Making a homemade taco seasoning blend ensures you're keeping things natural and healthy and allows you to adjust the flavors precisely to your liking in under 5 minutes.
Taco Seasoning is simple to make and packs a punch of flavor, ideal for spicing up your plant-based dishes.
For other delicious blends, take a look at Italian Seasoning Substitute, Creole Seasoning Recipe, and Adobo Seasoning.
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Why Make Your Own Seasoning?
- Play chef and jazz up your spice mix however you like – crank up the heat, sweeten the deal, or make it herbier than a garden.
- This homemade seasoning mix does not contain mysterious additives or preservatives that you can't pronounce, just pure spice goodness.
- Buying spices in bulk and DIYing your blends beats shelling out for those pricey pre-mixed jars. Save money with my other blends like this Cajun Seasoning or these 20 Seasoning Blends.
Ingredients
Say goodbye to the store-bought packets with added fillers and hello to this fresh, zesty, and customizable homemade taco blend with these ingredients. See the recipe card for details on quantities.
- Paprika - Use smoked or regular, depending on your preference.
- Crushed red pepper flakes - Adjust according to heat preference.
- Use dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano.
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Simple but delicious. Just mix everything. See the recipe card for more details about the recipe.
Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a small bowl. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice blender if using any whole spices you want to crush.
Step 2: Mix together all the ingredients until well combined.
Storing Your Taco Seasoning
To keep your homemade taco seasoning at its peak for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a screw-top lid.
If you store your taco seasoning correctly, it'll keep its freshness and punchy flavors for around 6 months. Though I've hung onto mine for a bit longer, six months is a general recommendation for when you'll want to refresh your stash for peak zestiness.
Ways to Use Your Taco Seasoning in Vegan Cooking
Here are some plant-based serving suggestions for your homemade taco seasoning blend that are sure to be hits among vegans and anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet:
- Dash this seasoning on tofu, tempeh, or lentils for a flavorful taco flavor.
- Add a tablespoon (or to taste) to your salad dressings for a Mexican-inspired twist. Try it in Easy Chipotle Aioli Sauce.
- To give vegan chili an extra layer of flavor, incorporate taco seasoning. Try substituting some spices for the taco seasoning in Vegan Chili With TVP.
- Toss chickpeas with olive oil and the taco seasoning blend, then roast until crispy. These make a great snack or a crunchy topping for salads. Check out Roasted Chickpea Croutons to learn how to air fry chickpeas.
- Use the seasoning in your quesadilla filling, combining it with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and vegan cheese between tortillas. Cook until crispy and golden. Use it for Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas.
- Use it in Easy Walnut Taco Meat for an authentic flavor.
Recipe FAQS
Yes. Just omit the salt. Consider increasing the other spices slightly to compensate for the flavor.
Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes. Use less for a milder mix, or add more for extra spice.
Yes, making taco seasoning at home can be more cost-effective, especially if you already have the spices on hand or buy them in bulk.
As a super general guideline, use about 2 to 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of food. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
More Vegan Mexican Recipes
What did you think?
Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Homemade Taco Seasoning. Your feedback is invaluable—did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika smoked or regular
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust according to heat preference
- ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix: In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until well combined.
- Store: Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 6 months.
Michelle says
Great blend! Thanks!
Regi Pearce says
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting.