If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you must have heard about Fajitas.
These popular Tex-Mex dishes consist of grilled meat and vegetables served on a sizzling platter with tortillas, cheese, guacamole, and salsa.
Fajitas are known for their bold and spicy flavor, which comes from marinating them in a special seasoning called fajita seasoning.
If you want to change things up or don't have access to this seasoning mix, five delicious substitutes will still give your dishes that authentic taste & texture!
In this article, we'll discuss five delicious alternatives for fajita seasoning that will add flavourful flair!
Why use a substitute for fajita seasoning?
There are several reasons why you may want to use a substitute for fajita seasoning:
- Firstly, it may not be readily available in your local grocery store.
- Secondly, you could try something different and experiment with ingredients.
- Finally, creating your seasoning blend allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the spice levels according to your taste buds.
Fajita seasoning ingredients you should know About
Before exploring substitutes, look at the ingredients commonly found in fajita seasoning.
Fajita seasoning usually contains chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These popular spices, mixed, give a signature flavor.
Fajita Seasoning Substitution #1: Taco Seasoning
Our first substitute on our list is taco seasoning. This blend of spices is often used to season ground beef for tacos but can also be a substitute.
Taco seasoning typically contains chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Replace the amount equally with the spices used to make taco seasoning.
Fajita Seasoning Substitution #2: Homemade Fajita Seasoning
If you're searching for a substitute for fajita seasoning, making your homemade version is easy!
All you need is the following:
- chili powder
- cumin, smoked paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt and pepper
- airtight container
- Mix all these ingredients in a bowl, then store them in an airtight container.
- Now use this homemade blend to replace regular fajita seasoning in all recipes!
Fajita seasoning Substitution #3: Chili powder and cumin
If you don't have the ingredients to make the authentic seasoning or any of its substitutes on this list, a simple blend of chili powder and cumin can do the trick.
These two essential components comprise most of the fajita seasoning, so mixing them will give your tacos an authentic flavor.
To use chili powder and cumin as a substitution for fajita seasoning, mix equal parts chili powder and cumin in a bowl, then use as desired.
Fajita Seasoning Substitute #4: Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a spicy blend of herbs and spices typically used in Louisiana cuisine.
Though not traditionally used for fajita seasoning, you can use it as an alternative to adding an extra kick to your fajitas.
Cajun seasoning typically contains paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, and oregano; replace the original amount with Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor!
Fajita Seasoning Substitute #5: Garam Masala
Garam masala is an Indian condiment of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and coriander.
To use garam masala instead of fajita seasoning in your recipes, swap out the original amount for an equal amount of garam masala.
How to use Fajita Seasoning Substitutions
What ingredients can I substitute for the seasoning in fajitas?
Now that we've covered all substitutes available let's look at how to incorporate them into your fajita recipes.
To use any of the alternatives mentioned here, replace any amount of fajita seasoning called for with an equal amount of the substitute.
So if the recipe calls for one tablespoon of fajita seasoning, use one teaspoon instead.
Feel free to adjust amounts according to personal taste preferences as well.
Conclusion
If you don't have access to fajita seasoning or would prefer an alternative flavor profile, Taco seasoning, homemade fajita seasoning, chili powder, cumin, Cajun seasoning, and garam masala can all be used in place of the original ingredient for flavor, and spice in your fajitas.
Experiment with different alternatives until finding your favorite, and enjoy this innovative take on an old-school Tex-Mex dish!
Try one of these fajita seasoning substitutes in your following recipe, and let us know which one you prefer!
