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    Make It Skinny Please » Recipes » Sauces & Dressings » All Purpose Mexican Seasoning

    Published: Sep 25, 2022 · Modified: Oct 5, 2022 by Toni Dash · 6 Comments

    All Purpose Mexican Seasoning

    Calories: 7kcal
    Carbs: 1g
    Protein: 0.3g
    Fats: 0.3g
    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    all purpose mexican seasoning in a glass jar with spoon.

    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.

    all purpose mexican seasoning in a glass jar with spoon.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What makes this skinny?
    • Recipe Ingredients Notes
    • How to make All Purpose Mexican seasoning
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • How to use it
    • How to Store and Shelf Life
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More recipes you'll love!
    • Recipe

    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

    all purpose mexican seasoning labelled ingredients.

    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).

    all purpose mexican seasoning recipe steps collage.

    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.
    mexican spice blend in glass jar with spoon.

    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

    What's the difference between taco seasoning and all purpose Mexican seasoning?

    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

    mexican spice blend in glass jar with spoon beside.

    All Purpose Mexican Seasoning

    Homemade Mexican seasoning is an earthy, spicy general all purpose seasoning great to use in so many dishes. Use in Mexican and non-Mexican recipes.
    5 from 60 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Seasoning
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 15 1-teaspoons servings (total yield: 5 tablespoons)
    Calories: 7kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    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 Store
    Store in an air-tight jar/container away from direct sunlight and heat source. Use within 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.05g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 104mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 479IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe? Please share it!Mention @MakeItSkinnyPlease or tag #MakeItSkinnyPlease!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutritional Coach and certified Weight Loss Specialist, writer/blogger, photographer, chief recipe developer and creator of Make It Skinny Please. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her slimmed down recipes using real food ingredients bring excitement to the dining table and never taste like 'diet food'. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kim says

      September 30, 2022 at 1:43 pm

      5 stars
      I'm obsessed with this seasoning after trying it. I used it on soft tacos and it was the perfect amount of heat.

      Reply
    2. Kathleen says

      September 26, 2022 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      This homemade Mexican seasoning recipe is quick, easy and simple to make. I added it to pasta sauce and fajitas. Yummy.

      Reply
    3. Liz says

      September 26, 2022 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      Thank you so much for this! I do a lot of Tex-Mex and Mexican cooking, and this blend is delicious.

      Reply
    4. Sylvia says

      September 26, 2022 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      Love being able to make my own blend! This one is perfect for so many dishes I make. Family loved it.

      Reply
    5. Kali Alexandria says

      September 26, 2022 at 8:10 am

      5 stars
      I've been looking for a great Mexican seasoning recipe and I finally found it! Thank you!!

      Reply
    6. Tara w says

      September 26, 2022 at 6:33 am

      5 stars
      We loved this, so easy! I made burritos last night and everyone loved them!

      Reply

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