Carne Asada Seasoning
On December 23, 2024
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Cayenne, black pepper, chili powder, and a rich spice blend, my Carne Asada Seasoning adds bold, zesty flavor to whatever you sprinkle it on.
Carne Asada Seasoning
If you like carne asada, then you’re going to love my Carne Asada Seasoning This blend is the perfect addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal. Bringing together smoky paprika, aromatic Mexican oregano, and just the right kick of cayenne pepper, it hits all the right notes. What I love most about this seasoning is how versatile it is. While it’s perfect for creating authentic carne asada, it also works magic on chicken, loaded fries, and pretty much anything you want to give that classic, Mexican-inspired flavor boost. You can whip this up in just a few minutes using spices you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re planning a taco night, prepping for a backyard fiesta, or just want to up your weeknight grilling game, this seasoning blend is your new best friend.
Ingredients for Homemade Asada Seasoning
Before mixing things up, let’s talk about what makes this Carne Asada Seasoning so special. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of flavors that’ll have your family and friends asking for your recipe. Here’s what’s inside.
- Kosher salt: Not only does Kosher salt bring out all the other flavors, but it helps tenderize the meat.
- Black pepper: The classic peppery bite is essential for asada, and any great seasoning.
- Smoked paprika: You’ll get both a smoky flavor, plus a rich, red color that helps you make beautiful asada meat.
- Chili powder: This blend of peppers and spices adds some authenticity to your seasoning mix.
- Cumin: You want this to round out your blend with some warm and earthy notes.
- Mexican oregano: You can also use regular oregano, but I love the more intense flavor of Mexican oregano.
- Garlic powder: This provides a savory punch that makes everything taste better.
- Onion powder: This adds sweet and savory notes and rounds out the overall flavor of your blend.
- Cayenne pepper: I like to bring just a touch of heat to my asada, but you can skip this if you don’t like spicy.
How to Make Carne Asada Seasoning at Home
Creating your own seasonings at home is one of the most satisfying parts about backyard BBQ. You get to know everything your family is eating, and can feed them with confidence. In just the following simple steps, you can make this Carne Asada Seasoning whenever the urge strikes:
- Make the seasoning. Grab yourself a mixing bowl and add all those flavorful spices. I like to use a whisk or a fork to break up any clumps. Trust me, nobody wants to bite into a chunk of cayenne pepper. Keep mixing until everything is evenly mixed and you see that rich, reddish-brown color throughout.
- Use or store. You can use your seasoning right away to create some amazing carne asada, pollo asado, or even sprinkle it on some loaded fries. You can also make it ahead or store any leftovers in a sealed jar for future use.
How to Season Asada
Now that you know exactly how to make this vibrant Carne Asada Seasoning, let’s talk about how to use it. I recommend using 1-2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. This gives you that perfect flavor-packed bite without overwhelming the natural taste of the meat. Start with 1 tablespoon if you’re new to this blend, and adjust based on your preferences. The important thing is finding the balance you and your family like best.
While I created this seasoning with carne asada in mind, it’s become my secret weapon for all sorts of dishes. It’s got a different profile than your standard taco seasoning. It’s smokier and more complex, but trust me, it’ll take your carne asada tacos, pollo asado, and even grilled veggies to the next level. If you find something you love it on, be sure to tell me about it in the comments section.
Storage and Shelf Life
If you have any leftover Carne Asada Seasoning, or want to make it ahead of time so you have it on hand, you totally can. Store your seasoning in an airtight glass spice jar and keep it in your pantry or spice rack. It will remain maintain peak flavor for up to 6 months. After that, you’ll want to whip up a fresh batch for more tender and delicious asada meat.
More Seasoning Recipes
I started Hey Grill Hey making my own seasonings, and I’m still coming up with new blends all the time to help you feed the people you love. No matter what meat you’re looking to spice up, I’ve got a recipe to give you a little assist. You can find all these flavorful additions in the Rubs & Seasonings Section of your recipe library. If you’ve got the Hey Grill Hey App, you can also meal plan and make grocery lists while you browse. In the meantime, check out a couple of my favorite rubs and seasonings:
Simple Carne Asada Seasoning Recipe
Alright, it’s your turn to add some smoky, spicy magic to your menu with this Carne Asada Seasoning. I can’t wait to see how you use this seasoning blend in your backyard. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and drop a comment below to let me know how yours turned out. If you take any mouthwatering photos of your carne asada dishes, make sure to share by tagging @heygrillhey on Instagram and Facebook. Seeing your creations makes my day and inspires the whole Hey Grill Hey community.
And hey, if you’re ready to take your grilling game to the next level, come see what I’ve got cooking over at The Grill Squad. I’ve got classes that walk you from the butcher’s counter to using leftovers, and I cover all your favorite meats. Plus, I’ve got a whole class just on making your own sauces and rubs. It’s a must for any aspiring Backyard BBQ Hero.
Carne Asada Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Make seasoning. Combine all the ingredients for your seasoning in a small bowl. Mix together using a whisk or fork to ensure there are no clumps.2 teaspoons Kosher salt, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 2 teaspoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Use or store. Use this seasoning immediately on steak or chicken for tacos, loaded fries, and more. Store any unused seasoning in a glass spice jar for up to 6 months for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
