Homemade Chili Lime Spice (Tajin)

Make Homemade Chili Lime Spice (Tajin) with just 5 ingredients – a vibrant, savory, tangy, salty, savory addition to fruits, salads, pasta, veggies, proteins, snacks and more!

What is Tajin Seasoning?

Tajin (originally called Tajín Clásico – pronounced ta-heen – named after the brand) is a popular Mexican chilli-lime spice blend with vibrant color and flavor. It combines dehydrated lime and chili peppers (usually chili de arbol, which are mild to moderately seasoned) with salt for a savory, slightly hot and salty seasoning with a zesty twist.

It contains no artificial colors or flavors and is also sugar-free. The flavor combination is balanced and gives a spicy, refreshing touch, especially to sweet ingredients such as pineapple, watermelon and mango. However, this Tajin spice recipe also complements/enhances savory ingredients and dishes such as sliced ​​cucumber, grilled vegetables, snacks such as crispy chickpeas, etc.

Why Make Homemade Chili Lime Seasoning?

Obviously, going to a store and buying tajin powder is quite easy. However, we love making homemade Tajin Seasoning since we now realized:

1. You have 100% control over the ingredients (meaning you can adjust it to your desired level of spiciness, amount of sodium, and overall flavor)
2. It is free from additives (only natural pantry ingredients – no preservatives, additives, MSG or other chemicals)
3. It’s quick and easy (All you need is a few pantry ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on prep time)
4. The seasoning tastes fresher (Because it is! Make sure to use fresh spices)
5. You can also make your own spice blends cheaper in the long run, especially if they’re made with spices you already have at home.

Tajin ingredients

• Lemons: It is best to use unwaxed limes as we are using the zest for this tajin recipe. Alternatively, you can also use dried lime powder (about ⅓ the amount). This gives the chilli-lime spice a bright and tangy flavor.
• Chili powder: You can use either mild red chili powder (traditionally chili de arbol, mild to moderately hot) and/or guajillo (earthy, slightly fruity, with mild to medium hotness).
• Cayenne powder: To increase the heat. Add to taste.
• Paprika: (optional) For extra flavor, you can use sweet or hot paprika powder.
• Salt: Adjust the amount to taste.

What could I add to this Chili Lime Spice Recipe?

• Other chilies: Feel free to experiment with dried peppers/powders such as Guajillo, Ancho, Chipotle (which are slightly smoky), Chili California, etc. Process these in a spice grinder (after removing the seeds/ribs) if using whole peppers.
• Fine sugar: Optional for some sweetness. A sugar alternative will also work.
• Citric acid: For extra tart taste without the bitterness of lime.
• Cumin: A sprinkling of cumin gives the chilli-lime spice a savory, earthy flavor.

How to make Tajin (Chili Lime Spice).

• 1) First peel the limes with a microslicer and spread the zest on a plate covered with baking paper. Let them rest and “dry out” overnight.

Alternatively use the oven or dehydrator To dehydrate the lime, optionally grind it in a spice grinder for a finer powder.

• 2) The next day, combine all the tajin ingredients in a jar, stir/shake well, and then store.

FAQs

storage information

It is important that the lime zest is dry. Store the jar of chilli-lime seasoning (homemade tajin) in a cool, dark place (like your pantry or a kitchen cupboard). up to 6 months although it will be best in the first 3.

How to Use Tajin Seasoning?

This tajin spice recipe is not only easy to make, but also extremely versatile.

• As a fruit topping: Enjoy Tajin spice on fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon and orange for a vibrant contrast and natural sweetness.

This chilli-lime spice also tastes delicious fruity popsicles, mangonada, non-dairy yogurt bowlsetc.

• In the salad/salsa: Add a tangy touch to cucumber salad and other leafy green/veggie salads, fruit salad and fruity salsa like this mango salsa.
• About corn: i.e. vegan elote (Mexican street corn) or regular corn on the cob.
• Grilled/roasted vegetables: For a hearty, spicy kick – like cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc. Grilled pineapple or mango are also delicious.
• grilling: Have this Mexican lime spice on hand on BBQ days to sprinkle over kebabs, tofu steaks, etc.
• With avocado: To add depth to creamy, flavorful avocado-based guacamole, sauce or avocado creme. It’s also great to sprinkle over avocado toast.
• With hearty snacks: Such as chips, popcorn, roasted chickpeas (or nuts/seeds), etc.
• For glass rims: ie for mocktails like this Virgin Bloody Mary.

You can also sprinkle this chili lime powder over vegan burgers, nachos, pizza, scrambled tofu, ramen, pasta salads, use it to make chamoy sauce and more!

More Mexican inspired vegan recipes

Photos by Alfonso Revilla