I was in the middle of making tacos for my family when I realized that I was out of taco seasoning.
The wheels in my head started to spin as I tried to think of what I could use as a substitute.
I had some chili powder, but would that be enough?
I also had some cumin and garlic powder, but would that make the tacos too spicy?
Luckily, I did a little research and found some great substitutes for taco seasoning. Here are the substitutes I found, along with the ratios I use, so you can get started right away!
Substitutes for Taco Seasonings
- Sriracha Hot Sauce
- Fajita Seasoning
- Chili Powder
- Chili-Cumin Combo
- Homemade Substitute
Sriracha Hot Sauce
Move over, taco seasoning! There’s a new player in town, and it goes by the name of Sriracha Hot Sauce.
That’s right Sriracha hot sauce is a spicy-sweet condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.
It has a similar flavor profile to taco seasoning with a bit more of a kick. Plus, it’s super easy to find in most grocery stores.
It’s often used as a 1-to-1 replacement for taco seasoning because it has a similar taste minus the tanginess.
The main ingredient in sriracha is capsaicin, which is the compound that gives chili peppers their spicy heat. Capsaicin is also known to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
To use sriracha as a taco seasoning substitute, simply add it to the ground beef or chicken along with some of the other ingredients called for in the recipe.
Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more to taste.
You can also add sriracha to the taco filling after it’s cooked for an extra kick of flavor.
Fajita Seasoning
Fajita Seasoning can be used as a substitute for Taco Seasoning.
It is a rich blend of chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and salt that is mainly used to season meat, vegetables, or tofu that will be cooked in a skillet.
To use fajita seasoning as a taco seasoning substitute, use the same amount of fajita seasoning as you would taco seasoning.
For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of taco seasoning, use one tablespoon of fajita seasoning.
This Mexican twist on the classic seasoning will add a citrusy-sour flavor to your dish that is perfect for any foodie.
The potent herbs and spices in this blend are ideal for substituting in any recipe.
Additionally, the vitamins and minerals in this seasoning mix are also beneficial for your health. Thiamin, for example, is an essential vitamin that helps your body convert food into energy.
This makes it an ideal substitute for taco seasoning.
Chili Powder
Chili powder can be used as an excellent alternative for taco seasoning.
It’s made up of a variety of spices and can be readily sourced in most supermarkets or homes.
Additionally, chili powder has a depth of flavor that is perfect for tacos. This perfect blend of ground chili peppers, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano is used to flavor chili, stews, soups, and sauces.
To use as a taco seasoning substitute, use the same amount of chili powder as you would taco seasoning.
For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of taco seasoning, use one tablespoon of chili powder.
Plus, it’s a great way to add some heart-healthy benefits to your diet.
Chili powder is a great source of antioxidants and has been linked to lower cholesterol levels and weight management.
Chili-Cumin Combo
Chili and cumin are the duo you’re looking for when you want to give your dishes a kick of heat!
This combo is a great 1:1 swap for taco seasoning.
The duo packs a similar earth-like flavor with a bit more of a kick that’ll leave your taste buds tingling.
So if you’re looking for a substitute that doesn’t require any extra ingredients, this is a great option.
Give it a try when you’re making tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, or anywhere else you might use taco seasoning! You won’t be disappointed.
The health benefits include promoting gut health, fighting inflammation, and helping with blood sugar control.
To use this as a substitute, mix together chili powder and cumin then use the same amount of this mixture as you would taco seasoning.
Homemade Substitute
Last but not least, you can easily make your own substitute, by mixing and using a combination of spices.
This blend is made with common spices that you might already have in your pantry. Just mix together some oregano, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder.
This mix can be used as a replacement for taco seasoning in any dish.
Tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas…they’ll all taste just as good with this homemade spice mix.
Plus, you’ll avoid all those mystery ingredients that are often found in store-bought seasoning mixes all while giving your dishes a little extra flavor kick!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
2 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients together and store them in an airtight container. Use as a substitution for taco seasoning in any recipe.
For a bit of extra spice add 2 teaspoons of ancho powder.
Feel free to use this homemade taco seasoning mix in any of your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex recipes.
Try it on grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or steak. Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables or use it to make a flavorful batch of rice or beans. The possibilities are endless!
FAQ
What are taco seasonings made of?
Taco seasoning is mainly made up of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
There are many substitutes for taco seasoning including sriracha hot sauce, fajita seasoning, chili powder, chili-cumin combo, and a homemade spice mix.
How do I make my own taco seasoning?
You can make your own taco seasoning by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and ancho powder. Store in an airtight container and use as needed.
What does taco seasoning taste like?
Taco seasoning generally has an earthy flavor with a bit of a kick from the chili powder.
How do I use taco seasoning?
Taco seasoning can be used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, fajitas, and enchiladas.
It can also be used to season ground beef or chicken.
In Conclusion
There are many substitutes for taco seasoning that will still give your dish that classic flavor you’re looking for.
From store-bought fajita seasoning to a simple mix of chili powder and cumin, there are plenty of options to choose from.
You can even make your own taco seasoning at home with spices you might already have in your pantry.
Now that you know all your options, it’s time to get cooking!
Experiment with different substitutes and find the perfect one for your next Mexican-inspired dish. Bon appetite!