipe.
Jennifer A Stewart says
I eat tacos all the time and love to switch it up with fajitas too. This seasoning mix is the bomb!! I am putting it on my burgers next.
Sandra Shaffer says
This one will be a staple at my house. Saves so much money and waste (dislike those packages). This spice blend is so good over flank steak!
Michaela Kenkel says
Used this on shrimp last night! Best seafood fajitas I have ever eaten!
Angela says
Love making my own mixes like this! Control over what goes in is so important
Julie Menghini says
I love this Fajita blend and there's a ton of other spice blends I can't wait to try!
Liza says
Oh, this recipe is a LIFE-SAVER! I love the mix recipes: they make life so much easier when it's time to cook something quick but flavorful! Thanks!!!
Brandi Burgess says
I never would have thought to make fajita mix! I should have because I buy it all the time! Glad I found this!
michele says
Made this for fajitas and now I use it on everything... worked especially well on grilled shrimp last night!