The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king. I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt.

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most important ingredient in taco seasoning. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma.

Without it, the meat would be very dry and crumbly, and it could spill out of your taco shell instead of holding together, an issue you've probably noticed if you make your own taco seasoning blend.

It's all about the tortilla

A restaurant-quality taco starts with a great tortilla — and that means one made from scratch. More than a vessel to hold the goodness inside, the tortilla is essential to the taste and texture of the taco.

Pickled onions, a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice are great with most taco fillers. Don't forget the saucy toppings, whether it's salsa verde or salsa roja, homemade guacamole, pico de gallo or taco sauce.

McCormick Taco Seasoning is crafted with a premium blend of zesty herbs and spices including chili pepper, paprika, oregano and garlic. Blended especially for chefs, McCormick Taco Seasoning gives chefs an all-in-one, ready-to-use mix to deliver intense, concentrated flavor to Mexican-inspired dishes and beyond.

The major difference between McCormick's 'Original' and their 'Premium' Taco Seasoning is that Premium also contains Smoked Paprika, Dehydrated Red and Green Bell Peppers, some Cocoa Powder and Black Pepper.

el comino. Hear how a local says it.

Cumin is a popular seasoning for tacos, sweet vegetables, and mild bread. The bitter flavor is hard to replace with any other spice, making cumin a quintessential spice for Mexicans. It contains high amounts of iron, with one teaspoon offering up to 20% of the daily recommended value.

What if I don't have cumin for taco seasoning? ›

Cumin is an earthy, aromatic spice that brings citrusy notes to a dish. If you're in a pinch, there are many great alternatives you might already have in your pantry. Caraway seeds and ground coriander most closely mimic cumin's flavor, while curry and chili powders contain cumin.

Allow one side to brown for 3 to 5 minutes without touching it (you can stir around the onions during this process so they don't burn). Flip the meat and allow the other side to brown 3 to 5 minutes. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller chunks. Sprinkle all of the taco seasoning over the meat.

You can drain the excess fat of when the water has cooked out of it, but I do not recommend rinsing it. Add more water before adding the seasoning if needed. I, personally, just add the seasoning once the meat starts browning and just let the water cook out.

Ingredients. Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Rosemary and Green Tea Extract, Silicon Dioxide.

Ingredients Matter

The spices you choose play a significant role in the final taste of the taco mix. For instance, swapping smoked paprika for regular paprika can change the entire flavor of the spice. Experiment with different combinations until you find a spice mix you think works for your taste.

Try throwing in some pepitas, asparagus, basil, or fresh fruit. For an even creamier avocado taco topping, try making avocado crema. Blend the avocados with sour cream and thin it out with lime juice until it's easy to drizzle onto your tacos.

The filling for a taco should be simple yet flavorful. Meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and seafood are all common options, and they are typically seasoned with traditional spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Vegetarian fillings like grilled vegetables, beans, and cheese are also popular.