The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king. I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt.

Chili Pepper, Corn Starch, Salt, Onion Powder, Maltodextrin, Spice, Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt), Contain 2 % or Less of: Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil and/or Soybean Oil), Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Citric Acid, Sugar (Adds a Trivial Amount of Sugar), Natural Flavor.

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!

SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA, OREGANO), ONION, SALT, POTATO STARCH, SUGAR, GARLIC & NATURAL FLAVOR.

It's all about the tortilla

A restaurant-quality taco starts with a great tortilla — and that means one made from scratch. More than a vessel to hold the goodness inside, the tortilla is essential to the taste and texture of the taco.

Pickled onions, a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice are great with most taco fillers. Don't forget the saucy toppings, whether it's salsa verde or salsa roja, homemade guacamole, pico de gallo or taco sauce.

Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning are two popular spice blends often used in the culinary world, particularly in dishes of Mexican origin.

The most common toppings that you will find for crispy tacos are shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg lettuce), finely shredded cabbage, sliced or chopped tomatoes, and onions (white onion is more popular than red onion). This list can go on for ages, but I will only mention the most popular fried tacos. Shredded Beef.

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most important ingredient in taco seasoning. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma. Paprika – Use smoked paprika if you have it. Salt and Pepper – we use fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Do you brown meat before adding taco seasoning? ›

I, personally, just add the seasoning once the meat starts browning and just let the water cook out. You will end up with that crumbly texture that I just love about that certain, unnamed taco place. This works with those little packets too.

Ingredients: Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spice, Sugar, Garlic Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Sea Salt (potassium magnesium chloride, salt), Citric Acid, Onion Powder, Vegetable Oil (canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor.

For me, the perfect spice blend is black pepper, cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, all spice, and achiote paste or powder. The achiote is very important- it gives the al pastor its signature color & flavor.

Ingredients Matter

The spices you choose play a significant role in the final taste of the taco mix. For instance, swapping smoked paprika for regular paprika can change the entire flavor of the spice. Experiment with different combinations until you find a spice mix you think works for your taste.

Try throwing in some pepitas, asparagus, basil, or fresh fruit. For an even creamier avocado taco topping, try making avocado crema. Blend the avocados with sour cream and thin it out with lime juice until it's easy to drizzle onto your tacos.

The filling for a taco should be simple yet flavorful. Meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and seafood are all common options, and they are typically seasoned with traditional spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Vegetarian fillings like grilled vegetables, beans, and cheese are also popular.