Tajin is a Mexican seasoning that is most commonly used on fruits and vegetables. It is a powder that is made from chili peppers, sea salt, and dehydrated lime juice. Tajín was created in Mexico in the early 1980s and has since become a staple in many Mexican households. But what makes Tajín so special? Let's take a closer look.
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What is Tajín?
Tajín was created in 1985 by Mexican entrepreneur Horacio Fernández. He was inspired to create the seasoning after tasting spicy sauces prepared by his grandmother. Later, he began experimenting with different ingredients until he arrived at the perfect blend of chili peppers, sea salt, and dehydrated lime powder.
What Does Tajin Taste Like?
The combination of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt gives Tajín a unique flavor profile that is both spicy and sour. The chili peppers provide the spice while the lime juice gives it a tart kick. Tajín can be used as a condiment or ingredient in recipes. It is commonly used on fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, mango, cucumber, and pineapple. It can also be used to add flavor to savory dishes such as chicken, fish, and rice.
What is Tajín Good On?
We'll explore some of the best ways to use Tajín. So grab a can of Tajín and let's get started!
- Tajín on Watermelon: This is a classic summertime snack that's perfect for picnics and cookouts. Simply cut up some fresh watermelon into cubes or slices, sprinkle with Tajín, and enjoy!
- Tajín on Mango: This is a delicious and healthy snack that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Simply cut up a ripe mango into cubes or slices, sprinkle with Tajín, and enjoy!
- Tajin seasoning corn: This is a delicious and easy way to dress up your corn. Simply season your cooked corn with Tajin!
- Tajín on cucumbers: This is a refreshing snack that's perfect for when you're trying to stay cool in the summer heat. Simply slice up some cucumbers, and sprinkle with Tajín!
- Tajín on the Chicken: This is a great way to add some extra flavor to your chicken. Season your chicken with Tajín before cooking, or sprinkle it on after cooking. Either way, you're sure to enjoy the added flavor!
- Tajín on Micheladas and Bloody Marys: Micheladas and Bloody Marys are both delicious drinks that are perfect for enjoying on a hot day. Add a little bit of Tajín by rimming your glass with Tajin instead of a regular salt rim to give it an extra kick of flavor!
Tajin Ingredients
Tajin is made with a variety of ingredients, and the combination of these elements gives Tajin its distinct flavor profile, which is hearty, spicy, and tangy all at the same time.
- The chili peppers give Tajin its characteristic heat. Depending on the brand, different types of chili peppers may be used such as pasilla, ancho chiles, anaheim peppers, chile de árbol, and chipotle peppers. These chili peppers provide a range of heat levels from mild to fiery hot.
- Dehydrated lime powder gives Tajin its tangy flavor while also helping to balance out the heat from the chili peppers.
- Sea salt rounds out the flavors and helps to bring all the ingredients together.
Tajin Seasoning Substitute
Tajin is a Mexican chili-lime seasoning that can be used on fruits, vegetables, and even cocktails! If you're out of Tajin or simply looking for something different, try one of these substitutes.
- Chili powder + dehydrated lime + sea salt: This combination will give you the same chili-lime flavor as Tajin. Simply mix together equal parts chili powder and dehydrated lime, then add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Chili flakes + dehydrated lime + sea salt: This is another easy substitution that will give you the same chili-lime taste as Tajin. Simply mix together equal parts chili flakes and dehydrated lime, then add a pinch of salt to taste.
- Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning is a blend of spices typically used in Louisiana Creole cuisine. It typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and thyme. While it doesn't have the exact same flavor as Tajin, it will still give your dish a nice kick of flavor.
- All purpose seasoning: All purpose seasoning is a blend of spices that can be used on pretty much anything! It typically includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. While it's not going to taste exactly like Tajin, it's a great all-around seasoning that will give your dish some extra flavor.
People Also Ask [FAQs]
Tajín is only slightly spicy, with a mild chile flavor and a bright citrusy taste.
Tajín is pronounced as "tah-HEEN".
Tajin seasoning can typically be found in the international food aisle of most major grocery stores.
More Seasonings:
📖 Furikake Seasoning
Wrap up: Tajín Seasoning
- Tajín is a versatile seasoning that can be used on a variety of dishes to add some heat and tanginess.
- Tajín is a Mexican seasoning that can be used in many different ways. It has a unique spicy and sour flavor profile that adds flavor to food items such as watermelon, mango, cucumber, chicken, and fish.
- You can also use Tajín to rim your glass when drinking Micheladas or Bloody Marys.
- Try the homemade Tajin seasoning recipe, I am sure it will remind you of tajín clásico.
- So the next time you're looking for something to spice up your meal or drink, reach for a jar of Tajín!
🍽️ Recipe
Homemade Tajín Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Guajillo Chili
- 2 Ancho Chiles
- 2 Chile de Árbol
- 1 tablespoon Sea Salt or regular salt
- 1 tablespoon True Lime Powder or any lime seasoning
Instructions
- The key to this homemade Tajin seasoning recipe is all in the chili peppers. I like to use mild chili peppers a mix of guajillo, ancho, and chile de árbol, but you can use whatever type of chili pepper you like or can find.
- The important thing is to dry roast the peppers for 3 mins on a low flame before grinding them up. This will give the seasoning a deep, rich flavor that you just can't get from using pre-ground chili powder.
- Whizz the chilies in a coffee grinder or use a mortar and pestle to make them into a powder.Once the peppers are dry roasted and ground, simply add in the lime powder (this is simply ground dried limes) and sea salt, and you're done.
- This seasoning is great on everything from fruits and vegetables to meats and even popcorn. And trust me, once you've made your own Tajin seasoning, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, try adding a bit of garlic powder or cumin to the Tajin seasoning. This will take your dishes to the next level!
- If you want more control over the heat and flavor levels in your Tajin seasoning blend, consider adding different types of chili peppers to the mix. This will allow you to customize the seasoning according to your tastes and preferences!
- Finally, make sure to store your homemade Tajin seasoning in an airtight container and enjoy it within 3-4 months for maximum flavor.
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