Taco Seasoning Recipes

Here are eight ways to season tacos.

1. Classic Taco Seasoning

This is a traditional seasoning mix that gives tacos a balanced, savory flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. Add to ground beef, chicken, or vegetables while cooking.
3. Simmer with ¼ cup of water for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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2. Smoky Chipotle Taco Seasoning

For those who like a smoky kick, this blend uses chipotle for a deep, rich flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all the spices in a small dish.
2. Use to season beef, pork, or mushrooms for a smoky taco filling.
3. Add ¼ cup of water and simmer the mixture with the protein for a few minutes.

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3. Zesty Lime Taco Seasoning

A bright, citrusy seasoning perfect for fish or chicken tacos.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (from 1 lime)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix all the dry spices and the lime zest in a bowl.
2. Add to your protein or vegetables while cooking.
3. Finish with fresh lime juice after cooking for an extra burst of flavor.

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4. Spicy Sriracha Taco Seasoning

For a fiery, tangy taco, this mix incorporates sriracha for heat.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sriracha powder (or 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine the dry ingredients (if using sriracha powder) or add the sriracha sauce with the spices.
2. Stir into the meat or vegetables as they cook.
3. Add a little water to help the seasoning blend into the dish.

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5. Sweet and Spicy Pineapple Taco Seasoning

A tropical twist on taco seasoning with a hint of sweetness from pineapple.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons crushed pineapple (drained)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the spices together, then stir in the crushed pineapple.
2. Cook with your choice of protein, especially pork or chicken.
3. Add water if needed to evenly distribute the flavors while cooking.

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6. Cocoa & Ancho Taco Seasoning

This unique seasoning incorporates unsweetened cocoa powder, often used in Mexican mole sauces, for a deep, earthy flavor that complements traditional taco ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Cook: Brown your protein (beef, chicken, pork, or even tofu), then sprinkle the seasoning over it. Stir to coat evenly.
3. Simmer: Add ¼ cup of water or broth to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve: Use the seasoned filling in tacos with toppings like shredded lettuce, queso fresco, and a drizzle of crema or guacamole.

Why It Works:
The cocoa powder adds depth and richness without making the tacos taste sweet. Combined with the smokiness of ancho chili powder and a hint of cinnamon, it brings an exciting twist that still feels grounded in traditional Mexican flavors.

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7. Korean Beef Tacos

These Korean-inspired tacos combine sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, topped with a crunchy slaw for the perfect fusion dish.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or brisket)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sriracha
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Slaw:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage (red or green)
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or chili powder
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

For Assembly:

• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• Kimchi (optional, for topping)
• Sliced jalapeños (optional, for heat)
• Fresh cilantro or mint leaves
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef:
   • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and gochujang.
   • Add the beef slices to the marinade, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Slaw:
   • In a large bowl, toss the shredded cabbage, carrot, and green onions.
   • In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and gochugaru. Pour over the slaw and toss to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
   • Cook the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
   • Fill each tortilla with a portion of the cooked beef, a spoonful of slaw, and optional toppings like kimchi, jalapeños, or cilantro.
   • Serve with lime wedges on the side for a tangy finish.

Tips:

• Swap beef for chicken, pork, or tofu for variety.
• Gochujang and gochugaru can be found in most Asian grocery stores or online.
• If you like extra heat, drizzle with a spicy mayo (mix mayo and sriracha).

Enjoy these vibrant and flavorful Korean tacos for a fun twist on taco night! 🌮

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8. Sweet and Spicy Mango Habanero Seasoning

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1-2 habanero peppers, finely chopped (adjust for heat)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry spices together.
2. Cook your meat until browned, add the seasoning mix, diced mango, and habanero. Stir well and let it simmer until the mango softens and flavors meld.