One of the first things I discovered after Brittany was diagnosed with celiac disease was I could no longer purchase pre-made spice mixes. Many of them used gluten as a binder or a preservative. Since that time, I discovered I could make my own that were fresher and could be adjusted to our tastes, like this Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix recipe.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
One of the members in my Facebook Recipes and Tips group, Trina P., was gracious enough to share her recipe for gluten-free taco seasoning mix. She wasn’t sure where she found it as she had copied it down many years ago and included it in her handwritten recipe book she uses almost every day. She told me the original recipe called for all-purpose flour, but since she cooked gluten-free meals, she substituted cornstarch and it worked out beautifully.
What is the Shelf Life of Spices?
Have spices in your kitchen that you’re not sure are fresh are not? Here’s a guide to how long spices will last.
- Whole spices (like peppercorns) and whole leaves (like bay leaves) will keep up to 2 years.
- Whole dried herbs and who edible flowers will keep up to 2 years.
- Ground spices will keep up to 1 year.
- Ground herb leaves will keep up to 1 year.
- Seeds (like dill seed, poppy seed, caraway seed) last up to 3 years.
- Whole roots (like ginger root) last up to three years.
- Ground roots (like ground ginger) will last up to 2 years.
How To Tell If Spice Is Still Good
Spices should pass three simple tests to determine if they’re still fresh.
- What’s it look like? Appearance is an important part of spices. Have they changed color? Was the spice originally green and now it’s brown? This is a sign it has lost its potency.
- How does it taste? Take a tiny pinch and place it on your tongue. Does it still have a flavor or is it tasteless? If it’s tasteless, toss it.
- How does it smell? Does it still have an aroma? If not, toss it. Remember, some herbs smell stronger than others. Some will have a pungent smell, while others have a sweet smell. If it doesn’t have a smell at all, it’s time to go.
Tips For Keeping Spices Fresh
Having fresh spices are the key to great tasting recipes. Use these tips to keep your spices in tip-top shape.
- Spices don’t like the light. Keep them out of direct sunlight (like on the countertop.) Instead, store them in a dark, place like a pantry.
- Spices don’t like heat. The heat will cause them to lose flavor. Many of us store our spices near the stove to keep them in easy reach. Move them to a cooler area.
- Spices don’t like moisture. A common mistake is to shake the spices directly into a pot of whatever is cooking on the stove. This introduces moisture into the spice and will cause them to clump into a hard knot. Instead, measure the ingredients and pour them in from the measuring cup or spoon.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
10
minutesAn easy gluten-free taco seasoning mix.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon cumin
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
- Mix the cornstarch, chili powder, salt, cumin, dried minced onion, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl until blended.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
This gluten-free seasoning mix is perfect to use in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, or whatever strikes your fancy. Do you make your own spice mixes?
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I usually buy taco seasoning in store. Now I will definitely stop doing that. It’s so easy to make it at home! Thanks for sharing this recipe.
I use taco seasoning a lot in my kitchen! I am so glad to make it at home now!
I had never considered making my own taco seasoning until now. It really is quite easy and I have all the ingredients!
I did not know you can make your own taco seasonings. But, also good to know the shelf life of seasoning.
I did not know you can make your own taco seasonings. That is a very good idea. But, also good to know the shelf life of seasoning.
I think this is a great idea. I’ve been wanting to make my own homemade taco seasoning too. I was given some once and loved it. I think it’s so simple to make too.
Love this easy recipe! Thank you for the tips on how to keep the spices fresh. Didn’t know moisture affects it!
This looks so delicious. I love that you made your own seasoning. I gotta try this over the weekend
This is a cool idea! I’ve never made it myself, but we’ve been talking about having a taco night soon. Maybe we’ll try this!
I am so thankful for this homemade taco seasoning recipe! I planned tacos one night a month ago and after planning that, meaning I had no other meat thawed so it had to be tacos, I realized I didn’t have a taco seasoning pack. What I did use didn’t taste right, but now I have this to use the next time I make tacos. Thank you 🙂
I need to make this. Normally I buy from a packet but this would be so much better. And cheaper I’m sure!
I can’t wait to make this. I’ve been wanting to make my own taco mix. The store bought stuff is way too salty for my taste.
Ohh now this sounds like such a great recipe – it is always good to have some ways to fully homemake your own seasonings.
We were just talking about tacos when we stumbled across this! I bet a taco with homemade seasoning tastes SO much better!
I love making my own seasonings and Taco Seasoning is one of them. And you know whats in it. Thanks for the tips too.
This is great, thanks. My cooking game has increased during the pandemic, and we love Mexican food, so I am going to have to try this one!