If you love south of the border flavors this homemade Mexican spice blend is a must make! It adds loads of earthy, authentic flavors to whatever recipe you use it in. The uses are endless from traditional Mexican dishes to salad dressings, your favorite chicken recipe, and a perfect meat seasoning too.
This homemade Mexican seasoning recipe is quick, easy and simple to make at home in just a few minutes. This is a multi-purpose dry seasoning that you can store in your spice cabinet to use in Mexican cooking and so much more.
It's a homemade seasoning full of authentic flavor. Much like Italian seasoning it covers the spectrum of classic flavors making it great as a fajita seasoning, on chicken pieces before roasting or air frying, adding to a pound of meat before browning for bowl recipes or meal prepping.
Ancho chili powder and chipotle chile powder give it a smokier flavor that we think you'll love. We share some variations too so you can make it your own spice blend with Mexican flair. It's the perfect complement to our Homemade Taco Seasoning mix.
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What makes this skinny?
It's made up of dried spices which have very few calories.
Adding seasoning to food makes it more satisfying and enjoyable. A perfect way to do that is with homemade spice blends like this one. Try our Chili Mix and Poultry Seasoning too.
Recipe Ingredients Notes
Chili powder. This is the blend of chilies sold as 'chili powder' in the grocery stores. It's not from a specific chile and often includes other ingredients such as garlic powder, cumin or oregano.
Ancho chili powder. This is made from ancho chilies specifically and has a smoky flavor with mild to medium heat.
Ground cumin. This earthy spice is common in most Mexican recipes and seasoning blends. Be sure to use ground cumin not whole cumin seeds.
Oregano. We used regular oregano in this spice blend, not Mexican oregano which is from a different plant with a different flavor profile.
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chipotle chili powder. Like ancho chili powder, this chile powder is made from dried chipotle chilies. It's earthy, smoky and has the heat level similar to a jalapeno pepper.
Ground coriander. Coriander seeds come from the cilantro plant. The seeds are milk in flavor and add a slight citrusy, woodsy flavor. Do not use the whole seeds. The ground seeds will blend into the rest of the Mexican seasoning mix.
Celery seeds. These are the tiny seeds from wild celery. They taste very similar to celery.
Kosher salt. Just a touch of salt complements the Mexican spices without becoming too salty.
How to make All Purpose Mexican seasoning
Add all the ingredients to a shallow bowl or a plate: chili powder, ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder, ground coriander, celery seeds and salt (photo 1).
Mix to combine (photos 2-3).
Transfer to a closed jar/container and store away from direct sunlight (photo 4).
Variations & Substitutions
Chili powder. You could use cayenne powder instead BUT cayenne pepper is 8 times hotter than chili powder so use far less.
Ancho powder. You could substitute smoked paprika which will give the smoky flavor but without the heat of the ancho chilies. If you want it spicy try hot smoked paprika or a mix of both types of paprika.
Oregano. You could use dried basil or omit it though it's a key ingredient in many Mexican spice blends.
Chipotle chili powder. Smoked paprika can also be used as a substitute perhaps with a bit of cayenne pepper to add some heat.
Salt. Instead of kosher salt try sea salt or Himalayan salt.
How to use it
Use in Mexican and non-Mexican recipes. Here are some ideas:
- tacos
- fajitas
- burritos or burrito bowl
- enchiladas or our enchilada cups
- omelets and scrambled eggs or chaffles
- soups
- seasoning chicken for roasting or grilling
- on roasted vegetables
- add to stews
- marinara sauce
- sauces
- dips
- dressings
- in rice. You can add some to the water when making rice to make Mexican rice.
How to Store and Shelf Life
Store in an airtight container or small glass jar with airtight lid away from direct sunlight (a dark place) and heat source (where you'd store your other spices). Use within 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
It all depends on the spices used. Usually taco seasoning is milder than Mexican spice mix which has regular chili powder, ancho chili powder and chipotle chili powder. The mixture of chili powders deliver is kick of flavor.
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Recipe
All Purpose Mexican Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ancho powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon celery seeds
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a shallow bowl or a plate. Mix to fully combine.
- Transfer to an airtight glass jar or container. Store in a cool dark location.
Kim says
I'm obsessed with this seasoning after trying it. I used it on soft tacos and it was the perfect amount of heat.
Kathleen says
This homemade Mexican seasoning recipe is quick, easy and simple to make. I added it to pasta sauce and fajitas. Yummy.
Liz says
Thank you so much for this! I do a lot of Tex-Mex and Mexican cooking, and this blend is delicious.
Sylvia says
Love being able to make my own blend! This one is perfect for so many dishes I make. Family loved it.
Kali Alexandria says
I've been looking for a great Mexican seasoning recipe and I finally found it! Thank you!!
Tara w says
We loved this, so easy! I made burritos last night and everyone loved them!