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    Home » Blog » Whole Food Recipes » Pantry Basics Recipes

    July 16, 2021 | By Jami

    Tex-Mex Spice Rub & Seasoning

    Jump to Recipe
    southwestern Tex-Mex spice rub

    Keep this simple and versatile Tex-Mex spice rub and seasoning on hand to add seasoning to not only grilled and roasted meat, poultry, and fish, but also to vegetables, bean dips, and even salads.

    versatile Tex-Mex spice rub seasoning

    Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

    Are spice rubs part of your cooking arsenal?

    I never used to use them until I created my Basic All-Purpose Spice Rub almost on a whim after reading about spice rubs.

    In the beginning, I simply rubbed them on meats, chicken, and fish before grilling or baking. It was SO delicious - and much easier than opening a bunch of different spices and herbs for each meal.

    But then I started experimenting and found that using spice rubs elevated my regular recipes like roasted or grilled potatoes, hamburger patties, and even vinaigrettes to a new level.

    My family raved about these dishes like never before. I think it's that umami thing (Don't know what I mean-? Go here for the definition.), spice rubs simply enhance flavors and cover a lot of tastes - sweet, spicy, herby and savory.

    Tex-Mex Spice Mix

    Tex-Mex spice rub ingredients

    Ingredients

    Most of the ingredients are basic pantry staples - the only one that you may not have is ground coriander. It's worth it to stock coriander, though, because it's dried cilantro seeds and really helps bring a southwestern flavor to the spice mix.

    In addition you'll need:

    • Salt - Sea salt or kosher (Kosher is more standard for rubs, but I stopped using it when I realized it was more processed than sea salt - I give amounts for both in the recipe, so you can choose.)
    • Chili Powder - I like this brand because it doesn't use silicone dioxide and doesn't include odd things like cloves (believe it or not, this is hard to find!). You can also make your own.
    • Black Pepper
    • Dried Oregano
    • Cumin (best price...)
    • Brown Sugar
    • Cayenne Pepper (Adjusted to your heat preference.)
    Tex-Mex Spice Rub on spoon

    Directions

    Measure out your spices and mix everything in a small bowl well, breaking up any clumps if needed.

    Store in an airtight container in a dark, cool place.

    Tex-Mex Spice Mix FAQs

    Is Tex-Mex spice rub the same as taco seasoning?

    I call this a rub and a seasoning because it is great rubbed on meats - but it also works for coating vegetables for grilling or roasting, adding to beans, etc.
    It's a little different from taco seasoning, which typically has dried onion pieces and sometimes thickeners like potato starch so you can add water with it. This spice mix also includes brown sugar, which is a typical rub ingredient.

    Is this seasoning mix spicy?

    This rub/seasoning as written is only mildly spicy. It's easy to adapt it to less or more spice by decreasing or increasing the cayenne pepper. You can also choose a more spicy or less spicy chili powder.

    How long will spice rubs/seasonings store?

    The spice mix is best used within six months, though it's okay to use it after that - the seasonings just might not be as potent.

    Ways to Use Tex-Mex Seasoning

    I developed this spice mix to go with any Southwestern, Tex-Mex recipes. Use it for:

    • Rubbing onto chicken and pork before cooking.
    • Adding to homemade refried beans (fantastic flavor).
    • Tossing with oil and vegetables before roasting or grilling vegetables.
    • Adding to a basic vinaigrette to give coleslaw served with tacos and pulled meats a southwestern flavor.
    • Tossing pieces of fish with spice before cooking for easy fish tacos.
    • Seasoning cut potatoes with olive oil before roasting or making Grilled Potato Planks.
    • Adding to rice and tomatoes for a quick version of Spanish rice.
    • Add to ground meat before shaping into patties or meatballs (SO good).

    There are lots more - try it and let me know what other things you like to use it on!

    Tex-Mex spice rub_featured
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    5 from 1 vote

    Tex-Mex Spice Rub & Seasoning

    Mix together this Tex-Mex spice blend recipe in just minutes and elevate your tacos, meats, vegetables, and even salad dressing seasoning to another level!
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Basic Staples
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Yield: 8 tablespoons
    Author: Jami Boys

    Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup kosher salt (or 3 tablespoons sea salt)
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
    • 1 tablespoon cumin
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
    • 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon ground cayenne pepper*

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl (or directly into a lidded jar that you will store it in), mixing well with a spoon and breaking up any large clumps.
    • Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 6 months.

    Notes

    *Adjust this to your tastes and if your chili powder is hot or not. We like things spicy, so I use the full 1 tablespoon amount. Start small and then adjust as you like.
    Ways to use Tex-Mex Spice Mix:
    • Rub onto chicken and pork before cooking.
    • Add to homemade refried beans (fantastic flavor).
    • Toss with oil and vegetables before roasting or grilling vegetables.
    • Add to a basic vinaigrette to give coleslaw served with tacos and pulled meats a southwestern flavor.
    • Toss pieces of fish with spice before cooking for easy fish tacos.
    • Season cut potatoes with olive oil before roasting or making Grilled Potato Planks.
    • Add to rice and tomatoes for a quick version of Spanish rice.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1teaspoon | Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1191mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 245IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @anoregoncottage or tag #anoregoncottage!
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    best Tex-Mex spice rub

    More Pantry Basics to Try

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    Homemade Spicy Peanut Sauce (a Pantry Basic)
    A mildly spicy sauce based on the ingredients of a favorite store brand, but without any junk and easily made at home.
    Click For Recipe
    Basic Spice Rub makes dinner special
    Amazing Basic Spice Rub for Grilling & Roasting
    A perfect combination of salt and seasonings to keep on hand and use for grilling and roasting meats, vegetables, and more.
    Click For Recipe
    Immersion Blender Homemade Mayonnaise-mayo on knife
    Easy Homemade Mayonnaise - Two Methods
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    Asian vinaigrette salad dressing
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    Click For Recipe

    This recipe has been updated - it was originally published in August 2013.

    Disclosure: affiliate links in this article will earn commission based on sales, but it doesn't change your price. Click here to read our full disclaimer and advertising disclosure.

    About Jami

    Since 2009 Jami Boys has been helping readers live a simple homemade life through whole food recipes, doable gardening, and easy DIY projects on An Oregon Cottage. From baking bread, to creating a floor from paper, to growing and preserving food, Jami shares the easiest ways to get things done. She's been featured in Cottages and Bungalows, Old House Journal, and First for Women magazines as well as numerous sites like Good Housekeeping, Huffington Post, and Apartment Therapy.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Susan says

      August 08, 2015 at 11:44 pm

      Hi Jami, I've enjoyed your website immensely.
      We live in Tasmania, Australia.
      My question today is regarding salt.
      This is in regards to the dry rub recipes you have shared.
      Do you think in your experience - that I could successfully reduce the salt (for heart health), and still achieve a good cooking result?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 09, 2015 at 3:08 pm

        Sure, Susan! The best thing about making them yourself is being able to adjust them to your tastes and needs. I'd make a half batch with less salt and see how you like it and then lessen it until you're happy with it.

        Reply
        • Susan says

          August 09, 2015 at 5:40 pm

          Thank you for replying, Jami - I'll definitely have a go for sure.

          Reply
    2. Nancy says

      August 17, 2014 at 7:39 am

      Do you store your spice rubs in the fridge or in a cupboard?

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 17, 2014 at 12:24 pm

        I just store them in a cupboard, Nancy. We use them fairly often, so maybe they're stored about 2 months?

        Reply
    3. Leslie says

      August 01, 2013 at 6:49 pm

      I REALLY like your website!!!

      Reply
      • Jami says

        August 02, 2013 at 10:09 am

        Thank you, Leslie!

        Reply
    4. [email protected] says

      August 01, 2013 at 4:34 pm

      We have a few baggies of premade spice blends like this too! It makes cooking way easier to just grab one for certain dishes instead of mixing all spices together each meal.

      Reply

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