Fajita Seasoning from Scratch

Originally from Mexico, fajitas actually refer to a particular cut of beef. But with the gaining popularity in America, the term refers to any meat, even shrimp!

They are easy and simply satisfying to make at home. But, in order to bring out the traditional flavor, you need to have the perfect spice mix that is the heart of any fajita.

Ingredients:
● Chili powder, 4 tablespoons
● Oregano, 2 tablespoons (ground)
● Cumin, 2 tablespoons (ground)
● Garlic salt, 2 tablespoons

Method
Combine all the ingredients in a glass bowl and whisk. You can use this mix for 2 pounds of meat. If unused, store the seasoning in an airtight container.

Ingredients:
● Cornstarch, 3 tablespoons
● Chili powder, 2 tablespoons
● Paprika, 1 tablespoon
● Sugar, 1 tablespoon
● Kosher salt, 1 tablespoon
● Chicken bouillon cube, 2½ teaspoons (crushed)*
● Onion powder, 1½ teaspoon
● Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon
● Cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon
● Cumin, ½ teaspoon
● Red pepper flakes, ¼ teaspoon

Method
To make the mix, combine all the ingredients together. Use 1 teaspoon for every pound of chicken. To store, keep in an airtight glass or plastic jar.

Ingredients:
● Onion powder, 2 tablespoons
● Garlic powder, 1 tablespoon
● Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
● Dried thyme, 1 tablespoon
● Coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon
● Celery seeds, 1 teaspoon (crushed)
● Cloves, 2
● Dried bay leaf, 2
● Salt, ½ teaspoon
● Black pepper, ½ teaspoon (ground)

Method
Blend all the ingredients together and use 1 teaspoon as a substitute for 2½ teaspoons of chicken bouillon cubes.

This spicy herb mix works great on any kind of meat. Just rub some on beef or pork. You can eliminate the cornstarch if you are using it as a rub.

Ingredients:
● Onion, 4 tablespoons (finely minced)
● Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons
● Chili powder, 2 tablespoons
● Garlic, 1 tablespoon (finely minced)
● Salt, 1 tablespoon

● Paprika, 2 teaspoons
● Dried red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons
● Dried oregano, 1½ teaspoons
● Cumin, 1 teaspoon (ground)
● Dried marjoram, ½ teaspoon
● Pepper, ½ teaspoon

Method
Blend all the ingredients with a hand blender. Use 2 tablespoons for every pound of meat. Store the remaining mix in an airtight jar and keep it in a cool dry place. This mix will make around 6 helpings.

Fish lovers have to try out this mix. It is a great seasoning for fish in fajitas.

Ingredients:
● 1 tablespoon of dried basil, dried rosemary, dried parsley
● 2 teaspoons of dried sage, dried thyme, dried marjoram
● Black pepper, 2 teaspoons
● Sea salt, 2 teaspoons
● Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
● Celery salt, 1 teaspoon
● Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon

Method
Finely grind all the herbs in a grinder. Add the salts and use it as a rub for fish. You can use a teaspoon for every pound of fish. Store it in an airtight container for further use.

If you like your steak fajita, try this seasoning.

Ingredients:
● Salt, 4 tablespoons
● Onion powder, 1 tablespoon
● Black pepper, 1 tablespoon
● Dried fennel, 1½ teaspoon
● Dried rosemary, 1½ teaspoon
● Dried thyme, 1½ teaspoon
● Garlic powder, 1½ teaspoon
● Red pepper, 1½ teaspoon (crushed)

Method
Mix all the ingredients together. Rub one teaspoon mix on half a pound of steak or vegetables and store the rest in airtight jars.

● Season the onions and bell peppers too before grilling or sauteing.
● Make the onion and garlic powder at home. All you need to do is chop them into pieces and dry them till all the moisture has evaporated. Once they are completely dry, just put them in a mixer and grind into a fine powder.

Homemade seasonings definitely taste better than the little jars you get in stores (remember that icky MSG flavor?), and why, making it at home saves some money as well. So, if you are a fajita fan, raid your spice cabinet and enjoy the Mexican delight at home.