Taco Tuesday: How To Make Fresh Taco Seasoning in a Pinch
If tacos are a regular part of your Tuesday routine and you need a fresh and flavorful taco seasoning, you’re in luck. Making your own taco seasoning is incredibly simple and can be made with ingredients already in your pantry. You don’t need to worry about all the fillers, preservatives, and added salt and sugar that come with store-bought taco seasoning.
In this post, we’ll take you through the simple steps on how to make fresh taco seasoning from scratch. We’ll provide a basic recipe and a few variations depending on your spice preference. We’ll also list some tips for storage and shelf-life, so you can make a big batch and have it on hand whenever taco cravings strike.
What You Need
Making your taco seasoning requires only a few basic ingredients and tools. You’ll want to have a few spices and herbs, including cumin, garlic powder, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, and paprika. You’ll also need a bowl, salt and pepper grinders, and measuring utensils.
Step-by-Step Directions
Once you have gathered the necessary ingredients and tools, it’s time to make your taco seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need to do.
- Measure out each of the spices and herbs listed above so that you have all of the ingredients ready to go.
- Measure out 2 tablespoons of cumin, 1 tablespoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional), 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika into the bowl.
- Give all the ingredients a good stir until they are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or mason jar and store it in a cool, dry place. Your taco seasoning will keep for up to 6 months.
Variations To Try
If you want to kick things up a notch or add some extra flavor, there are several variations you can try with your homemade taco seasoning.
- Adding an extra ½ teaspoon of chili powder is an easy way to add some extra heat to your tacos.
- If you don’t have regular paprika on hand, smoked paprika makes for a delicious substitute that adds great depth of flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some new herbs, like cilantro or thyme. They’ll bring a unique twist to your taco seasoning.
Benefits of Homemade Taco Seasoning
Making your own taco seasoning comes with plenty of benefits. It’ll be fresher than a store-bought blend, and you can personalize the spice level to your taste buds. You can modify the recipe as needed to create a bolder flavor, and this mixture is usually cheaper than a store-bought brand.
Conclusion
Tuesdays will never be boring again with the help of fresh homemade taco seasoning. Making your own taco seasoning is incredibly simple and can be accomplished with ingredients already in your pantry. You can customize the flavor of your seasoning to match your tastes by adjusting the spice level or adding new herbs and spices. Homemade taco seasoning also helps you save money on pre-made mixes and gives you the flexibility to create other Mexican dishes, like burritos and enchiladas. Now that you know how to make fresh taco seasoning in a pinch, you can enjoy delicious tacos any day of the week.