Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (2024)

05 minutes

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4.84 from 24 votes

by Lisa Longley

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posted: 08/15/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

by Lisa Longley

|

posted: 08/15/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Jump to Recipe

This Fajita Seasoning Recipe is quick to make and perfect for easy dinners! With this recipe you can make enough for one dish, or make a big batch to keep in your pantry!

This is the best chicken fajita seasoning, try it in my Chicken Fajitas! And find more great recipes to use it in below!

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (2)
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The first time I made fajitas using this recipe, my husband looked at me and said, “Something is different.” He immediately tasted the difference between this amazing homemade fajita seasoning and the store bought packet, and he thought the fajitas were way better.

There are just a few simple ingredients needed to make this recipe, and I bet you already have them in your pantry. I love this recipe because you get two different sets of measurements. With the small batch, I’m giving you what you need to replace the packet if it is called for in recipes. Or you have the measurements to make a big batch and always keep it on hand.

Reader Review

My husband was doubtful homemade fajitas would be as good as restaurant, but your seasoning convinced!! We love it!

How to Make Fajita Seasoning

This is a brief overview of how to make this delicious recipe. For the full recipe with all of the measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  1. Choose what size you are making. I always choose to make a big batch (and that is what you will find in the recipe card) and then just use 3 tablespoons of it to replace the packet purchased from the grocery store.
  2. Mix together the spices.
  3. Store it. This recipe can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.
Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (3)

What is in Fajita Seasoning

People make their fajita seasoning all differently, but I was going after the taste you get from a fajita seasoning packet, and based on my family’s reviews, this one is even better.

For the full list of measurements, please scroll to the bottom of the post.

  • Chili Powder comes in both dark and regular. Either one can be used here, it is a matter of personal preference.
  • Kosher Salt is always my go to when it comes to cooking. If you use table salt, make sure to cut the amount by half to start.
  • Paprika also comes in different types. We used regular, but if you like smoked paprika, go for it.
  • Oregano is great in this recipe, and if you grow your own, dry it for the perfect fresh taste.
  • Onion Powder is the perfect addition and brings that onion flavor while skipping over the texture of actual onions for my picky eaters.
  • Garlic Powder is a must here, just make sure to grab the powder and not garlic salt.
Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (4)

Small Batch Fajita Seasoning

The recipe you find in the recipe card is enough to make 8 batches of fajitas. Once you whip it up, you just use three tablespoons of it per batch. If you would rather test this out with just one batch of fajitas, you will need the following amounts.

  • 1tablespoonchili powder
  • 2teaspoonspaprika
  • 2teaspoonoregano
  • 1teaspoonkosher salt
  • 1/2teaspoononion powder
  • 1/2teaspoongarlic powder

Using Cornstarch

When I originally published this recipe, years ago, I had cornstarch in it. It is great in this because it helps the seasonings bind to the meat while cooking. But that being said, it isn’t strictly necessary. I find this revised version works just as great without that added ingredient.

So I will leave it up to you. If you would like in your marinades, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the small batch version of this recipe.

Why Make Your Own Seasoning Mixes

If you go to grocery stores in the United States, there is a whole section full of seasoning packets. You can find everything from spaghetti seasoning to taco seasoning to fajita seasoning.

This recipe isn’t meant to be the final word on how to make fajita seasoning. This recipe is meant to replace what you would find in the grocery store. This is a great way for those who like to cook from scratch to use other recipes they find online.

Additionally, making your own seasoning mixes allows you to control the ingredients for particular dietary restrictions like low sodium diets.

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (5)

How do you use this Fajita Seasoning Recipe

This recipe can be used as part of a marinade or a sauce that is mixed with meat. Usually I combine three tablespoons of this mix with 1/4 cup olive oil and 1 tablespoon lime juice. With something like skirt steak, you will want to then marinate it for a few hours. When using chicken or shrimp, I typically just toss it all together and cook it in the oven or a skillet.

Steak Fajita Recipe

Steak fajitas are the ideal dinner to make this week. Made with the perfect steak fajita marinade, whip this up the night before for a quick dinner the next day.

view recipe

FAQ

Does fajita seasoning have gluten?

Our recipes does not, but you should always double check the spices that you are using, especially if you are cooking for someone with a gluten allergy.

How much fajita seasoning do you use per pound of chicken?

You need three tablespoons of fajita seasoning for one pound of chicken.

Is this spicy?

While spice is a matter of taste, I think the average person would not find this seasoning mix spicy. My kids are pretty spice intolerant, and they love this.

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (7)

Recipes that Use Fajita Seasoning Mix

I have so many recipes that call for this great fajita seasoning!

  • Baked Chicken Fajitas
  • Steak Fajita Recipe
  • Shrimp Fajitas
  • Fajita Steak Kabobs
  • Steak Fajita Soup Recipe
  • Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers
  • Shrimp Fajita Pasta Salad

If you make any of these recipes, or this fajita seasoning mix, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (8)

4.84 from 24 votes

Fajita Seasoning Recipe

Serves: 8 servings

(tap # to scale)

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 5 minutes minutes

This Fajita Seasoning Recipe is so simple to throw together and perfect for making easy dinners even easier! With this recipe you can make enough for one dish, or make a big batch for lots of recipes! This is the best chicken fajita seasoning!

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chili powder
  • 1/3 cup paprika
  • 1/3 cup oregano
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (if you only have table salt, start with half this amount)
  • 4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 4 teaspoons garlic powder

Instructions

  • Combine all of the ingredients.

  • Use 3 tablespoons in place of a packet of seasoning mix or for one pound of meat. (This recipe makes enough for 8 batches of fajitas. If you would prefer to make just one batch worth, you can find those measurements here: Small Batch Fajita Seasoning.)

Notes

Please note that the video shows using cornstarch in the recipe. The recipe has since been updated and there is a note in the post about this.

Author: Lisa Longley

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Mexican

Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (9)

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Fajita Seasoning Recipe

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you might also like . . .

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Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (15)

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

Reader Interactions

    LEAVE A COMMENT

  1. Candy says

    We did the crockpot fajitas and this seasoning and we couldn’t taste anything it was really bland. Maybe it was the cooking method.

    Reply

    • Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (17)Lisa Longley says

      That’s what I’m thinking. I would need to know more before I could tell you what happened there. Like what type of meat, was it marinated, how much liquid got added to the crockpot, etc.

      Reply

  2. Elisa Silkwood says

    Hi there,

    I am making chicken fajitas tonight and I wanted to know when adding the 3 Tablespoons to my chicken do I mix the seasoning with water or just put it on the chicken dry?

    Thank you. I’m excited to try this recipe.
    Elisa Silkwood

    Reply

    • Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (18)Lisa Longley says

      Hi Elisa! There is actually a section in the post on how to use it where I recommend combining it with 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Enjoy the fajitas!

      Reply

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Fajita Seasoning Recipe (Small & Big Batch Measurements) - Simple Joy (2024)

FAQs

What is fajita seasoning made of? ›

What Is in Fajita Seasoning? Most fajita seasoning mixes are made up of a few simple Mexican spices, like cumin and chili powder, plus some additional spices, like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

What spices are in Old El Paso fajita mix? ›

Ingredients
  • Sugar,
  • Onion Powder (13%),
  • Salt,
  • Hydrolysed Soy Protein,
  • Spices (Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Ginger) (6%),
  • Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid),
  • Flavouring,
  • Smoke Flavouring,

How do you cook fajita meat so it's not tough? ›

Make your cuts perpendicular to it (this rule applies if you are making chicken fajitas too). Marinade with an Acid. Acids like citrus juice or vinegar tenderize meat by breaking down its fibers. Even 30 minutes of marinade time makes a difference.

What kind of onion for fajitas? ›

There's no one-size-fits-all answer to choosing the right onion for your fajitas. You can go for the traditional white or yellow onions, offering a more savory option, or experiment with sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla to add a subtle sweetness to your dish.

What makes fajita seasoning different from taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but not identical. The ratios of each individual spice tend to differ. Fajita seasoning often contains more cumin, while taco seasoning contains more chili powder. Our taco seasoning recipe includes coriander and does not contain paprika or chipotle.

How to use McCormick fajita seasoning as marinade? ›

Savory Fajita Seasoning & Marinade's uniform texture works well when added to liquids or sauces for marinating meats and vegetables. Try this easy and delicious Beef Fajitas Recipe: 1. Combine the 2 cups canola oil and 1/3 cup McCormick Culinary® Savory Fajita Seasoning & Marinade.

How much water do you put in a taco seasoning packet? ›

1/2 cup water: After you've browned your meat, add in 1/2 cup water with 3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning mix. Stir to combine and mix all together. Slowly add in another 1/2 cup water as some will begin to absorb – you want it with a little sauce, just not too watery!

How to make fajita meat soft? ›

SLICE: Slice the meat against the grain into thin slices. I like to do so on an angle so the meat slices are tender and thin. Add it back to the veggies if you'd like. ASSEMBLY: Serve fajitas in tortillas or on rice bowls topped with your favorite toppings!

Does fajita seasoning mix go bad? ›

Fajita seasoning, like most spices, does not really 'expire' but rather loses its potency over time. Unopened, a commercial packet of fajita seasoning can last about 3-4 years beyond the printed expiration date. Once opened, it's best used within 1-2 years for utmost flavor.

What's the difference between fajita mix and taco mix? ›

What is the difference between fajita seasoning and taco seasoning? The two are similar, but taco seasoning has more chili powder and oregano, while fajita seasoning has more cumin. In general, fajita seasoning is less spicy than taco seasoning, although when you make your own, it can be as spicy as you want it!

Does fajita mix expire? ›

Storage: To maintain the freshest flavor and color, Lawry's® Fajitas Seasoning Mix should be stored in a cool, dry place away from exposure to heat, humidity, moisture, direct sunlight and fluorescent light. Unopened Lawry's® Fajita Seasoning Mix packages are shelf stable and can be held for use for up to 720 days.

What cut of meat do Mexican restaurants use for fajitas? ›

"We use inside skirt steak," he said. "It's already marinated when we buy it. Then we add our own seasonings."

What is the best tender meat for fajitas? ›

Skirt steak is the traditional cut used for fajitas. It used to be inexpensive, but now it's not so cheap; oftentimes flank steak costs less. Either will be a good choice.

Is fajita mix the same as taco seasoning? ›

Taco seasoning typically contains a blend of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, giving it a bold and slightly spicy flavor. On the other hand, fajita seasoning often includes a mix of spices like cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, offering a more savory and smoky taste.

What is traditionally in a fajita? ›

Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish made from grilled meat, usually beef or chicken, which is served on a sizzling hot skillet along with grilled onions and peppers. The meat and vegetables are served with warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, allowing diners to create their own unique flavor combinations.

What's the difference between fajita and taco? ›

The meat in fajitas usually mingles with grilled or sauteed peppers and onions, which are cut into similarly sized strips. In tacos, the vegetables are often chopped or sliced and kept raw as a topping. “You can have fajita tacos,” Lancarte says. “We have fajita nachos.” Joe T.

What type of meat is fajita? ›

Skirt steak is the traditional cut used for fajitas. It used to be inexpensive, but now it's not so cheap; oftentimes flank steak costs less. Either will be a good choice.

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