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Mexican Seasoning Blend

Name: Mexican Seasoning Blend
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 9 teaspoons (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon)
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

instinct level

by: jenna

posted: July 25, 2025

updated: July 25, 2026

Level 1: About as easy as this kind of recipe gets. Few ingredients, minimal cleanup, forgiving timing – a good way in if this type of recipe usually feels intimidating.

Level 2: Easier than most recipes of this type. Some technique, but nothing tricky. Minimal cleanup, forgiving timing. Think weeknights, a quick meal, or the easy version.

Level 3: About average for its category. Real judgment calls – tasting, timing, multiple components. Not a beginner recipe, but doesn't need to take over your afternoon or feel impossible for a decently quick dinner.

Level 4: More involved than the average recipe of its type. Multiple stages, careful timing, technique that matters. Worth setting aside the time and clearing the kitchen.

Level 5: The most involved this category gets here. Lots of components, real attention start-to-finish, multiple skills in play. The "I'm cooking today – bring me snacks but no questions" tier.

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dry brine time:

marinade time:

hands-on time:

5 minutes

rise time:

cook time:

rest time:

chill time:

total time:

5 minutes

equipment

reset to default # of servings

teaspoons (3 teaspoons = 1 tablespoon)

! see scaling note !

ingredients

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Mise en Place / Notes

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process

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if you have the thyme...

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notes

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scaling

Scaling a recipe up or down significantly? The recipe ingredients, process, cost, and nutrition scale (notes and faqs do not). Check yourself before you wreck yourself:

Tiny amounts get tricky. Very small quantities of yeast, baking powder, baking soda, and spices are easier to measure by volume (teaspoons) than by weight – your average kitchen scale can't reliably read tenths of an ounce.
Check your equipment. Make sure your bowls, pans, and mixer can handle the scaled volume. Dough typically needs 2 to 3 times its starting volume of space to rise comfortably.
Cook times don't always scale. Some steps – like cooking pieces one at a time in a skillet – take proportionally longer with a bigger batch. Others, like oven baking, usually stay about the same.
Hydration can drift. Flour absorbency varies, so very small or very large batches may need a splash more or less water than the math suggests.

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faqs

Is this spicy?

Mild to medium. The chili powder adds warmth rather than heat. For extra spice, add cayenne, ancho, or chipotle.

What if I don't have Mexican oregano?

Mexican oregano adds a citrusy, earthy note that complements Latin-inspired dishes and it is cheaper when you buy it from the Mexican/Latin food aisle in the grocery store compared to the "regular" version in the baking/spice aisle. In case you couldn't tell...there is a strong argument for using Mexican oregano, but your typical spice aisle oregano works fine.

How much should I use per pound of meat?

Start with 1 tablespoon per pound of protein, then adjust to taste. A full skillet – a pound of protein plus two peppers and an onion – takes the whole batch (3 tablespoons). For marinades, mix the blend with oil and acid like lime juice or vinegar.

Can I use this as a dry rub?

Yes, it's balanced enough to use directly on meat or tofu before grilling, roasting, or air frying.

Can I make it salt-free?

Definitely. Omit the kosher salt and add it separately to taste when cooking.

Why isn't there any cumin?

Most store-bought Mexican and taco blends lean hard on cumin, and if you're not a fan (I'm not), it can take over the whole dish. This blend leaves it out of the base so the smoked paprika, chili powder, and Mexican oregano come through brighter. If you do love it, cumin's right there in the optional add-ins – start with a teaspoon.

cost

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nutrition information

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet; your needs may differ.

Nutrition information is estimated using USDA databases and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.

The 2,000-calorie reference is used as a general guide. Individual calorie needs typically range from 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day for adult women and 2,000 to 3,000 calories per day for adult men, depending on age, activity level, and other factors.

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