Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

This Easy Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe will make the store-bought stuff pale in comparison!

If you’re anything like me, one of your kitchen cabinets is probably stuffed to the brim with an enormous collection of dried herbs, fragrant spices, and more fancy salts than you’d ever think possible. Somehow, I keep adding little jars to this chaotic stash and crossing my fingers that the whole thing won’t come crashing down when I reach for something. Luckily, disaster has been averted so far. But one thing is certain—I should definitely be cleaning out that cabinet more often.

That’s exactly what I did yesterday, and, to no one’s surprise (except maybe my own), I unearthed spices that had expired back in 2011. One sniff confirmed their fate—they had lost every trace of their fragrance and had turned into nothing more than bland powder. Into the trash they went.

The silver lining? Cleaning out the spice cabinet inspired me to make some spice blends of my own. First, I created a smoky, savory mix for roast chicken with smoked paprika, cumin, dried parsley, cinnamon, and sea salt. Then, I whipped up a fabulous fajita seasoning mix that I’m so excited to share with you today.

If your taste buds are craving a night of Tex-Mex-inspired flavors, this homemade fajita seasoning is here to save the day! Perfect for fajitas, tacos, soups, marinades, and more, this blend is a breeze to make—just measure, mix, and store. The best part? You can tweak it to your liking. Love the heat? Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Prefer a more herbal kick? Toss in some dried oregano. If you’re planning a vegan Tex-Mex spread, a couple of teaspoons of nutritional yeast will give your tofu tacos a subtle cheesy flavor. Once you try this blend, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff!

Is Homemade Fajita Seasoning Healthy?

The short answer: Yes! This homemade fajita seasoning skips the preservatives and excess sodium you usually find in store-bought mixes. Plus, the sugar content is minimal, and you can swap it for coconut sugar or skip it entirely if you’re watching your sugar intake. Best of all: dried spice blends contain minimal calories, so there’s no excuse to skimp on the seasoning!

Want to make this spice blend even healthier? Cut back on the salt and use a tad more garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor without the need for extra sodium. Homemade seasoning lets you control every sprinkle, and your taste buds will thank you!

The Journey Of Fajita Seasoning

Fajita seasoning has roots as rich as its flavor profile. Back in the 1930s, Mexican cowboys (known as vaqueros) in Texas would grill tougher cuts of meat like skirt steak over open flames, seasoning it with the basic spices they had on hand. The name “fajita” derives from the Spanish word faja, meaning “belt” or “strip,” referring to the cut of meat used.

Over time, the seasoning evolved to include a more complex blend of spices, giving us that signature smoky and savory flavor associated with Tex-Mex cuisine. Traditionally, fajita seasoning is mostly used to marinate or season meats like beef, chicken, or shrimp before grilling or sautéing. The meat is often served with sautéed onions and bell peppers on warm tortillas, accompanied by toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

Of course, you have to use this homemade fajita seasoning to make fajitas, since that’s the whole purpose! This Sour Cream Dip and Guacamole are the perfect garnishes, and you can even make your own Keto Tortillas or Gluten-Free Tortillas With Sun Dried Tomatoes if the store-bought versions don’t fit into your diet.

But you could also get creative and use the seasoning in a few other ways! Sprinkle some over your Fried Eggs in the morning, or use it to make your own Chipotle Burrito Bowl With Chicken! You can also use the blend to spice up some Baked Chicken Tenders With a Couscous Crust or throw it into a Grilled Corn Salad!

Recipe