If you, like me, are not a fan of buying pre-made spice mixes (whether because the packaging feels wasteful or for other reasons), I have great news for you. Most spice packets are a combination of things you probably already have at home!

Being approximately 7,000 miles from San Diego means we don’t exactly have the widest variety of taco seasoning options. Moving here did make me aware that Taco Bell apparently mass produces seasoning packets… we have declined to try them, yet.

For seasoning at home, combine:

1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion powder (if you only have the finer stuff, that works great, too! I prefer granulated because it clumps less easily in our humid home)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

You can whisk it together and use it as you go, or just mix it directly into your dish as you’re cooking.

Makes great ground meat for taco rice, if you’re looking for a taste of Okinawa!

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