Print This Page

Taco Seasoning Mix - A Hot and Spicy Version
That's Just Perfect For Your Ground Beef Fillings

If you're after a hot taco seasoning mix then this is the one for you! The recipe below is quick and very easy-to-make, and uses a blend of fiery habanero peppers plus a few traditional spices and herbs. I've added a couple of sweeter, milder spices to dial the heat down a little and I like to use this one for my ground beef fillings. (See the bottom of the page for links to more of my homemade recipes)

What You'll Need: (makes about 9-10 tablespoons)

6-7 dried habanero chili peppers (or 2 tablespoons hot chili powder)
3 tbsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp dried oregano (See note below)
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp dried tarragon
1 tbsp peppercorns
4 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt (See note 2 below)
1 whole nutmeg
6-8 dried bay leaves
2 whole star anise (optional)

tbsp = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon

Directions:

• Grate 2 teaspoons worth of nutmeg

• Chop the habanero peppers

• Crumble the bay leaves and break up the star anise if using

• Grind the habanero, bay and anise pieces with the salt, peppercorns, cumin and coriander seeds

• Once ground, add to a bowl

• Add the cayenne pepper, garlic, and onion powders and grated nutmeg (also add the chili powder if you used that)

• Finally, crumble in the dried tarragon and oregano. Combine thoroughly
  
  

Store your homemade taco mix in an airtight jar out of direct sunlight. Use within 3 months. 

Note: If you want to extract even more flavours from the ingredients, dry toast the anise, peppers pieces, peppercorns and whole coriander and cumin before grinding and combining. The heat really brings out the most fabulous aromas and taste!

Click here to read more about how to toast and grind ingredients. Includes a short demonstration video. (Link opens in new window)

Note 2: I recommend using a quality rock/kosher/sea salt for using in your taco seasoning mix as these are are a bit less processed than table salt. If you only have table salt available, just use that and it'll still season your cooking perfectly.

Oregano Note: If you can get hold of Mexican oregano do so. If not,  just use regular. They do taste a little different, but one or the other will suffice for your taco blend.

Ingredient Note: I use whole coriander, peppercorns and cumin for this recipe as I find they add the best flavours. If you only have them ground, just use that and reduce the quantities the recipe requires by half. So instead of 2 tablespoons of whole cumin seeds you use 1 tablespoon of pre-ground cumin. Same goes for the coriander and peppercorns if you only have the pre-ground. Stir these in with any other pre-ground ingredients when making.

 After Making Your Taco Seasoning Mix You May Like to Try...

A Fiery, Spicy Taco Seasoning Mix - Ideal  For Your Beefy Fillings

An All-Purpose Taco Mix For All Your  Favourite Fillings

Collection of Cajun  Mixes For the Taste and Aromas of Louisiana

Return to Taco Seasoning Recipe

Return to Home

ShareFacebookTwitterPinterestTumblrRedditWhatsAppMessenger