By

Wendy Stoltz / Last Modified On June 30, 2025

Let me show you how to make fajita seasoning. It's such a versatile spice mix to have on hand for Taco Tuesday or any night you want to add a bit of spice to a Mexican meal.

How To Make Fajita Seasoning

Our family loves Mexican food, so it was only fitting to learn how to create our own mix. I know it's tempting to buy the pre-mixed bags, but I find them expensive, and I end up checking the ingredients every time. This is a real time-waster when I can make a batch at home!

I find my mix is much better as it has fresh ingredients, and you can also adjust the recipe so it works for your taste. Spice it up for the adults or make it milder for your children.

We love all these gluten-free Mexican foods.

What Are Fajitas?

Fajita comes from the Spanish word faja, which originally translates to strip or belt, which is referencing the skirt steak strips originally used in South Texas.

Today, however, it refers to strips of grilled meat of your choice placed on a corn or flour tortilla with optional onion and peppers.

Another very popular recipe we like to make is these Instant Pot Fajitas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make - With some nice fresh seasoning, you can make this mix in.

Quick meal - This meal is ready in 35 minutes, so it's a quick meal with great fillings.

Fresh seasoning - With the homemade spice mix, your seasoned meat tastes so much nicer than store-bought.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need to make the fajita seasoning and the pork fajitas.

For the Fajita Seasoning:

• Chili powder – Adds a smoky heat to the seasoning mix.
• Smoked paprika powder – Adds a subtle sweetness. Make sure it's smoked paprika. If you like spicy food, add smoked or hot.
• Ground cumin – brings warm, nutty undertones and depth.
• Garlic powder – Adds a nice garlic flavor (and has its own health benefits)
• Onion powder – For a mild, slightly sweet onion taste.
• Dried oregano – Adds additional balance to other flavors.
• Ground black pepper – Sharp taste.
• Salt – Balances all the spices out.

Note that you can add dried spicy peppers to your seasoning, too. Capsaicin adds heat. So omit if you'd prefer a mild flavor.

For The Pork Fajitas:

• Pork tenderloin – Great protein that soaks up the seasoning. You can use other options like shrimp or chicken.
• Bell peppers – For a colorful crunch and fresh sweetness.
• Yellow onion – Caramelized and adds nice flavor.
• Olive oil – Even cooking.
• Lime juice – Lifts the flavor.

Equipment Needed

Measuring spoons help to make the right proportions for the fajita seasoning. Mixing bowls are used to combine the seasoning and also to marinate the pork.

A skillet is great for frying the onions, peppers, and pork.

How to Make Fajita Seasoning

These are the 8 steps to make the seasoning and also add it to a nice pork fajita meal. Here's a breakdown on what each step looks like.

It's a simple dish to prepare. Follow along or watch the video on our YouTube channel.

Make the seasoning and season the pork

In a small bowl, add all the fajita seasoning ingredients. Mix to combine and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl, add pork and drizzle some olive oil. Use two tablespoons of the fajita seasoning and sprinkle over the pork. Toss to combine the pork and the seasonings for your pork fajita marinade.

Cook the pork

Use a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s cooked. Remove the cooked pork from the skillet.

Cook the onion and peppers

Pour the remaining oil, and add onions to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the peppers and cook again for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

Incorporate the pork and peppers

Add the pork back to the skillet and cook for another minute or two, just to incorporate everything into the fajita fiesta. Remove from the heat and drizzle fresh lime juice over the top before serving.

Tips On How to Make Fajita Seasoning

• Use fresh spices - If the spices you blend are close to expiry, rather buy fresh spices.
• Adjust the salt - Salt is very specific to an individual's need, so feel free to adjust it.
• Combine spices - It is important to mix all the spices evenly. Give the spice jar a shake before using it.
• Label and date it - Label the spice jar so you know when the seasoning is about to expire, and make a fresh batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions to help you along the way.

How Long Can I Store It?

You can store the fajita seasoning for 3-6 months even up to 12 months, in your pantry. Make sure you're using fresh ingredients when you make it, and it's not in direct sunlight.

Are Fajitas Gluten Free?

It depends. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Protein and vegetables - These are usually gluten-free if bought with no marinades or seasoning.
• Seasoning - Use our gluten-free fajita seasoning or find a seasoning that does not contain wheat, barley, or rye derivatives. Watch out for the sodium and sugar content, as this is sometimes upped in budget brands.
• Tortillas - Corn tortillas are usually gluten-free, but always check the package. Traditional wheat tortillas contain wheat, so make these gluten-free tortillas. They're delicious! For another variety, try these gluten-free corn tortillas.
• Marinades and sauces - Watch these for any hidden gluten.

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 portions

How To Make Fajita Seasoning

Print

This fajita seasoning is packed with flavor and perfect for making pork fajitas.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

For Fajitas Seasoning:

• 5 tbsp chili powder
• 4 tbsp smoked paprika powder
• 3 tbsp ground cumin
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp salt

For Fajitas

• 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into bite-sized portions 
• 3 bell peppers, cored and sliced
• ½ large yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions

1. One-Step Recipe for Fajita Seasoning: Add all the fajita seasoning ingredients to a small bowl and mix.
2. For Fajitas: Add the pork to a medium mixing bowl and drizzle some olive oil over it. Sprinkle two tablespoons of the fajita seasoning over the pork. Toss to combine the pork and the seasonings for your pork fajita marinade.
3. Use a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until it’s cooked. Remove the cooked pork from the skillet.
4. Pour the remaining oil, and add onions to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the peppers and cook again for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
5. Add the pork back to the skillet and cook for another minute or two, just to incorporate everything into the fajita fiesta. Remove from the heat and drizzle fresh lime juice over the top before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. They never cost you extra.

• 
  ChefAide Silicone Spatula Set
• 
  Nonstick Frying Pan
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 3-Piece Prepware Mixing Bowl Set

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 357Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 3860mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 9gSugar: 5gProtein: 35g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands used at the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

If you make this fajita seasoning, please consider stopping by and letting me know what you think.