Make Your Own Fajita Seasoning at Home with This Very Simple Recipe
If there’s one thing that can bring our somewhat divided nation together, it’s fajitas – a Tex-Mex classic made up of chicken (or meat-free alternative), mixed veggies, salsa, sour cream and lovely, soft tortillas.
However, none of this would be possible without the flavourful joy that is fajita seasoning – that salty, herby, spicy seasoning that’s used to cook the chicken in and really ties the flavour of the dish together.
No judgment here if you use ready-made packets of seasoning to bring this iconic dinner together, but did you know that it’s actually really easy to create at home? Plus, the chances are, you already have all the ingredients you need for it in your spice cabinet.
According to BBC Good Food, the ingredients you need are: ½ tbsp hot chilli powder, 2 tbsp sweet smoked paprika, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tbsp garlic powder, ½ tbsp ground coriander, 1 heaped tbsp dried oregano. Mix all of this in a bowl together before putting it in an airtight jar and storing it in a dark area. That’s it!
As for actually seasoning your chicken, you can either do it right before cooking or, if you’re feeling organised, you could season it for 24 hours before popping it in the frying pan. Just Spices UK says, “You should always season your chicken before cooking when it’s raw. You can even do this up to 24 hours before if you have the time. Why? Because leaving the seasoning on your chicken overnight in the fridge will help it start to trap moisture in the chicken, which will make it nice and juicy once cooked.” Yum.
In the age of homemade everything, creating your own fajita seasoning at home not only allows you to control the amount of salt and spice going into your dishes, but it also adds a touch of pride in preparing a meal from scratch. Embracing DIY seasonings can lead to a deeper appreciation for the ingredients and flavours in your cooking, making each dish you create truly bespoke and tailored to your preferences.
The simplicity of putting together a homemade fajita seasoning opens up a world of possibilities for experimentation with different spice ratios or even adding your own twist with additional seasonings. Engaging in the process of crafting your own seasoning blend can be a fun and rewarding culinary experience, elevating your home cooking to a new level of flavour and satisfaction.
So, the next time you’re planning a fajita night at home, consider ditching the store-bought packets and opt for a homemade fajita seasoning that not only tantalises your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with the aromas of freshly ground spices and herbs.