For those embracing a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle, Mexican food doesn't have to be off the menu. Many pre-made taco seasoning mixes are loaded with sugar, starch, and preservatives, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. The solution? Crafting your own homemade keto taco seasoning. This simple and quick recipe allows you to enjoy the authentic flavors of tacos without the unwanted carbs and fillers.
Why Make Your Own Keto Taco Seasoning?
- Avoid Nasty Fillers: Store-bought taco seasoning mixes often contain ingredients like maltodextrin (a sugar), corn starch, and other anti-caking agents.
- Control Ingredients: Making your own allows you to use fresh, high-quality spices and adjust the flavor profile to your liking.
- Reduce Carbs: By omitting sugars and starches, the net carb count is significantly reduced.
- Versatility: This seasoning isn't just for tacos. It can be used to season ground beef, chicken, turkey, fish, or even vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your keto pantry.
- Adjust the Taste: This spice mix is very forgiving, so feel free to give it a little taste and adjust it as you see fit.
Ingredients for Keto Taco Seasoning
The beauty of homemade taco seasoning lies in its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Pure ground chile powder (for a more authentic flavor)
- Dried oregano
- Salt flakes (sea salt flakes)
You can adjust the amounts of each spice to suit your personal preferences. For a spicier mix, increase the chili powder or red pepper flakes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making your own keto taco seasoning is incredibly easy. Here's how:
- Combine Spices: In a bowl, mason jar, or zip-lock bag, combine all the spices.
- Mix Well: Shake or stir until the spices are fully combined.
- Store: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place, away from sunlight. The seasoning mix will keep well for at least 6 months, but it’s best to use it within 3 months for optimal flavor.
Using a Thermomix or Magimix
For those with a Thermomix or Magimix, the process is even simpler:
Read also: Homemade Honey Facial
- Add Ingredients: Place all the ingredients into the mixer.
- Mix: Mix for 5 seconds on speed 3.
- Store: Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to 3 months.
How to Use Your Keto Taco Seasoning
The general guideline is to use 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground beef or other protein.
- Brown the Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Add 1 pound of ground beef (or your choice of protein) and fry until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Add 2 tablespoons of the keto taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, and ½ cup (120ml) of beef broth or chicken broth.
- Simmer: Stir, then simmer until the liquid has evaporated.
Tips and Considerations
- Freshness Matters: Try to seek out fresh spices for the most intense flavor. Pre-packaged spices from the grocery store may have been packaged for a long time and have a less intense flavor.
- Adjust Salt: Be mindful of the salt content, especially if you are using regular table salt or sea salt. You may need to use less than the recipe calls for.
- Sweetener (Optional): If you like, add 1 teaspoon of sweetener to the mix. A brown sugar alternative would work well.
- Versatile Application: This seasoning works well with everything from ground beef to seasoning for chicken tacos or vegetables. It can be used in keto taco salads or even keto burgers.
- Storage: Store your taco seasoning blend in an airtight container, ensuring that no moisture enters.
Serving and Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: The individual serving size is about ½ tablespoon.
- Yield: This recipe yields approximately 7 tablespoons. Each tablespoon of seasoning will make approximately 14+ servings.
- Nutritional Values: Each 0.5 tablespoon serving contains approximately 1g net carbs.
Recipe Variations
- No Sodium Taco Seasoning: For those watching their sodium intake, you can create a no-sodium taco seasoning blend. Simply omit the salt from the recipe and add it to taste when cooking.
- Spicier Taco Seasoning: If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to the mix.
Common Questions
- Is McCormick taco seasoning keto? No, McCormick’s taco seasoning mix is not keto-friendly as it contains sugar.
- Is Old El Paso taco seasoning keto-friendly? No, El Paso taco seasoning isn’t keto, as it contains anti-caking agents like maltodextrin and corn starch.
- Is this gluten-free? Yes, taco seasoning is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Does Taco Seasoning have carbs? Yes. Store-bought seasonings often have fillers and sugar. Be mindful that you read the ingredients if you wish to purchase from the supermarket.
Incorporating Keto Taco Seasoning into Your Diet
This keto taco seasoning is a game-changer for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle. Use it to create a variety of delicious and satisfying meals, such as:
- Keto Tacos: Season ground beef, chicken, or turkey with the seasoning and serve in low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps with your favorite toppings.
- Keto Taco Salad: Combine seasoned ground beef with lettuce, cheese, avocado, and salsa for a quick and easy meal.
- Keto Taco Casserole: Layer seasoned ground beef with cheese and low-carb tortillas in a baking dish and bake until bubbly.
- Keto Fish Tacos: Season white fish with the taco seasoning and serve in low-carb tortillas with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce.
- Keto Quesadillas: Use our amazing Keto Tortillas or Keto Wraps.
Read also: Ultimate Keto Marinara
Read also: Delicious Keto Protein Bars