Fajita Seasoning (From Pantry Staples)

Our delicious Fajita Seasoning recipe is customizable and (best of all) it’s made from ingredients you probably already have on hand.

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There are few things as satisfying as a sizzling fajita, seasoned to perfection. (Our Chicken Fajitas are a perfect example!)

You can, of course, pick up a ready-made fajita seasoning packet from the grocery store – and those are super convenient. But by making your own homemade seasonings for fajitas, you’ll not only be able to create the perfect blend for your palate – you’ll also avoid all those extra ingredients and preservatives.

Like it hot? Add extra cayenne. Watching your salt or sugar intake? You can adjust those amounts in our recipe too – or omit them altogether if that’s what you prefer.

Did you also know that this homemade spice mix can add flavor and flair to so much more than just your fajitas? Sprinkle it on baked chicken, steak bites, or pork tenderloin. It’s especially great on grilled shrimp.  You can stir it into your cornbread batter for an extra kick of flavor, or add it to your next batch of rice. You should also check out this street taco recipe – the shredded chicken is seasoned with our fajita seasonings.

You really can’t go wrong with this mix!

Why You’ll Love This Fajita Seasoning 

• There aren’t many recipes easier than mixing up this fajita seasoning spice blend.
• You’ll save money by using ingredients you already have on hand in the pantry. No need to buy those expensive seasoning packets!
• Customize the spices for your fajitas just the way you like them.
• You can sprinkle this mix over so many dishes for a little extra flavor.

Key ingredients and Substitutions

• Cumin – With a warm earthy flavor this spice adds a rich and hearty flavor with just an edge of citrus and since it also has antioxidant properties, it’s a win-win.
• Coriander – This is derived from the ground seeds of the cilantro plant and adds a sweet and tart flavor and just a hint of a floral aroma to boot.
• Paprika – Since this vibrant red spice is made by grinding dried peppers into powder, the flavor and spice level can vary depending on the peppers used. Just be aware of the type of paprika you are using and adjust accordingly for a more spicy, mild, or sweet flavor.
• Garlic and Onion Powder – Two basic seasonings that add zesty flavors.
• *Sugar – This helps caramelize the meat while it cooks.
• *Salt – You can certainly leave the salt out if you are watching your sodium intake, or adjust the amount to your liking.
• *Corn Starch – This helps the seasonings stick to the meat as you cook it.
• *Cayenne – If you like very mild seasonings, you can leave this one out or cut way back. (We like the little bit of zip it adds to our fajitas so try including at least a little!)

*These are the optional ingredients – but this homemade Fajita Seasoning recipe is intended to be an all-in-one blend, so no additional seasonings are needed.

How Do I Make Spices for Fajitas?

1. Measure – As mentioned already, our recipe is a good starting point, but feel free to adjust the amounts of spices and seasonings to suit your tastes. (That’s the big perk of mixing your own spice mixes!)
2. Mix – Honestly, it’s that easy – just whisk together in a bowl. This recipe yields about seven tablespoons which is the equivalent of 3-4 ready-made packets – at a fraction of the cost!
3. Store – Be sure to store the spice mix in an airtight container to preserve the potency of the spices for as long as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my Fajita Seasoning last?  If kept in a cool dry place and in an airtight container, the spices used in the recipe generally won’t spoil before you get a chance to use them. To achieve the best flavor, though, you’ll want to use this mix within a year. This is just because spices lose some of their potency over time. (This also assumes you used fresh spices to make your seasoning mix.)

What is the right amount of seasoning for my fajitas? While this is really a personal preference – the general guideline is to use 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat.

Are taco and fajita seasonings the same thing? Taco and fajita seasonings are made with very similar spices, but the proportions are different. Taco seasonings tend to be spicier (with more chili pepper and cayenne). Fajita seasonings are a more balanced blend of seasonings that complement citrus and other acidic flavors often found in fajita recipes.

This recipe originally appeared on A Family Feast in October 2019. We’ve updated the post, but the delicious recipe is the same.

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You may enjoy these other Mexican dishes:

• Mexican Pulled Chicken
• Baked Chicken Taquitos
• Pork Carnitas
• Mexican Tomato and Corn Salad
• Margaritas

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