Healthy Mexican Taco Spice Mixture
I don’t know about you, but I love Mexican food. I love authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex. They are both delicious and incredibly versatile methods of cooking. It’s great when you go to a restaurant and get some excellent Mexican food, but if you want to make it at home, chances are you’ll find yourself buying one of those expensive Tex-Mex packets in the grocery store. Which is alright. If there’s nothing better.
Well, here’s something much better! Healthier, cheaper, and, and it makes a much larger batch of spice mixture than is those spice packages contain. The best thing about this spice mixture is just how versatile it can be. Want to make some Tex-Mex style ground beef tacos? Brown the meat, drain the fat, and mix 3 tablespoons of the mixture into the meat, adding ½ a cup of water. Simmer until liquid evaporates.
Have some extra chicken, pork, shrimp, fish, or beef on hand? Chop the meat up, or shred it, and mix 3 tablespoons of the mixture in with ½ a cup of water. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more refined, you could use the spice mixture as a rub and marinate the meat for a few hours in the refrigerator.
For a great vegetarian alternative, you could do the same with tofu or the vegetables of your choice. Beans and corn are great for this. You could also scramble-fry some tofu and have it Tex-Mex style!
The fresher the spices, the more intense and flavorful the spice mixture will make your chosen dish. This definitely makes a difference, so if you’re using the fresher ingredients with brighter, more vibrant colors. This is especially true of the chili powder and cayenne powder.
For an even healthier version of this recipe, omit the salt and flour completely. The mixture will not adhere quite as well because of the omission of the flour, but you will cut back on some calories, and will remove excess gluten as well!
Cook Time
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne powder
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tbsp. flour
- 1/4 tsp. coriander
Instructions
- Mix the spices until fully blended.
- Store the spices in a sealed container for up to a month.
- If you do not plan to store the mixture, you can substitute onion, garlic, and fresh chopped oregano for the garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Also, you could substitute the coriander for fresh cut cilantro for an extra citrus kick!
