Tajin Seasoning Recipe
If you’re a fan of tangy, spicy seasonings, you’ll love this homemade version of Tajin that you can easily whip up in your kitchen. This Tajin copycat recipe combines tart lime crystals, smoky paprika, and a blend of chili powders with just the right amount of salt and sugar to create a seasoning that’s bursting with flavor.
Perfect for sprinkling on fresh fruit, adding a zesty touch to your favorite dishes, or even rimming cocktail glasses, this versatile spice mix brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine right to your table. Skip the store-bought version and enjoy the fresh, bold flavors of this homemade Tajin seasoning!
Tajin seasoning, a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, is known for its unique blend of mild chili peppers, lime, and sea salt. The original Tajin Clásico seasoning is a product of Tajín, a Mexican company that has perfected this versatile spice mix, making it popular worldwide. It is commonly used to add a burst of flavor to fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and even the rims of cocktails like Bloody Marys.
The distinctive taste of Tajin comes from its combination of dehydrated lime juice, citric acid, and a variety of chili powders, creating a tangy and mildly spicy seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of any dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons True Lime Crystals or dried lime zest
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon guajillo powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk until all lumps are gone and everything is fully combined.
- Store in a glass jar or other airtight container in a cool, dry area for up to 5 weeks.
Copycat Tajin Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons True Lime Crystals or dried lime zest
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon guajillo powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk until all lumps are gone and everything is fully combined.
- Store in a glass jar or other airtight container in a cool, dry area for up to 5 weeks.
Notes
Nutrition
Tips
- Look for the bottles of True Lime Crystals. If you can’t find one, you will need 32 packets of True Lime.
- If you have moisture packets hanging around, toss one inside this jar to keep the True Lime crystals fresher for longer. Moisture can cause it to harden and clump together; this recipe does not use anti-caking agents.
- You can swap out the True Lime crystals for dried lime zest in the same amount. The lime taste will be stronger and the ingredient size a bit bulkier, but this is preference-based. True Lime crystals are 100% lime and have a finer consistency, allowing them to mix into the spice blend better.
- Use regular table salt and not coarse salt, as coarse salt doesn’t mix into the seasoning as well and tries to separate.
- Do not leave the spice uncovered for even a few hours, or it will harden up.
- While this might not look like the store-bought version, the taste is spot on and – dare I say it – might even tastes better.
- Look for guajillo powder at your local Latin tienda (Latin grocery store.) A 1.25-ounce packet of seasoning will only cost about $1. Chipotle powder can replace guajillo powder, although it will slightly change the flavor.
Storage Information
Store your homemade Tajin seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 5 weeks. Adding a moisture packet can help keep it fresher for longer.
Ways to Use Tajín
- Sprinkle on fresh fruit for a zesty kick.
- Rim cocktail glasses for a tangy, spicy twist. Think Bloody Marys, Margaritas, and anything with mangoes.
- Use as a seasoning for meats and vegetables.
- Add to taco seasoning blends for extra flavor.
