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This DIY spice mix has been my go-to trick for jazzing up our family meals for ages. It takes barely 5 minutes to throw together but packs authentic south-of-the-border punch that makes those store packets seem bland and fake. The mix of smoky, spicy, and earthy flavors will turn your ordinary taco night into something you'll crave again and again.
I first started putting this blend together when I found out how much salt and unnecessary stuff was packed into the commercial versions. These days my kids can spot right away when I've used my homemade mix instead of the boxed kind, and they always beg for my version.
What You'll Need
- Chili powder: creates the base with its bold, intense flavor that brings genuine character to any south-of-the-border cooking
- Cumin: delivers that signature earthy smell that makes you think of tacos the moment you catch a whiff
- Sea salt: boosts all the flavor notes but can be tweaked to your liking
- Black pepper: adds gentle heat and layers that work alongside the other seasonings
- Smoked paprika: brings a fantastic smoky element that lifts the whole mixture
- Dried oregano: offers herbal notes that counter the spicy components
- Garlic powder: gives savory richness without needing to chop fresh cloves
- Onion powder: provides subtle sweetness and body without actual onions
- Cayenne pepper: delivers that satisfying heat you can adjust based on how spicy you like things
Simple Preparation Steps
- Round Up Your Seasonings:
- Start by collecting all nine spices from your cabinet and setting them on your counter. Check that they're still fresh since older spices don't pack as much punch. You might need to add a bit extra if your spices have been sitting around for a while.
- Get The Amounts Right:
- Don't just guess - grab your measuring spoons for accuracy. The magic happens when these spices come together in the right amounts. Just a tiny bit more cayenne can turn this from mild to wild real fast.
- Put It All Together:
- Drop each spice into a small bowl one after another. When everything's in, grab a small whisk or fork and mix it all up until you've got an even color throughout with no streaks of separate spices showing. This way every bit you use will taste right.
- Pack It Away:
- Dump your finished mix into a container that seals tight. Make sure there's no water in the container before you add the spices since moisture will make everything clump or even grow mold later. A small funnel works great to avoid making a mess.
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This mix always takes me back to those Sunday dinners with my family years ago. Mom would let me take charge of seasoning the meat, and I'd feel so grown up measuring each spice. That memory of standing on my little stool at the counter is why I'm so fussy about getting the flavor just right.
Ways To Use Your Mix
Usually you'll want 2 tablespoons of seasoning for each pound of ground meat, but you can always add more or less to suit yourself. First brown your meat, drain off the fat if you're using beef, then sprinkle your spice mix over everything. Pour in about 1/4 cup water, stir it up good, and let it bubble until the liquid cooks down and coats the meat with lots of flavor.
This stuff isn't just for tacos though. It's great in enchiladas, taco salads, Spanish rice, roasted veggies, or even tossed with popcorn for a tasty snack. I sometimes use it as a rub on grilled chicken or to wake up boring scrambled eggs too.
Making It Your Own
Don't be afraid to play around with this recipe. Want it milder? Cut back or skip the cayenne pepper. Like things spicy? Throw in more cayenne or add some red pepper flakes. For more smokiness, up the smoked paprika or swap some chipotle powder for part of the regular chili powder.
A few of my relatives love a citrus kick, which you can get by mixing in 1 teaspoon of dried lime zest. For a slightly sweeter blend that kids usually go for, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of coconut sugar or your favorite sweetener.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep your homemade mix in a well-sealed glass container in a cool, dark cabinet away from your stove or windows. Stored right, this blend stays tasty for up to a year, though it will gradually lose some kick over time.
If you live somewhere really humid, try tossing a few grains of raw rice at the bottom of your jar to soak up extra moisture that might make the mix clump together. You can also tuck the blend in the freezer to keep it fresh even longer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make it less or more spicy?
Absolutely! Adjust the heat by adding less or more cayenne according to your liking.
- → How long will it stay fresh?
If stored in a sealed container, it’s good for 1-2 years, but you'll get the best flavor if used within a year.
- → What’s the seasoning amount for meat?
A half tablespoon of the seasoning will flavor 1/4 pound of meat perfectly.
- → Is smoked paprika a good option?
Yes! Smoked paprika gives a richer smoky flavor, but regular works fine, too.
- → What’s the best way to store it?
Keep the seasoning in a dry place inside an airtight container, like a spice jar or glass container.