Learn All About Taco Seasoning Ingredients
and How to Make a Homemade Mix

For the home taco maker, knowing which taco seasoning ingredients to use is the key to recreating authentic Mexican flavours and aromas. And just below you'll see some common traditional herbs and spices you can use to create your own, or, have a go at my basic recipe below. It's simple to do and only takes a few minutes.

This is not an exhaustive list, but if you have even a few of these you'll be able to rustle up your own homemade taco mix in minutes.

Common Taco Seasoning Ingredients:

Various chili peppers (whole/flakes/powder)
Cumin seeds
Peppercorns
Coriander seeds
Cinnamon
Cloves
Annatto seeds
Paprika
Nutmeg
Allspice berries
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Ginger powder
Oregano
Mexican oregano (different to Mediterranean oregano)
Basil
Mint
Parsley
Marjoram

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

What You'll Need: (makes about 6-7 tablespoons)

3 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp peppercorns
4-5 tsp chili powder (hot or mild)
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp paprika powder
1-2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp whole cloves

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

In your grinder, finely grind the cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves and salt

Add to a bowl

Stir in the chili, paprika, onion and garlic powders

Crumble in the dried basil and oregano and combine thoroughly

Store in an airtight jar, in a cool place and out of direct sunlight. Use within 6 months.

Note: For even more flavour why not dry toast the cumin, peppercorns and cloves for a few minutes before grinding and combining? Click here to read more about this recommended cooking technique. (Link opens in new window)