For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding suitable seasoning blends can sometimes be a challenge. Many store-bought options contain hidden sugars and unnecessary carbohydrates. This keto fajita seasoning recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative, allowing you to enjoy your favorite Mexican dishes without compromising your dietary goals. This homemade spice blend only requires 7 simple spices that are likely already in your pantry. It’s incredibly quick to assemble.
What is Fajita Seasoning?
Culinary history is an interesting subject, and, even though fajita seasoning and chicken or steak fajitas is a really common and popular spice blend, weeknight meal, or menu item, fajita isn’t truly a spice, it’s a type of beef cut. It originated in Texas, and comes from the Spanish word “faja” meaning “skirt”. This is from when cattle ranchers in the Rio Grande area would give what they thought was undesirable meat, skirt steaks, to the Mexican cattle herders, who would then use the steaks for their cooking.
Why Make Your Own Fajita Seasoning?
Making your own seasoning blends, like Dry Ranch Mix or Blackened Seasoning, is more cost-effective than buying store bought blends. Many store-bought brands have sneaky artificial ingredients and unnecessary sweeteners, including fajita seasoning! You wouldn’t think there would be sugar in a spice mix for savory foods, right? That’s why I like to make my own homemade seasoning blends like this homemade fajita seasoning. This recipe is 100% paleo, low-carb, Whole30-compliant and Keto-friendly, too! It’s so much cheaper to make your own seasonings with other spices you already have in your pantry. You can control the ingredients - there’s no sugar here like there is in store-bought brands. And it’s sooo much more flavorful too, taking your fajitas up several notches, every single time.
One of the great things about making your own spice mixes is that you can avoid unwanted ingredients often added to packaged mixes. Another awesome thing is that you can make the mix your own. For this fajita seasoning, you can add the exact amount of sugar you’d like, and you can change the amount of salt you add. If you’d prefer more heat, you can add more cayenne pepper.
Key Ingredients for Keto Fajita Seasoning
This homemade spice blend only requires simple spices that are likely already in your pantry. You’ll need chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder and cayenne. We combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, keto granulated sugar, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, ground cayenne, and pepper to make our mix.
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Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ tsp. oregano
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
How to Make Keto Fajita Seasoning
Creating this keto fajita seasoning is fool-proof! Making this homemade fajita spice blend couldn't be easier! To make it, simply add all the ingredients to a small bowl or jar. Stir or shake together until fully combined and all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- In a small mixing bowl, add all ingredients.
- Stir to combine.
That’s really it! Combining your own seasoning mixes with some lime juice and olive oil, and instantly you have the beginning of a great meal in the works. It makes for easier, faster, and makes for cleaner cooking!
Storage Instructions
You’ll want to store in an air-tight container but it will last just as long as the individual spices do. Always make sure you are storing spice mixes in food-safe, airtight containers. Ideally, store them in a cool, dark place out of the sunlight. Did you make slightly too much for your jar? Lightly tap the jar on the countertop a few times, to force the spices to settle. Spices can go bad, so make sure you go through your stash about once a year and replace any that are expired. Fresh spices will always make homemade blends taste even stronger.
I like to store my homemade spice blends in labeled mason jars for easy cooking. Store in a cool, dry place for up to one year but use within 6 months for best flavor.
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How to Use Keto Fajita Seasoning
This spice blend is really great on all types of proteins, from chicken, steak, shrimp, pork butts and even ribs. This naturally gluten-free seasoning blend makes the perfect addition to classic chicken fajitas. The recipe makes about ½ cup of sugar-free fajita seasoning. Nutritional information is calculated for the entire recipe
You’ll find endless ways to use this keto fajita seasoning. This is a mild and flavorful spice mixture with just a touch of heat and a touch of sweet. Our fajita seasoning combines some simple ingredients, most of which you likely have in your pantry! But the outcome is a tasty seasoning mix that can be used in any number of dishes.
As a general rule of thumb, use between 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning for every pound of protein/vegetables you’re seasoning and planning to cook. As there’s more surface area to cover, more seasoning will be needed.
Here are some ideas:
- Sprinkle a few teaspoons over vegetables and sauté or roast them.
- Use this blend in your slow cooker or instant pot taco soup.
- Use it in a marinade, wet or dry rub before grilling, pan frying, baking or air frying.
- Add some to plain cauliflower rice to give it classic Mexican flavor.
- Use it to season plant-based ground “meat” crumbles if you are eating vegetarian/vegan.
- Combine all of the spices into a storage jar or spice jar and shake or stir well to combine.
- Use on beef, chicken, pork, shrimp or fish.
- Add incredible flavor to your favorite Mexican dishes with my keto fajita seasoning mix!
- It's made with a low-carb sugar substitute for a subtle sweetness that adds the perfect balance to the mix.
- Want to try a custom-blended taco seasoning?
- This low-carb fajita seasoning has a touch of sweetness, while still being sugar-free.
- Add some to chili, soups, and stews.
- You can also add it to all kinds of casseroles to give them amazing flavor.
- Or how about adding some to meatloaf and meatballs or adding some to your burgers! Yum!
- You’ll take your scrambled eggs and omelets to the next level when you add some of this seasoning to them!
- I also love to make homemade keto salad dressings.
Fajita Seasoning vs. Taco Seasoning
A lot of people wonder if there’s a different between fajita seasoning and taco seasoning (which you can also make homemade). On any given day, I already have all the spices in my cabinet needed to make fajita seasoning. The cayenne pepper is the secret to the spicy kick. If you like your fajitas a little milder, use less or leave it out completely. It’s totally customizable!
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Traditionally, some spices are the same and some are different, but they taste very similar. The difference is so small that you can use the two blends interchangeably anytime you’re in a pinch.
Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
- Fajita seasoning tends to contain more cumin than taco seasoning.
- Taco seasoning relies a bit more on chili powder and oregano.
Regardless of their differences, both seasoning blends can be used interchangeably in most dishes for similar effects.
Common Questions About Keto Fajita Seasoning
Serving fajitas to guests? Here are some questions people often ask about my keto fajita seasoning recipe.
Does fajita seasoning have carbs?
Many store-bought fajita seasonings contain surprisingly significant carb counts because of added sugars. My homemade fajita seasoning mix, however, contains just 4g net carbs for the entire recipe! When purchasing premade seasoning mixes, always double-check the ingredients for hidden sugars that could affect your ketosis.
What is a good substitute for fajita seasoning?
In a pinch, taco seasoning makes a fair substitute for fajita seasoning. Though the flavor profiles are different, both suit a variety of Mexican dishes. While your dish won't exactly be true to its original form, it will still be delicious!
Are fajitas keto-friendly?
In general, fajitas should be a keto-friendly dish because they contain low-carb proteins like chicken, steak, or shrimp along with bell peppers. If fajitas are made with high-sugar seasoning mixes, however, they will no longer be suitable for a keto diet. The same is true if they are served with high-carb flour or corn tortillas. Enjoy fajitas on their own, or try them with tasty coconut flour tortillas.