Tajin seasoning is a popular Mexican spice blend made with a combination of salt, chili peppers, and dehydrated lime. It adds just the right touch of zing. Try this homemade recipe.

Homemade Tajin Spice is the Best

If you are a spicy food lover, you may come across a lot of spices you never knew about but once you do, they take up a permanent space in your spice rack. One such spice is Tajin, an oddly named spice blend but with an amazing taste! Here is everything you'd like to know about it.

What is Tajin Seasoning?

Tajin (pronounced "ta heen") is a well-known Mexican seasoning made with a combination of chili powders, lime and sea salt with a few other ingredients. If you are familiar with the tortilla chip brands that include a hint of lime, this is quite similar - the right combination of salty, tangy, and spicy to satisfy your taste buds.

The most popular brand of this spicy seasoning is widely produced in Mexico by Tajín, a Mexican Company, though it's popularity continues to grow in the United States. This brand is made with mild chili peppers, lime and sea salt and is quite mild.

Let's talk about how to make tajín seasoning blend at home, shall we?

Tajin Ingredients

For making your own Tajin at home, you will need:

Cayenne Powder. Use paprika powder or red chili powder for a milder version.
Guajillo Powder.
Crystalized Lime Powder. Use dried lime zest as an alternative. It is essentially dehydrated lime juice.
Fine Salt.
Sugar. Optional, for sweetness.
Additionals. To make this more of a seasoning you can cook with, add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander. These are not traditional.

Homemade Tajin Recipe - How to Make Tajin

Mix together the following in a bowl - 1 tablespoon cayenne powder, 1 tablespoon guajillo powder, 2 tablespoons crystalized lime powder, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon sugar (optional).

Mix well and use as desired.

Easy enough to make, isn't it? If you love tajín, you will definitely love this homemade version.

How To Use Tajin Spice?

Many people wonder, what should I put Tajin on? The spice blend is famous for its tangy and spicy flavor, so it is a perfect fit for sprinkling onto fresh fruits and vegetables, where it will enhance the sweet taste. You can also add it to homemade guacamole and the flavor boost will leave you amazed. It is great for Mexican cuisine.

Try this - take a cucumber, cut it into circles, lay them out on the plate, then sprinkle Tajin over the slices to make a perfect mouth-watering appetizer. Quick and easy!

You can also sprinkle the spice blend on pineapple, melon, and mango to enhance their sweetness and make your taste buds tingle with satisfaction. The best thing is that you can whip these appetizers together in a matter of a few minutes. Easy peasy!

Also, use it on popcorn or potato chips to make the perfect snack for movie night. Rim a glass with Tajin for a twist on your favorite margarita, mangonada, or for Bloody Marys. It is essential in making homemade chamoy sauce. Tajin and chamoy are perfect ingredients for each other.

You can usually get your hands on Tajin in most grocery stores as they are easily available.

Recipe Tips

Can't find crystalized lime powder? Buy Crystalized Lime Powder at Amazon (affiliate link, my friends)

Where Can I Buy Tajin?

Buy Tajin® Here at Amazon (affiliate link, my friends)
Buy Tajín® Clásico (affiliate link, my friends) - Classic Seasoning, a very popular brand
Buy Tajín® Habanero (affiliate link, my friends) - a spicy version!
Buy Tajín® Hot Sauce (affiliate link, my friends) - similar flavors!

Substitutes For Tajin

If by any chance you are unable to find Tajin seasoning, you can make your own by following the below-mentioned guidelines. As you already know that Tajin is a mixture of salt, lime juice, and chili pepper, the substitute is very easy to make as well.

How Long Does Tajin Last?

Spices usually do not have an expiration date, however, the flavor weakens after some time. Try to keep your spices in air-tight and sealed containers to increase their life. It is best used within 3 months to guarantee the best flavor. Keep refrigerated if using fresh lime zest and use within a few days, or freeze it.

Learn More About These Other Interesting Spice Blends

Homemade Tajin Seasoning Recipe

Tajin seasoning is a popular Mexican spice blend made with a combination of salt, chili peppers, and dehydrated lime. It adds just the right touch of zing. Try this homemade recipe.

Save Recipe

Course: Seasonings

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: chili powder, lime, seasoning, spices

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Calories: 4kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

Servings: teaspoons

Tap or hover to scale

5 from 6 votes

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons crystalized lime powder (use dried lime zest as an alternative)
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cayenne powder (use paprika or red chili powder for a milder alternative)
1 tablespoon guajillo powder
1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

Mix all of the ingredient together in a small bowl.
Use as desired to season your dish.

Notes

Crystalized Lime Powder. This can be found at Mexican grocers or online.

Savory Additions. For a more savory version of this recipe, add in the following: 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, sugar.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 4kcal Carbohydrates: 1g Protein: 0.1g Fat: 0.1g Saturated Fat: 0.02g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g Sodium: 671mg Potassium: 13mg Fiber: 0.2g Sugar: 1g Vitamin A: 212IU Vitamin C: 0.4mg Calcium: 2mg Iron: 0.1mg

Did You Enjoy This Recipe?I love hearing how you like it and how you made it your own. Leave a comment below and tag @ChiliPepperMadness on social media.

Questions? Feel free to contact me anytime. I'm happy to help. -- Mike H.

NOTE: This page was updated on 9/29/20 to include new information. It was originally published on 3/31/19.

Tajin Seasoning: Popular Mexican Chili-Lime Seasoning