Make an Easy Mexican Spice Blend at Home

Last updated on November 12th, 2025

Create an easy Mexican Spice Blend and give your meats, fish, or veggies a bold burst of Tex-Mex flavour, just like I do! I love keeping this sassy seasoning on standby for those barbecue nights or whenever the craving for Mexican hits. Trust me, once you have this robust mix in a jar on your counter, you’ll kiss pre-made packets goodbye.

Easy Mexican Spice Blend

Let me tell you, I always have this easy Mexican Spice Blend in my back pocket (okay, under my poncho!) when I run out of taco or fajita seasoning. Actually, it’s my MVP for jazzing up Instant Pot Lazy Chicken Soup.

And let’s not forget breakfast, so if you catch me in the morning, you’ll see me excitedly sprinkling it on my poached eggs in Shakshuka. The vibrant, fiery red colour and the magical combo of simple spices put on a show, like a mariachi band right on your plate!

Why I Love this Homemade Mexican Spice Blend

All-purpose seasoning

Let’s be honest, this blend is a workhorse. It’s my all-purpose, sprinkle-on-anything hero, especially on those days when dinner is a mad dash. Salt and pepper? I genuinely don’t remember the last time I used those over this spice mix. Somewhere in my spice cabinet, those shakers are probably gathering dust!

Uses paprika, chilli powder and ground cumin

If you’re a spice hoarder like me, you’ll appreciate having paprika, chili powder, and cumin always within reach. These essentials are the heart of this Mexican Spice Blend, bringing bold flavor to everything from tacos to enchiladas, and even giving an unexpected twist to my Indian favorites. If you’ve got these spices on hand, homemade Mexican magic is just a quick mix away!

Contains garlic powder, dried oregano, and onion flakes

And let’s not forget my stash of garlic powder, oregano, and onion flakes, ingredients that somehow multiply in my pantry thanks to my love for Greek cooking! The silver lining? Those extras make throwing together this Easy Mexican Spice Blend super simple. No need to hunt through cabinets or make a mess when a craving for Mexican hits, just grab what you’ve got and mix up magic in minutes!

Savoury homemade blend

This savoury blend is honestly a gift from the Spice Gods, the result of years of collecting (maybe accidentally stockpiling) spices on countless grocery runs. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve insisted I still had Tex-Mex seasoning, only to realize I’d run out, so I finally made my own, and now you can too!

Why you’ll love this Mexican Spice Blend

• Smoky and spicy, with just the right amount of heat for chicken, pork, shrimp, and more.
• No need for sodium-heavy store-bought packets.
• Uses simple pantry spices, easy to make anytime.
• Customizable spice, salt, and heat levels.
• Packs big flavor; a tablespoon goes a long way.
• Ideal for soups, gravies, marinades, and beyond.
• Ready in just 10 minutes.
• Stores easily in any spice or mason jar.
• No unfamiliar ingredients; made with low-carb spices.
• Flexible batch size: make a little or a lot.
• Works for vegan, keto, low-carb, and gluten-free diets.
• Saves money by using what you already have.
• Adjust ingredients to suit your taste and needs.

Carbs and Servings in Easy Mexican Spice Blend

This recipe makes a one-third cup of Mexican Spice Blend, which is 7g of carbs and 2.3g of fibre for the entire recipe.

under 1g of net carbs per tablespoon

You only need 1-2 tablespoons of this mix to add to your cooking to make it flavourful and aromatic, making each tablespoon under 1g of net carbs.

Adding a bit of water to the blend forms a thick paste that you can use to marinate meats and vegetables, which further reduces the amount of carbs in your meals without adding too much seasoning.

Ingredients in this Easy Mexican Spice Blend

• Paprika – is the main component in this recipe to boost the colour of your dishes and make them smoky.
• Chilli powder – is a must if you love spicy Mexican meals, omit it if you prefer a milder version.
• Cumin powder – is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and gives it an earthy, robust taste.
• Onion Flakes – makes the mix richer, and besides adding an onion flavour, it also replaces the need for real onions in your recipe.
• Garlic Powder – helps the mix create an aromatic flavour in cooking sauces for any cuisine.
• Dried Oregano – adds depth and balances the strong onion and garlicky flavours.
• Salt – brings out a tart flavour that enhances the flavours of each spice, allowing you to add less or more of it to the mix or control the amount while making your dish.
• Black Pepper – adds another level of spice, but you can omit, add less, or add more while cooking.
• Arrowroot Powder – helps thicken the sauce when it comes into contact with moisture, resulting in a thick gravy.
• Organic Cocoa Powder – adds a silky texture to your Mexican recipes and is commonly used to make Mole and Chilli con carne. It also adds a depth of flavour and is worth adding to this spice mix.

Optional, but worth it!

• Lemon Salt (Citric Acid) – also known as sour salt. Look for it at Indian grocery stores, online on Amazon, or at Spice World, which carries many spices that are hard to find elsewhere. Lemon salt helps to keep this Mexican spice blend fresher longer and provides a tangy flavour to your Mexican dishes. If you cannot find lemon salt in stores, omit it from the recipe.

However, here are some ways to add tanginess to your cooking:

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Squeeze a teaspoon or two of lemon juice directly into your recipe while cooking for an instant burst of vibrant tang.
• Lemon Zest & Sea Salt: Mix two teaspoons of fresh lemon zest with ½ teaspoon of sea salt and add this to your dish as you cook.
• Lime Juice or Zest: Swap in lime juice or zest for a slightly different, bright citrus note.
• Vinegar Splash: Add a small dash of apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar to your finished dish for a subtle tangy kick.
• Tamarind Paste: A pinch of tamarind paste adds both tang and complexity, especially in Mexican and Indian-inspired meals.

How to Make an Easy Mexican Spice Blend at Home

1. Gather all the required spices or purchase them online from Amazon or a local grocery store.
2. Clean and dry a 2-3 ounce spice jar or a larger one if doubling the recipe to make a bigger batch.
3. Grind the onion flakes with the lemon salt (if it is in granular form) using a mortar and pestle, then add them to the bottom of the jar.

4. Measure the remaining spices individually and drop them into the jar one by one. Pro Tip: If you’re making a larger batch, mix the spices in a large bowl. Then use a funnel to transfer them into the jar.
5. Close the jar lid and shake the spice blend until thoroughly mixed. Store the spice blend in a tightly covered container in a cool, dry place.

Best Tips for Making a Mexican Spice Blend

• Use measuring spoons to measure each amount of spice accurately so that the correct flavours of the blend shine through.
• Use a coffee grinder to blend whole spices (if using), which also helps to bring out their natural aromas.
• Experiment with using this spice blend in various dishes to unlock its full potential.
• It’s best to use the mix within three months to enjoy its fresh taste. Remember to shake it before every use if some ingredients, such as the onion flakes, have settled to the bottom.
• Add the Mexican spice blend while cooking, or roast it in a shallow pan to bring out the flavours. You’d be surprised by how much the flavour kicks in from the heat.
• Mix the spices with a whisk in a bowl for larger batches, then transfer them into the jar using a funnel. 
• This Mexican spice blend is a wonderful gift when presented in a fancy jar with a pretty ribbon.

Ways to use Easy Mexican Spice Blend

The versatility of this seasoning extends beyond Mexican cuisine and your favourite tacos, fajitas or burritos. Here are some ways you can use this excellent seasoning:

Make a marinade:

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning with one tablespoon of olive oil and coat meat (approximately 1 pound) or vegetables for roasting, sautéing, or grilling.

A condiment for the table:

To boost the flavour of your meals, sprinkle it over salads, soft-boiled eggs, or bland dishes needing some kick.

Make a Mexican-flavoured dressing:

Mix 1-2 teaspoons with a 3:1 ratio of olive oil and vinegar to create a dressing for drizzling on salads.

Make a Mexican dip:

Mix one tablespoon of the blend with 1/2 cup of sour cream or mayo to make a creamy dip. It’s great for low-carb nachos or veggies.

Make a spread:

Add one tablespoon of Mexican seasoning to 1/2 cup of cream cheese for spreading over low-carb tortillas for wraps.

Flavoured crumb coating:

Mix one tablespoon of the seasoning into your go-to keto crumb coating to make crispy hot Nashville-style chicken or wings.

Season a chicken sandwich filling:

Mix one tablespoon of the seasoning with cubes of cooked chicken breast, mayo, diced peppers, onions and green onions. It makes for a delicious filling for low-carb tortilla wraps, or you may like to try it with mini keto bagels or buns.

Storage Tips

• Keep your spice blend in a clean, airtight jar or container, and store it in a cool, dark place. This preserves the fresh, bold flavours that make your recipes shine!
• For larger batches, use a big container for storage and refill a smaller jar as needed. This makes adding a quick burst of seasoning to your dishes extra easy.
• Your homemade blend will last up to a year, but for the fullest, brightest flavours, aim to use it within 3 months. Fresh spice means the most vibrant Tex-Mex taste in every bite!

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