How to make the Best Tacos
How to make the Best TACOS 🌮 is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 8. 10 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking At Pam's Place on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min
Cost: $0.52 total, $0.07 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Chili Powder (preferably unsweetened)
- 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Instructions
Gather Ingredients and Equipment
Collect all spices, a glass jar with a tight‑fitting lid, measuring spoons, a small bowl, and a spoon for mixing.
Time: PT2M
Measure the Spices
Measure 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano into the mixing bowl.
Time: PT5M
Combine the Blend
Stir the spices together until the mixture looks uniform, breaking up any small clumps.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Jar
Pour the blended seasoning into the glass jar, leaving a little headspace, and secure the lid tightly.
Time: PT1M
Shake to Finish Mixing
Give the sealed jar a good shake for about 10 seconds to make sure any remaining bits are fully incorporated.
Time: PT1M
Store the Seasoning
Label the jar with the date and store it in a cool, dry place. The blend will stay fresh for up to a year.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 10
- Protein
- 0 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 0 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chili Powder: Paprika + cayenne
- Instead of Ground Cumin: Coriander + a pinch of smoked paprika
- Instead of Ground Coriander: Cumin
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + a drop of liquid smoke
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (dry it first)
- Instead of Onion Powder: Dehydrated onion flakes
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano
Equipment Needed
- Glass Jar with Lid
- Measuring Spoons
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Stirring Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Ensuring the jar is completely dry before adding spices to prevent clumping.
- Sealing the jar tightly to keep moisture out.
- Storing in a cool, dry place to maintain flavor longevity.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a smoky boost, add a pinch of chipotle powder.
- If you have whole cumin or coriander seeds, toast them lightly and grind fresh for maximum aroma.
Troubleshooting
Seasoning is too salty.
Reduce the salt to ½ tsp or omit it entirely; you can always add more salt to the finished dish.
Clumps form in the blend.
Sift the mixture through a fine mesh sieve before transferring to the jar, or give the jar an extra vigorous shake.
Storage
Refrigerator: Not required; can store up to 6 months if desired.
Freezer: Not recommended; spices may lose potency.
Room temperature: Store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 12 months.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make a larger batch (e.g., 1 cup) and store in multiple small jars for quick access.
- Toast the whole spices (cumin seeds, coriander seeds) before grinding for deeper flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of taco seasoning in Mexican cuisine?
Taco seasoning, as we know it today, is a modern convenience blend that mimics the traditional spice mixes used in Mexican street tacos. While authentic Mexican cooking often relies on fresh chilies, herbs, and simple salt, the powdered blend became popular in the United States in the mid‑20th century to give home cooks a quick way to flavor taco meat.
What are the traditional regional variations of taco seasoning in Mexican cuisine?
In northern Mexico, taco seasoning leans heavily on cumin and dried chilies, while central regions favor oregano, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon. Coastal areas might add dried citrus zest or smoked paprika to echo the smoky flavors of grilled seafood tacos.
How is homemade taco seasoning traditionally served in Mexican households?
Mexican families typically keep a small jar of their favorite spice blend on the countertop and sprinkle it directly onto cooked meat, beans, or vegetables just before serving, allowing each diner to adjust the heat level to personal taste.
What occasions or celebrations is taco seasoning traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?
Taco seasoning is most commonly used during casual gatherings such as family taco nights, weekend barbecues, and festive celebrations like Día de los Muertos or Independence Day, where tacos become a communal, hands‑on dish.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with this homemade taco seasoning?
Beyond classic ground‑beef tacos, the blend works great in chicken fajitas, pork carnitas, bean‑filled quesadillas, and even sprinkled over roasted corn or grilled vegetables for a Mexican‑style side.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for taco seasoning versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic Mexican spice blends often include dried ancho or guajillo chilies, cumin, coriander, oregano, and sometimes cinnamon or cloves. In this DIY version, smoked paprika stands in for the deeper flavor of dried chilies, and garlic/onion powders replace fresh aromatics for convenience.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade taco seasoning?
Common pitfalls include using a wet jar (which creates clumps), over‑salting the blend, and not shaking the jar long enough to fully integrate the spices. Measuring each spice level‑by‑level also prevents accidental over‑ or under‑portioning.
Why does this homemade taco seasoning recipe use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle, wood‑smoked depth that mimics the flavor of charred chilies traditionally used in Mexican cooking, giving the blend a richer, more authentic taste without needing fresh smoked chilies.
Can I make this homemade taco seasoning ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the blend keeps indefinitely when stored in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry pantry. For best flavor, use it within 12 months and label the jar with the preparation date.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the taco seasoning is properly mixed?
The finished blend should be a fine, uniform powder with no visible clumps. A quick shake of the sealed jar should redistribute any settled particles, leaving a consistent color throughout.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking At Pam's Place specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking At Pam's Place focuses on simple, family‑friendly recipes, kitchen hacks, and budget‑conscious cooking tips, often highlighting how to make pantry staples from scratch.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking At Pam's Place's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
Cooking At Pam's Place emphasizes quick, no‑fuss adaptations of Mexican flavors using everyday ingredients, whereas many Mexican cooking channels may focus on traditional techniques, fresh chilies, and regional authenticity.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
