Simple Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Sure, you can pick up a pre-mixed bottle of fajita seasoning at the store, but ... why? You end up paying a premium for spices you can easily mix up at home, most of which you likely already have on hand. Plus, homemade seasonings allow you to control what's in the mix, providing extra room for personalization. These are exactly the reasons why recipe developer and registered dietitian nutritionist Jaime Shelbert of Wholly Nourished always has her own fajita seasoning at-the-ready.

"I like making my own seasoning over store-bought. I don't have to worry about any preservatives or additives," Shelbert says. "This recipe leaves room for playing around with ingredients, too, if you want to switch up flavors. For instance, add a chili-lime seasoning to the mix or use smoked or regular paprika, depending on your preference." Plus, if you already have the spices in your pantry, the recipe takes no more than 5 minutes to mix up, so it really couldn't be easier to make. 

To make this homemade fajita seasoning, all you need is chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, oregano, and cumin. 

Carefully measure out all your spices and add them into a small bowl.

Using a spoon or a small whisk, stir the spices until they're well-combined. 

Your spice mix is now ready to store or use! Transfer the fajita seasoning from the bowl into an airtight glass container (you could reuse an empty and clean spice bottle or a small Mason jar) and keep it in your pantry with your other seasonings. 

To use the spice blend the traditional way (you know, on fajitas), Shelbert suggests using a tablespoon per pound of meat. But don't reserve this seasoning just for fajitas! "You can use this seasoning on tacos, grilled vegetables, in chili, to season black beans, atop roasted potatoes, or in an egg or tofu scramble," Shelbert says. "It adds so much flavor!"