Skip to Content

Gourmet Hacks: 4 BEST Substitutes for Taco Seasoning

Who doesn’t love tacos? They’re delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

But what’s the key to making the perfect taco? The answer is in the seasoning.

Taco seasoning is a unique blend of spices that gives tacos their characteristic flavor.

But what if you don’t have any taco seasoning on hand? Never fear.

There are plenty of substitutes that will give your tacos the flavor you crave.

In this article, we’ll share the four best substitutes for taco seasoning.

So next time you’re in a pinch, you’ll know exactly what to do.

What is Taco Seasoning?

what is taco seasoning

Taco seasoning is a blend of spices typically flavored ground beef or chicken in Mexican cuisine.

The most common spices used in taco seasoning are chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

Some blends may also include oregano, black pepper, and salt.

While the exact proportions vary depending on the brand, most taco seasonings have a savory, slightly spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the paprika.

Taco seasoning is pre-mixed in most grocery stores, or you can make your blend at home.

If you choose to make your own, start with one tablespoon of chili powder and add additional spices to taste.

Once you’ve perfected your blend, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to use it, add the desired amount to cooked ground beef or chicken and stir to combine.

For best results, be sure to cook the meat until it is evenly seasoned and browned.

While taco seasoning is commonly used to flavor ground beef or chicken, it can also be used to add a Mexican twist to soups, stews, casseroles, and even rice dishes.

The 4 Best Substitutes for Taco Seasoning

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any taco seasoning on hand, never fear.

There are plenty of substitutes that will give your tacos the same flavor and zing.

All you need is a few common spices that you probably already have in your pantry.

1 – Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

make your own taco seasoning

There’s nothing like a good taco.

The perfect blend of spices, meats, and veggies, all wrapped up in a soft tortilla.

But what makes a taco so special? The seasoning, of course.

And there’s no need to buy pre-made taco seasoning when it’s so easy to make your own.

All you need is a few common spices that you probably already have in your pantry.

Just mix together chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt to taste.

Then use it to season your favorite tacos.

You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Not only will your tacos taste better, but they’ll also be healthier since you’ll be avoiding all the added preservatives and fillers that come with store-bought seasoning mixes.

2 – Mix Chili Powder and Cumin

mix chili powder and cumin

Chili powder and cumin are two spices that are commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Both chili powder and cumin are made from ground dried chili peppers, but chili powder also contains other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

Cumin, on the other hand, is simply ground-dried cumin seeds.

When used together, these two spices create a flavor profile that is both earthy and slightly spicy.

Chili powder and cumin are typically used together in dishes like chili con carne, tacos, and enchiladas.

They can also be used to season grilled meats or vegetables.

If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can easily mix chili powder and cumin together to create a similar flavor profile.

Simply combine equal parts chili powder and cumin, or adjust the ratio to your liking.

To create a more complex flavor, you can add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or oregano.

When using this mixture to season food, start with a small amount and add more to taste.

3 – Fajita Seasoning

fajita seasoning

Fajitas are a Mexican dish that traditionally consists of grilled meat, vegetables, and spices wrapped in a soft tortilla.

The term “fajita” refers to the cut of meat used in the dish, which typically skirt steak.

While fajitas can be made with any type of meat or vegetable, the most common fillings are chicken, shrimp, and bell peppers.

Fajitas are typically served with various condiments, such as sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

The key to making a great fajita is in the seasoning.

A good fajita seasoning should be flavorful but not overpowering.

It should also be well-balanced, with each spice complementing the others.

Common spices used in fajita seasoning include chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

If you’re looking for a taco seasoning substitute that will give your dish a similar flavor profile, fajita seasoning is a great option.

Just be aware that the spice level can vary from brand to brand, so you may want to adjust the amount you use based on your preference.

4 – Sriracha Hot Sauce

sriracha hot sauce

Sriracha hot sauce is a type of chili sauce that is typically made from a paste of chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt.

The sauce is named after the city of Si Racha in Thailand, where it is said to have originated.

Sriracha sauce is often used as a dipping sauce or a condiment, and it can also be added to soups, noodles, and other dishes for extra flavor.

While Sriracha sauce is traditionally made from red chili peppers, it can also be made from green chili peppers or a combination of both.

The level of spiciness in Sriracha sauce can vary, so be sure to check the label before you buy it.

If you’re looking for a taco seasoning substitute that will add some heat to your dish, Sriracha sauce is a good option.

Just be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly overpower the other flavors in your dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taco seasoning is a great way to flavor your food.

However, if you don’t have any on hand, there are plenty of substitutes that will work just as well.

The four substitutes listed above are all great options that will give your food the same flavor and spice as taco seasoning.

So next time you’re in a pinch, don’t worry about not having taco seasoning because one of these substitutes will do the trick.

The 4 Best Substitutes for Taco Seasoning

Looking to spice up your tacos but ran out of taco seasoning? Fear not! We've compiled a list of the 4 best substitutes for taco seasoning that will add flavor and zest to your dish without missing a beat.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
  • Mix Chili Powder and Cumin
  • Fajita Seasoning
  • Sriracha Hot Sauce

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword best substitutes for taco seasoning
Did you make this recipe?Mention @AmericasRestaurant or tag #americasrestaurant!

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating