Despite their similarities, taco and fajita seasonings have slightly different characteristics. Is there a difference between taco seasoning and fajita seasoning? Taco seasoning uses the same ingredients as fajita seasoning, but the proportions are different. As taco seasoning usually contains more red chili powder, it is usually spicier, while fajita seasoning is usually less spicy and usually contains oregano. Both can be customized to suit your taste.
Find out what the differences between the two are and whether they are interchangeable below!
What Is Taco Seasoning?
There are many variations of taco seasoning – and it’s essential to any good taco recipe!
Depending on the ingredients added to taco seasoning, it will have a warm, spicy, umami-laden flavor with hints of smokiness.
This basic recipe contains heat-adding spices like chili powder and paprika, as well as flavoring ingredients like garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
You’re right, most taco seasonings are made from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Most taco seasonings contain cayenne pepper or other spices that not only increase the heat of the seasoning, but also add a distinctive flavor that pairs well with most meats and vegetables.
What Is Fajita Seasoning?
Similarly, fajita seasoning is widely used in grilled meat and vegetable recipes not just in Mexican cuisine.
There are more or less the same ingredients in fajita seasonings and taco seasonings, but the level of spice differs for each.
The fajita seasoning is less spicy and is designed to enhance the flavor of the assorted vegetables.
The most common fajita seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and even sugar!
Why You Should Avoid Store-Bought Seasonings
There’s no denying that store-bought seasonings are convenient and delicious, and we have more than a few in our pantry. Sadly, they’re also rather unhealthy.
There are many ingredients that shouldn’t be in store-bought seasonings, so check the back.
Taco and fajita seasonings, for example, are loaded with sodium and MSG, and that’s why they taste so good.
Manufacturers will use MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) to spike the flavor of most seasonings, which is more sodium than is needed to add flavor.
You might want to reconsider how much MSG you are adding to your diet if you frequently use taco and fajita seasonings.
In addition to preservatives, anti-caking agents, and artificial colors and flavors, commercial seasonings also commonly contain preservatives, anti-caking agents, and artificial flavors.
Taco Seasoning Vs Fajita Seasoning
Having learned a bit about taco and fajita seasonings, plus why you might want to make them at home, here’s a chart that breaks them down further:
Making Seasonings At Home
As mentioned above, taco and fajita seasonings are incredibly easy to make — and chances are that you might not even have to make a grocery run to make them.
Here’s how to make both of these savory seasonings at home!
How To Make Taco Seasoning
Tacos are such a delightfully flavorful meal — here’s a super quick and easy-to-make seasoning to maximize their flavor!
Ingredients
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3 tbsp cumin
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3 tsp paprika (not smoked paprika!)
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2 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
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1½ tsp salt, optional
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1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Just divide the ingredients into equal halves and mix them in a bowl until well combined. Salt can be omitted if you wish, or you can choose to add it right away to your recipe.
Notes
If you keep this taco seasoning in an airtight container in a dark, cold cabinet, it will stay fresh for up to two years. For each pound of meat, use 2 tablespoons of this taco spice. If you want a stronger and deeper flavor, you can increase the amount of seasoning to 212 to 3 tablespoons.
Do you not want it to be so hot? Leave the other ingredients alone and omit the cayenne pepper. To balance the seasoning’s spice levels, you can also adjust the amount of chili powder or add a tiny bit of powdered sugar.
If you prefer a somewhat smokey flavor, you can also add smoked paprika to the seasoning, but we strongly advise you to start with the basic seasoning and then modify subsequent batches in accordance with your preferences.
How To Make Fajita Seasoning
When you compare them, you’ll notice that this fajita seasoning contains the same spices, herbs, and aromatics as the taco seasoning above. Only the proportions and the addition of oregano and cilantro differ.
Related Questions
Simple and healthy ingredients can be used to quickly and easily make taco and fajita seasonings at home. Here are some questions that are related now that you are aware of the distinctions between the two!
Can you use fajita seasoning for tacos?
Yes, you can substitute either seasoning for the other. You only need to add paprika or red chili powder to the fajita seasoning when using it for tacos to make them hotter. To give the tacos a great flavor, you can also quickly and simply prepare a basic seasoning by sprinkling chili powder, cumin powder, and garlic powder over them.
Can you use both seasonings?
Yes, you might be able to combine the two seasonings in some cases, especially if they each contain unique optional ingredients like smoked spices, sugar, or even MSG. Please use caution when combining the two seasonings because too much of either one could upset the food’s delicate balance.