Homemade Burrito Seasoning
You can make perfect burrito seasoning in just 2 minutes with ingredients from your pantry.
This mix of 6 simple spices improves your Mexican dishes instantly. Cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and black pepper work their magic in tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and nachos too.
Your homemade burrito spice blend costs less than store-bought packets and stays fresh up to 6 months with proper storage. The flavors adapt to your priorities easily – one tablespoon seasons every half pound of meat or poultry perfectly.
Want to create your own signature burrito seasoning blend? This simple recipe will change your Mexican dishes forever!
Before You Get Starte:
Getting your tools ready will make burrito seasoning preparation much easier. You’ll need a small mixing bowl to combine spices, and measuring spoons will give precise portions every time.
A clean, dry jar or airtight container should be ready to store your finished spice blend. Glass containers are ideal because they don’t absorb odors and keep moisture out. It also helps to have a whisk or spoon nearby to blend the spices really well.
Make sure your workspace stays clean and dry since moisture causes spices to clump. I always clean my counter and dry my measuring spoons completely before I start.
Here’s a useful tip: put a piece of parchment paper under your mixing bowl. This simple trick catches spills and lets you use the paper as a funnel to pour your seasoning mix into the container.
Don’t forget to write the date on your container to track freshness. These simple preparations might seem obvious, but they make the difference between an easy blending process and a messy kitchen situation.
Why I Love This Spice mix:
Homemade burrito seasoning has revolutionized my Mexican cooking at home. I love that I can control the spice levels – keeping it mild for family meals or cranking up the heat for those who enjoy spicy food.
This spice blend really shines when I use it with different proteins. It works magic on everything from chicken to beef, pork to tofu. Each ingredient gets a unique boost from the seasoning. The herbs and spices create deep flavor layers that no store-bought packet can match.
My favorite part about this recipe is how economical it is. Making my own mix saves money and helps me avoid the artificial additives in commercial blends. The dishes taste more authentic and wholesome as a result.
Amazing aromas fill my kitchen whenever I cook with this spice mix. These smells remind me of my favorite Mexican restaurants. The blend isn’t just for burritos – it seasons rice, roasted vegetables, and makes a fantastic spicy popcorn topping. Quick weeknight dinners or fancy weekend meals both turn out great.
This seasoning mix has become more than just a recipe. My friends always ask about it after they taste my cooking. Sharing this simple yet flavorful combination brings me joy, and it’s now a must-have in my kitchen.
Ingredients
Seven essential spices create the perfect burrito seasoning blend, each adding its own unique flavor to the mix.
Ground Cuminn : forms the base and delivers an earthy warmth with authentic Mexican flavor.
Paprika : gives the blend a subtle sweetness and rich color – you can pick sweet or smoky varieties based on your priorities.
Garlic Powder : adds a caramelized sweetness with savory depth that balances other spices perfectly.
Black Pepper : gives a pungent kick to boost the overall seasoning profile.
Cayenne Pepper :You can control the heat with Cayenne Pepper or chili powder – a ¼ teaspoon creates mild heat.
Dried Oregano: especially Mexican oregano when accessible to more people, adds aromatic notes with slightly bitter undertones.
Salt : ties all the flavors together beautifully.
A single batch equals one store-bought package:
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
You can make a bigger batch by multiplying these amounts by four. Ground coriander adds citrusy notes while onion powder brings more savory depth as optional additions.
Keep in mind these measurements are starting points – adjust the spices to match your taste. This blend seasons one pound of meat or vegetables perfectly.
How To Store :
Glass containers make your burrito seasoning last longer than a simple spice mix in your pantry. They are the best storage choice because they prevent unwanted chemical reactions and keep flavors intact.
Your burrito seasoning’s potency depends on where you store it. A cool, dark spot like your kitchen cabinet or pantry works best. The seasoning’s robust flavors will last up to 6 months when stored correctly.
Your spice mix needs protection from direct sunlight and heat sources, especially stovetops. Heat exposure makes the mix hard, fades its color, and changes its taste. Moisture can ruin your spice blend’s quality, so keep it away from sinks or dishwashers.
Your storage container choice matters as much as its location. Always use clean, dry, airtight containers. Glass jars work best because they don’t hold odors and protect against moisture. Small plastic containers can work too, as long as they seal properly.
Labeling might seem basic but it’s vital for storage. Write both the spice mix name and preparation date on your container. This helps you track freshness and ensures the best flavor in your Mexican dishes. The blend needs occasional checks – if you notice major color changes or strange smells, it’s time to make a new batch.
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Homemade Burrito Seasoning
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Create the perfect burrito seasoning with this easy recipe! A delicious blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices that add the ideal kick to your favorite Mexican dishes. Quick to make and full of flavor, this seasoning will take your burritos, tacos, and fajitas to the next level!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
Making the perfect burrito seasoning blend takes precision and a keen eye for detail. You’ll need all your measured spices laid out in front of you to make preparation easier.
Mix ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. A whisk or spoon will help blend these spices until they’re evenly mixed.
The best results come from tasting a small amount of the mixture to check if it matches your flavor preferences. You can adjust the seasonings by adding more cayenne for heat or using less for a milder taste.
Your blend’s flavor will intensify if you make it into a paste with olive oil and lime juice. This works great when you’re marinating proteins or vegetables.
This blend’s magic comes from balancing five simple flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Your careful spice selection creates depth, and proper mixing gives each bite a consistent flavor.
Note that you should add seasonings bit by bit and taste as you go. If you’ve added too much seasoning, a splash of water will help tone down the intensity.
Once you’ve got your perfect blend, store it right away in an airtight container. Write the creation date on the container to keep track of freshness. When stored correctly, this homemade mix will keep its flavor for up to 6 months.
Notes
Taste testing is the life-blood of creating the perfect burrito seasoning blend. A small pinch helps you balance the spices just right. You can create your signature blend by adjusting individual components to match your priorities.
Your storage method determines how long your burrito seasoning will last. Store the mixture in a clean, dry container and keep it away from direct sunlight and heat. Heat or sunlight exposure will make the mix hard and discolored, which affects its taste and shelf life.
American and European chili powders are nowhere near alike. European versions pack more heat because they’re single-ingredient spices. You can adjust the seasoning’s kick to your liking. You might want to create a milder version by cutting back or skipping the cayenne pepper without losing flavor.
To improve depth, you could swap half the smoky paprika with sweet paprika. The dry seasoning becomes a flavorful paste when mixed with olive oil and lime juice. This paste works great for marinating vegetables, tofu, or plant-based proteins.
Labeling is a vital part of keeping your seasoning fresh. Write both the mixture name and preparation date on your container. Notwithstanding that, proper storage in an airtight container keeps the blend potent for up to six months.
A unique approach adds subtle heat layers throughout your dish instead of all at once. This creates depth while keeping flavors balanced. You can customize further by adding more spices – smoked paprika brings deeper smokiness while cinnamon adds warm undertones.
FAQs
A basic burrito seasoning typically includes ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and black pepper. These spices create a balanced blend that enhances the flavor of burritos and other Mexican dishes.
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, homemade burrito seasoning can maintain its flavor for up to 6 months.
Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness of your burrito seasoning. To make it milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier blend, increase the amount of cayenne or chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
While similar, burrito seasoning and taco seasoning have distinct flavor profiles. Burrito seasoning tends to have a more earthy taste, while taco seasoning often has a more floral flavor. However, they can sometimes be used interchangeably in recipes.
To enhance the flavor of your burrito seasoning, consider adding smoked paprika for a deeper smokiness or experimenting with additional spices like ground coriander or onion powder. You can also create a paste by mixing the seasoning with olive oil and lime juice for more intense flavors when marinating meats or vegetables.
