Tex-Mex seasoning is a bold and flavorful spice blend. It brings the best of Mexican and American Southwest flavors into your kitchen. This versatile seasoning is made with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. It adds depth and warmth to any dish.
Tex-Mex seasoning is perfect for tacos, fajitas, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. It adds flavor to soups and even beans or rice. This seasoning is a pantry staple that makes weeknight meals quick and delicious. You can adjust the heat level by adding cayenne. You can also add red pepper flakes. This makes it easy to change for your family’s taste.
Unlike store-bought blends that often contain fillers, preservatives, or excess salt, homemade Tex-Mex seasoning is pure, fresh, and budget-friendly. You can whip up a batch in minutes with just a few everyday spices. Store it in an airtight jar, and it will keep for up to six months.
You are preparing a hearty chili. You are spicing up scrambled eggs or seasoning grilled chicken. This all-purpose blend delivers authentic Tex-Mex flavor every time.
Ingredients for Delicious Tex-Max Seasoning
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 tbsp sea salt (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Tex-Mex seasoning
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until thoroughly blended. Pour into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. If you use whole seeds, grind in a grinder either in advance or when cooking.
3. Keep the spices in a dark, dry and cool/room temperature place. Small tin cans are great.
4. Make a big batch to last for 4–6 months; after this the spices will lose some flavor and color. They won’t go bad, but will just be less powerful.
Tips for Using Tex-Mex Seasoning
- We used dried garlic flakes, but you can also use garlic powder. Adding salt, or not, to your spice mix is a matter of choice. Try it with our keto taco shells!
- Start Small: Tex-Mex seasoning can be quite potent, so start with a small amount when adding it to your dishes. You can always adjust to taste as you go.
- Mix with Oil: Enhance the flavor by combining Tex-Mex seasoning with olive oil. You can also use other cooking oils before marinating meats or drizzling on vegetables. This helps the spices adhere better and release their flavors during cooking.
- Pair with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, and chopped tomatoes complement the bold flavors of Tex-Mex seasoning. Consider adding them to your recipes for a freshness boost.
- Use in Marinades: Tex-Mex seasoning makes an excellent base for marinades. Combine it with yogurt, vinegar, or citrus juices for an effective meat or veggie marinade that infuses flavor.
- Sprinkle on Popcorn: For a unique snack, sprinkle some Tex-Mex seasoning over popcorn. This adds a zesty twist to a classic treat.
- Incorporate into Side Dishes: Use Tex-Mex seasoning to spice up side dishes like rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. It adds flavor depth and zest to otherwise simple sides.
- Combine with Other Spices: Don’t hesitate to mix Tex-Mex seasoning with other spice blends. Consider using chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder. This will create a unique flavor profile tailored to your taste.
- Experiment with Sweeter Ingredients: Try adding Tex-Mex seasoning to sweet dishes. This includes cornbread or sweet potatoes. Doing so can create an unexpected and delightful flavor contrast.
- Use in Soups and Stews: Incorporate Tex-Mex seasoning into soups and stews to give them a flavorful kick. It works particularly well in chili or tortilla soup.
- Store Properly: To keep the freshness of your Tex-Mex seasoning, keep it in a cool, dark place. Use an airtight container for storage. Homemade blends should ideally be used within six months for the best flavor.
Video
❓ Tex-Mex Seasoning – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Tex-Mex seasoning made of?
Tex-Mex seasoning typically includes chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Some variations add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, or coriander for extra heat and depth.
2. How is Tex-Mex seasoning different from taco seasoning?
While they share similar ingredients, Tex-Mex seasoning is usually more versatile and balanced for a range of dishes. Taco seasoning often has a stronger chili and cumin flavor designed specifically for tacos.
3. Can I use Tex-Mex seasoning as a substitute for fajita seasoning?
Yes! Tex-Mex seasoning works great on fajitas, tacos, grilled meats, or roasted vegetables. You just want to add a squeeze of lime for that authentic fajita tang.
4. Is Tex-Mex seasoning spicy?
It depends on how much chili powder or cayenne you include. You can make it mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
5. How much Tex-Mex seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
A good starting point is 2–3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat, then adjust to taste.
6. Can I make Tex-Mex seasoning ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. It stays fresh for up to 6 months.
7. Is Tex-Mex seasoning gluten-free?
Yes, if you use pure spices without additives. Always check labels, since some commercial spice blends contain fillers.
8. Can I use Tex-Mex seasoning in vegetarian dishes?
Definitely! It adds bold flavor to beans, rice, roasted vegetables, tofu, and even soups.
9. What’s the best way to store Tex-Mex seasoning?
Keep it in a tightly sealed container away from heat, light, and moisture. A glass spice jar or mason jar works perfectly.
10. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, seasoning mixes scale up easily. Just keep the same ratio of spices and store the extra for later use.
Tex-Mex seasoning
Homemade Tex-Mex seasoning is a bold, versatile spice blend made with pantry staples like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic. Perfect for tacos, fajitas, meats, veggies, and more—this easy mix adds authentic Southwest flavor to every dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp chili flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves
- 1 tbsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and stir until thoroughly blended. Pour into a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- If you use whole seeds, grind in a grinder either in advance or when cooking.
- Keep the spices in a dark, dry and cool/room temperature place. Small tin cans are great.
- Make a big batch to last for 4–6 months; after this the spices will lose some flavor and color. They won't go bad but will just be less powerful.
Notes
- We used dried garlic flakes, but you can also use garlic powder. Adding salt, or not, to your spice mix is a matter of choice. Try it with our keto taco shells!
- Start Small: Tex-Mex seasoning can be quite potent, so start with a small amount when adding it to your dishes. You can always adjust to taste as you go.
- Mix with Oil: Enhance the flavor by combining Tex-Mex seasoning with olive oil. You can also use other cooking oils before marinating meats or drizzling on vegetables. This helps the spices adhere better and release their flavors during cooking.
- Pair with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients like lime juice, cilantro, and chopped tomatoes complement the bold flavors of Tex-Mex seasoning. Consider adding them to your recipes for a freshness boost.
- Use in Marinades: Tex-Mex seasoning makes an excellent base for marinades. Combine it with yogurt, vinegar, or citrus juices for an effective meat or veggie marinade that infuses flavor.
- Sprinkle on Popcorn: For a unique snack, sprinkle some Tex-Mex seasoning over popcorn. This adds a zesty twist to a classic treat.
- Incorporate into Side Dishes: Use Tex-Mex seasoning to spice up side dishes like rice, beans, or roasted vegetables. It adds flavor depth and zest to otherwise simple sides.
- Combine with Other Spices: Don’t hesitate to mix Tex-Mex seasoning with other spice blends. Consider using chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder. This will create a unique flavor profile tailored to your taste.
- Experiment with Sweeter Ingredients: Try adding Tex-Mex seasoning to sweet dishes. This includes cornbread or sweet potatoes. Doing so can create an unexpected and delightful flavor contrast.
- Use in Soups and Stews: Incorporate Tex-Mex seasoning into soups and stews to give them a flavorful kick. It works particularly well in chili or tortilla soup.
- Store Properly: To keep the freshness of your Tex-Mex seasoning, keep it in a cool, dark place. Use an airtight container for storage. Homemade blends should ideally be used within six months for the best flavor.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 8Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 722mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
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