Delicious Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Recipe
Welcome, fellow foodies and healthy eaters! Today, I am excited to share with you my Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a delicious homemade taco seasoning without the added wheat flour, yeast extract or other gluten-containing ingredients typically found in store-bought seasoning packets. Whether you are following a gluten-free diet, trying to cut carbs or simply looking for a healthier alternative to those heavily processed mixes, this recipe is for you.
Homemade taco seasoning is not only easy to make, but it’s also much more affordable than buying pre-packaged seasonings. By making your own, you can save money while still enjoying a delicious and flavorful meal. Plus, this recipe offers plenty of versatility – adjust the spice level to your liking or add some extra ingredients to give your tacos a unique twist.
I’ve been making homemade taco seasoning for years, and I can confidently say that it’s far superior to anything you can buy at the store. With this recipe on hand, you can make restaurant-quality tacos right at home! So, let’s dive into the ingredient list and get started on making some amazing gluten-free tacos together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of store-bought taco seasoning mix that contains wheat flour and yeast extract? Do you want to have control over the ingredients in your food, especially if you’re following a gluten-free, keto or low-carb diet? Then you’re in for a treat because this homemade gluten-free taco seasoning recipe will satisfy all of your culinary needs!
This seasoning mix is packed with layers of Mexican-inspired flavors that will elevate any recipe that calls for taco seasoning. From ground beef to chicken, fish or even vegetables, your taste buds will dance with excitement! One of the best things about this gluten-free taco seasoning mix is that it’s dairy-free and free from preservatives like MSG.
You might wonder what makes this seasoning blend special. Let me walk you through the ingredient list. We use a combination of ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and ground pepper to create a balanced flavor profile that is not too spicy nor too bland. The secret to an authentic taco flavor is to use high-quality spices and adjust the amount of chili powder according to your preference.
Plus, making your own gluten-free taco seasoning mix means that you know exactly what goes into it. You can choose organic and non-GMO ingredients based on your values and beliefs. Moreover, this recipe is budget-friendly as you can purchase the spices in bulk and create your own seasoning stash at home.
In conclusion, why bother with store-bought taco seasoning packets when you can whip up this homemade gluten-free taco seasoning mix in no time and have full control over your ingredients? You’ll love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is to use. Say goodbye to unnecessary additives and hello to deliciousness!
Ingredient List
Before embarking on our journey to make homemade gluten-free taco seasoning, we’ll need to gather the ingredients. This recipe yields approximately 8 tablespoons or 4 servings of taco seasoning. The ingredients needed are:
– 2 tablespoons ground cumin
Cumin is a spice that has a warm and earthy flavor, which adds depth to our seasoning mix.
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
Chili powder brings in the heat and aroma of smoky, spicy chiles.
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
Onion powder gives our seasoning mix a mild sweetness with an aromatic scent similar to fresh onions.
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
Garlic powder, made from dried and ground garlic cloves, adds a rich and savory flavor to our seasoning mix.
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
This Mediterranean herb adds a fragrant and slightly bitter taste to our seasoning.
– 1 teaspoon paprika
Paprika adds a sweet, savory richness and smokiness to the taco seasoning.
– 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Sea salt enhances the flavors while keeping the sodium level low.
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper, freshly grounded if possible, brings in the warmth and mild spiciness to the mix.
Mix all of these ingredients together for a perfect blend of flavor!
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to make the homemade gluten-free taco seasoning. It’s so easy, you won’t believe it! This recipe makes about 5 teaspoons of seasoning; double or triple the recipe for larger batches.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
First, gather all your ingredients and measure out the portions in separate bowls.
Then, combine all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix well.
Next, store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place for up to six months. That’s it!
Don’t forget to shake well before each use as the ingredients may settle over time. Add to your favorite taco meat, chicken, or veggies for added flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
In case you cannot find some of the ingredients or if you want to add your personal touch to the recipe, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Salt: To make this taco seasoning recipe even healthier, consider swapping regular salt for sea salt.
– Chili Powder: If you do not have chili powder or you are not a fan of spicy food, you can replace it with smoked paprika or paprika powder. These alternatives will still add a smoky flavor to your homemade taco seasoning.
– Garlic Powder: Garlic lovers can use 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. This substitution may affect the texture of your seasoning mix, so be aware that fresh garlic will add more moisture.
– Onion Powder: Like garlic powder, you can swap onion powder for 1/2 cup of finely chopped fresh onions. However, keep in mind that fresh onions will turn brown when exposed to air.
– Cumin: If you do not like cumin or want to change things up, try using coriander instead. While these two spices have different flavors, they share some similar aromatic notes like citrus or earthiness.
– McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix: If you do not have all the ingredients or just want to save time, McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Mix is a good alternative. This pre-packaged seasoning mix does not contain wheat flour or yeast extract and is also free from gluten.
For keto-lovers and low-carb enthusiasts, you can adjust the amount of chili powder or substitute it with smoked paprika since paprika is mild yet flavorful. Additionally, try using lean ground beef instead of beef with high-fat content for keto-friendly taco meat.
Keep in mind that these substitutions and variations are suggestions only; feel free to get creative! By experimenting with different seasonings and herbs, you might come up with your unique taco seasoning blend that reflects your personality and taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve finished making your homemade gluten-free taco seasoning, you can use it to add a burst of flavor to all sorts of dishes. Here are just a few suggestions for how to serve and pair this delicious seasoning mix:
– Tacos: Of course, the obvious choice is to use your homemade taco seasoning on tacos! Brown some ground beef or turkey in a skillet, then sprinkle in your seasoning mixture as the meat cooks. Serve on corn tortillas with your favorite toppings.
– Fajitas: Spice up some chicken or steak fajitas by adding your taco seasoning mix to the pan as you cook the meat and vegetables. Serve with warm tortillas and plenty of guacamole.
– Quesadillas: Use your taco seasoning mix to add flavor to cheesy quesadillas. Spread some refried beans and shredded cheese onto a tortilla, sprinkle with seasoning, then fold and cook until crispy.
– Chili: Add a tablespoon or two of your homemade taco seasoning mix to your chili recipe for an extra kick of flavor. It pairs perfectly with kidney beans and ground beef.
– Roasted Vegetables: Give bland roasted veggies like sweet potatoes or butternut squash a boost by sprinkling them with some taco seasoning before roasting in the oven.
– Grilled Meats: Rub your homemade taco seasoning onto chicken breasts or pork chops before grilling for a flavor-packed main dish.
This versatile seasoning mix also pairs well with all sorts of dips, from guacamole to hummus to Greek yogurt-based dips. Use it liberally whenever you need an extra punch of flavor in your favorite dishes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made this delicious gluten-free taco seasoning, you may wonder how to store it properly. Fortunately, storing and reheating this seasoning mix is quick and easy.
To store your gluten-free taco seasoning, transfer the mixture to an airtight container or a mason jar with a lid. Keep the jar at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture, for up to 6 months. Good quality containers can help preserve the flavors and aroma of the seasoning ingredients.
If you want to make-ahead your taco seasoning mix, you can prepare a large batch in advance and store it in jars using this method. This way, you can have some ready-to-use whenever you need them.
Reheating your taco seasoning is simple since all you need to do is measure out the desired amount and use it for your recipe. If you are using it for recipes that require frying or sautéing, add the taco seasoning after cooking your meat or vegetables so that it will not burn because of its sugar content.
Remember that homemade mixes don’t contain as many preservatives as packaged ones, which means they have a shorter shelf life. Hence its always recommended to make smaller batches so that your homemade mix doesn’t lose its flavor over time.
So now that you know how easy storing and reheating gluten-free taco seasoning is, all that remains is putting this knowledge into practice!
Tips for Perfect Results
We all want the perfect seasoning mix in our tacos, and that’s why I have some tips to share with you. Follow these tips for perfect seasoning every time with this homemade gluten-free taco seasoning recipe.
Firstly, I recommend using high-quality spices for the best taste. Opt for a trusted brand, such as McCormick Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning, or simply use individual spices to make your own blend.
For more flavor, you can try adding smoked paprika to your seasoning mix. This type of paprika adds a nice smoky flavor to the taco meat without overpowering other flavors.
Another tip is to toast your spices before mixing them together. This amplifies their essential oils and intensifies their aroma and flavor. To toast your spices, add them to a dry skillet over medium heat and stir constantly until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
When cooking the meat, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook it in small batches for maximum browning and flavor concentration. Drain any excess fat before adding the seasoning mix.
If you prefer a milder taste, adjust the chili powder quantity to your liking. You can also add a touch of sweetness by including some brown sugar or honey.
Lastly, remember that salt enhances flavors, but it’s best to season gradually instead of adding all at once. This way, you can adjust the seasoning better and avoid oversalting.
By following these tips, you’ll get restaurant-quality gluten-free taco seasoning that is spicy, mildly sweet, and deliciously savory. Enjoy!
FAQ
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, recipe, serving and make-ahead options, let’s move on to frequently asked questions. Often times, people have questions regarding substitutions or variations, as well as how to store leftovers or reheat the cooked taco meat. Here are some answers to these common queries.
Which taco seasoning mixes are gluten free?
There are numerous options for taco seasoning mix that are gluten-free, such as those produced by Pioneer, Durkee, Spice Island, and Thrive Market.
Is McCormick taco seasoning mix gluten free?
A gluten-free Taco Seasoning Mix that weighs 1.25 oz can be purchased at Walmart.com under the brand name McCormick.
What ingredient in taco seasoning has gluten?
Taco seasoning commonly contains wheat flour or yeast extract, which are often used as thickening agents or preservatives. It is important to note that these ingredients contain gluten and are therefore not suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
What McCormick seasonings are gluten free?
In this article, I’ll be sharing some delicious and healthy recipe ideas using gluten-free seasoning mixes from McCormick. These mixes are perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or those looking for a healthier option. Specifically, we’ll be using the Taco Mix, Mexican Seasoning, Chili Seasoning Mix, Brown Gravy, and Turkey Gravy Mix. Get ready to whip up some tasty dishes in no time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, creating healthy and tasty gluten-free and dairy-free meals doesn’t have to be difficult. As a nutritionist and food blogger, I believe that providing detailed instructions, tips, and recommendations on processing and cooking recipes can be helpful for people who want to eat clean and healthy food.
The Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Recipe is an excellent option for individuals who follow a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. It is a homemade taco seasoning that includes all of the essential ingredients, such as cumin, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and ground black pepper.
With this recipe, you can take control of what goes into your seasoning mix by eliminating preservatives and artificial flavors. You’ll also find that making your seasoning mix is cost-effective than store-bought options.
By using this recipe in your tacos, you won’t only enjoy the fantastic taste but also derive numerous health benefits from the nutrients in the spices. It is perfect for spicing up taco meat, chicken or beef.
I encourage you to give this Gluten-Free Taco Seasoning Recipe a try at home today! You will love the taste and nutritional value you get from it. Don’t forget to share with family and friends who may also benefit from gluten-free and dairy-free dietary options.
Gluten Free Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons per pound of meat and add water approximately 1/2 cup and simmer until liquid is reduced. You may add more water it depends how moist you want your taco meat. I leave a little juice.
- Store ingredients in an air tight container and date.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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