Skip the store-bought packets and whip up your own homemade fajita seasoning mix with just a few pantry staples. This simple blend brings bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to your fajitas, perfect for sizzling strips of meat and veggies.

If you’re looking for other homemade seasonings, try my Homemade Herb Salt Recipe or Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning Mix.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about sizzling meat and veggies; topped with this seasoning, they’ll be irresistible. Fajitas have become a staple in people’s homes because they’re easy to make and can appease every palate.  

When you make your spice mixtures, you save money and know what is in each batch. This recipe is also way better than store-bought fajita seasoning, making it the perfect recipe for your spice cabinet.

Keep this homemade fajita seasoning mix in mind for the holidays. It would make the perfect gift if you packaged it in cute jars. Make a big batch of the homemade fajita seasoning and divide it among your jars. Be sure to tie the instructions to each jar. It’s so much better than store-bought mixes.

Think of all the options you have with this magical seasoning. Flank steak, chicken, pork, portobello, and shrimp fajitas are some options you might try. You can also make a delicious fajita salad.

Fajita Seasoning vs Taco Seasoning

Fajita and taco seasoning might seem interchangeable at first glance, but their subtle differences give each dish its distinct flavor. Fajita seasoning typically has a slightly smokier and tangier profile, including paprika and a bit more cumin, which pairs well with grilled meats, sautéed peppers, and onions.

Taco seasoning, on the other hand, is a bit more savory and spiced, with a stronger emphasis on chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano. It is ideal for ground beef or other taco fillings.

While both blends share common spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, their ratios and supporting flavors set them apart in taste and aroma.

Ingredients to Gather

• Cornstarch – helps thicken the juices released during cooking, creating a light, flavorful coating that clings to the meat and vegetables.
• Chili Powder – adds a warm, earthy heat to fajita seasoning, giving the dish its signature depth and mild spiciness.
• Salt – enhances the overall flavor of the seasoning by bringing out the natural tastes of spices, meat, and vegetables.
• Paprika – adds a mild sweetness and a subtle smokiness to fajita seasoning, enriching the flavor and giving the dish a warm, reddish hue.
• Sugar – balances the spices with a touch of sweetness and helps with caramelization during cooking, enhancing the overall flavor and color of the dish.
• Onion Powder – adds a savory, slightly sweet depth to the seasoning, mimicking the flavor of sautéed onions and enhancing and overall umami of the dish.
• Garlic Powder – brings a bold, aromatic kick to the mix, adding depth and enhancing the savory flavor of the meat and vegetables.
• Cayenne Pepper – adds a spicy heat to fajita seasoning, giving the dish a fiery kick that intestines the overall flavor profile.
• Cumin – adds a warm, earthly depth to the seasoning, contributing a slightly nutty and smoky flavor that’s essential to its Southwestern character.

Creating a Cozy Life Group 

Since you’re looking to make your own homemade seasoning mixes, I’m guessing you like all things cozy living. I created a Facebook group called Creating a Cozy Life with over 215,000 like-minded souls.

It’s a group where we share recipes, pictures of things that leave you in awe, and ideas on how to make your life just a little bit more snug. Join here to be part of the virtual cozy cabin.

What steak do you use for fajitas? 

The best choices for fajitas are skirt steak or flank steak. Be sure you don’t overcook the steak, it makes it tough to eat.

Best Sautéed Vegetables for Fajitas

• Red bell peppers
• Green peppers
• Yellow onions
• Vidalia onions
• Red onion
• Green onions
• Portobello mushrooms
• Quartered tomatoes
• Jalapeños  

The Best Sides for Fajitas

• Black bean soup
• Mexican corn salad
• Refried beans
• Tortilla soup
• Mexican rice
• Cilantro lime rice

The Best Condiments for Fajitas

• Shredded lettuce
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Salsa
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh lime juice

Simple Ingredients

1 tablespoon cornstarch 

2 teaspoons chili powder 

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 teaspoon paprika 

1 teaspoon white sugar 

1/2 teaspoon onion powder 

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 

How to Make Fajita Seasoning

1) In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch, chili powder, salt, paprika, white sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin together.

2) Store ingredients in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot like your kitchen cupboard. 

Tips

• You can omit the corn starch and sugar if you’re on a low-carb diet.
• You can also admit the salt on a low sodium diet. 
• This mixture is easy to make ahead and have on hand.  
• Use smoked paprika in place of paprika for a different twist.  
• The cayenne pepper might be too hot for kids.
• Some people like to add cinnamon to the seasoning. If you like the taste, add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon.
• This recipe makes an excellent gift idea for friends and family. They will enjoy not getting store-bought versions of their favorite seasoning blends. Put the recipe in a cute glass jar and attach the recipe.
• Store seasoning mix in a cool, dark, dry place for best results. Spices have a six-month to two-year shelf life.
• You can add black pepper to the seasoning for added flavor.
• This mix’s spice level can easily be changed to your family’s preference.

How Much Homemade Fajita Mix to Use

There are lots of different ways to make fajitas. Here’s a couple ideas for you to try depending on your diet needs:

1) Mix spice mixture with 2-3 pounds of meat and 1/2 cup water and cook in a large skillet until the meat is done. Add the meat to warm flour tortillas and top with your favorite condiments.

2) Use your favorite fajita recipe and season meat with the homemade fajita seasoning instead of the packaged kind. 

3) Make a marinade of the spice mixture with 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce or liquid aminos, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2-4 pounds of meat. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

Storage

Your fajita meat seasoning will last up to six months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot. You’ll want to keep your homemade season mixes away from the heat of the stove.  

We’ve reached the end of the Best Fajita Seasoning Mix Recipe. I hope you enjoyed it.

Let me know in the comments below how you liked this easy fajita seasoning mix. You’ll never go back to store-bought fajita seasonings. Making your own spice blends is addicting.

Make sure you join our Creating a Cozy Life group. You’re not going to believe how amazing it is!

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Thanks for stopping by. I’m so happy you found us!  

More Homemade Spice Mixes You’ll Love!

• The Best Taco Seasoning Recipe
• Easy Poultry Seasoning Mix
• Homemade Cajun Seasoning Mix
• The Best BBQ Rub Recipe

Printable Recipe for Homemade Seasoning for Fajitas with Nutrition Facts