Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe

Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe

This Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe is a bold and smoky spice blend, which includes chili powder and toasted cumin seeds. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in just 5 minutes

Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon whole cumin seeds, freshly toasted and ground
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons hot smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

How To Make Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe

  1. Combine the spices: Add all ingredients to a small jar or spice container.
  2. Mix thoroughly: Shake the jar well until everything is evenly combined.
  3. Store properly: Seal in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
  4. Use with meat: Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat. Once it starts sizzling, sprinkle on 1–2 tablespoons of seasoning. Stir and simmer until thickened.
Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe
Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • How to toast cumin seeds:
    Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, then grind using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
  • Can I make a big batch?
    Yes, multiply the recipe and store in a sealed jar for easy taco nights.
  • What makes this blend thick?
    The cornstarch helps thicken the meat mixture as it simmers, creating a saucy consistency.
  • Is this seasoning very spicy?
    It has a medium kick from cayenne and hot paprika. Reduce cayenne for a milder version.
  • Can I use ground cumin instead of seeds?
    Yes, use 2 teaspoons of ground cumin if you don’t want to toast and grind whole seeds.

What To Serve With Tacos

Use this seasoning in tacos and pair with simple sides and toppings:

  • Warm corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Refried beans or Spanish rice
  • Fresh guacamole or avocado slices

How To Store Taco Seasoning

Pantry: Store in an airtight jar or spice container in a cool, dark place. Use within 1 month for the best flavor.

Avoid moisture: Always use a dry spoon when scooping to prevent clumping.

Taco Seasoning Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
  • Calories: 15
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 480mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

How much seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
Use 1 to 2 tablespoons per half pound of ground meat.

Can I use this for chicken or veggies?
Yes, it works great on grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even tofu.

What’s the shelf life of homemade taco seasoning?
It’s best used within 1 month for optimal flavor.

Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all the spices used are certified gluten-free.

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Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 5 minutesCook time: minutesRest time: minutesTotal time: 5 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:15 kcal Best Season:Available

Description

A smoky, homemade taco seasoning blend with chili powder, toasted cumin, and a spicy kick—ready in minutes.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small jar.
  2. Shake or stir until evenly blended.
  3. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
  4. To use: Brown ground meat, sprinkle 1–2 tablespoons of seasoning, and stir while cooking until thickened.
Keywords:Alton Brown Taco Seasoning Recipe

Hamdi Saidani

Hamdi Saidani has been a food and recipe blogger for more than 5 years years. He specializes in creating and recreating recipes from top chefs, making them easy to follow and accessible for home cooks.