Homemade Chili Lime Seasoning

Fiery with zing! Chili lime seasoning is ever more popular in supermarkets, with the likes of Tajin leading the way. But sometimes it’s about the experimentation at home to create the perfect powder for your tastebuds. Use this chili lime seasoning recipe as a base for culinary play.

Important note: this is not a Tajin copycat recipe. It’s a chili lime seasoning (there are many takes on it) with many more ingredients than Tajin. Keep this in mind when you decide to make this recipe.

We love adjusting the ingredients used to create milder or earthier experiences. For example, opting in chipotle powder instead of chili powder brings additional heat and a delicious smokiness to the table. Add a little additional cumin to bring out an even earthier flavor. And, if you want something milder, dropping the cayenne pepper powder. You could also replace it with paprika, just to add a little additional chili pepper flavor.

Use this seasoning as a dry rub; it works well with steaks or pork chops. If you have simple grilled chicken, too, chili lime seasoning can really bring it to life. And, of course, simply sprinkling it atop fruit is an excellent spiced snack alternative. It’s so good over both tropical fruits and citrus.

Like DIY fiery spice blends like this? Check these out too:

• DIY Tandoori Masala Spice: You can of course use this DIY spice mix for tandoori masala, but don’t overlook it as a grilled vegetable spice blend. Delicious.
• Berbere Spice Blend: This is a mix that’s perfect for Ethiopian meals, but it’s also amazingly tasty as a finishing spice for dips and fresh vegetables.
• Baharat Spice Blend: This one is perfect for spicing up Middle Eastern meals and as a boldly spiced dry rub for meats.

Shop Our Spicery On Etsy

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Chili Lime Seasoning

Not a Tajin copycat – a tasty unique blend for bringing flavor to your food!

3.76 from 178 votes

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Prep Time 5 mins

Total Time 5 mins

Servings 3 1/2 tablespoons (one use)

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon chili powder 100% chili powder – like paprika, ancho, pasilla, or chipotle
• 1 teaspoon lime zest approximately 1/2 lime. Use more to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder optional

Instructions

 

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl, then use as a seasoning or a rub.

Notes

Choose your chili powder and the amount of cayenne used wisely. The combo can make this chili lime seasoning surprisingly hot. 

For very mild heat, opt for generic paprika or ancho powder with little to no additional cayenne. Choose smoked paprika, for a smokier flavor.

For medium heat, guajillo powder or chipotle powder both work (chipotle being smokier and slightly hotter.)

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

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