Chili Lime Seasoning is a great copycat recipe for Tajin. It’s so easy it takes 5 minutes, 5 ingredients and goes great on so many things!
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Why this Chili Lime Seasoning Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it uses 5 simple ingredients, takes 5 minutes to make and I can adjust the recipe to whatever I want to use it for.
- 5 Minutes: This is a 5 minute recipe, making it easy to whip up whenever.
- Easy Ingredients: You will need 5 simple ingredients to complete this easy copycat seasoning.
- Family Friendly: If you haven’t tried it, you’ll love it and quickly find that you’re putting your new favorite seasoning on everything.
- Adaptable: This delicious chili lime seasoning is super customizable so feel free to adjust any of the ingredients.
If you’re looking for more homemade seasoning recipes, try this Homemade Seasoned Salt, The BEST Steak Rub and Low Sodium Taco Seasoning.
What Do I Use this Seasoning for?
There are so many ways to use this tajín substitute spice mix! Try sprinkling it on fruits like mango, pineapple, watermelon, oranges or lemons. It’s also great on things like cucumber, fruit salad, popcorn, tofu, guacamole or on margarita cocktail rims.
Ingredient Notes for Homemade Chili Lime Seasoning
You will only need a handful of tajin seasoning ingredients to make this homemade seasoning. Most of these might already be around your kitchen, but you may need to take a trip to the store to find a couple for this tajin recipe.
- Dried Lime Zest: You will need dried lime zest to make this copycat recipe. This can be ordered online or you can easily make your own dried lime zest.
- Sugar: Adding just a bit of sugar helps to balance this tajin seasoning recipe, making citrus fruits wonderful.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
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Variations and Substitutions for Tajin Spice Blend
Homemade seasonings are great because there’s so many varieties you can make by substituting some of the ingredients. Even though it doesn’t look exactly like trader joe chili lime seasoning, it tastes so much better!
- Sugar Substitute: Try using a no calorie sweetener like Splenda!
- True Lime Crystals: You can swap out the dried lime zest for true lime crystals in the same amount. The lime taste will be stronger as the crystals are 100% lime. They’re also finer so they’ll mix in better!
Special Equipment Needed
- Storage Jar: Get a mini mason jar! You can also use an old spice jar, just be sure to wash it out and let it completely dry before adding your new spice.
Pro Tip
Use a fine sea salt for easy mixability.
How to Make Chile Lime Seasoning Blend
This super easy recipe comes together in just 1 simple step, making it easy to whip some up whenever you need it or run out.
These are the basic steps for making Chili Lime Seasoning (Copycat Tajin). Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Combine Ingredients
Combine dehydrated lime zest, salt, smoked paprika, guajillo powder and sugar in a small mixing bowl and whisk until all lumps are gone and everything is fully combined. Store in an airtight container, such as an old spice jar.
Recipe FAQs to Use Chile Lime Seasoning
Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place. If stored properly, the seasoning will last for about 5 weeks.
It’s milder and tart rather than it is spicy! If you’d like it to be spicy, go ahead and add some spicy ingredients like chile powder.
Guajillo is a common pepper used in Mexican cooking!
If stored properly it’s guaranteed to last at least 5 weeks.
Expert Tips and Uses Chili Lime Seasoning for Making This Recipe
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and split it into two storage containers or an appropriate sized container.
- Different Dried Peppers: Try adding in different dried peppers such as cayenne or ground chili powder to this copycat trader joe’s chili lime seasoning.
- Savory Dishes: Alternatively, it’s great to use chili lime seasoning on things like nachos or chamoy pickles.
- Citric Acid: Instead of dried lime or lime crystals, try using citric acid instead if you can’t find dried lime for this .
- Moisture: Do not leave the chili lime seasoning blend uncovered as moisture will get in and cause it to clump together and harden up. It’s best kept in a spice cabinet.
- Guajillo Substitute: Chipotle powder is a great substitute for guajillo powder. It may slightly change the flavor but it’s the closest option.
What to Serve with Tajin Seasoning
- Tex Mex Quinoa Bowl
- Strawberry Blueberry Salad
- Tex Mex Spiced Almonds
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Chili Lime Seasoning (Copycat Tajin)
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dried lime zest, or true lime crystals
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Guajillo powder
- ½ tablespoon White granulated sugar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk until all lumps are gone and everything is fully combined.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool dry area for up to 5 weeks.
Christina’s Notes
- This Recipe Can be Doubled: Simply increase the ingredients proportionately and split it into two storage containers or an appropriate sized container.
- Different Dried Peppers: Try adding in different dried peppers such as cayenne or ground chili powder to this copycat trader joe’s chili lime seasoning.
- Savory Dishes: Alternatively, it’s great to use chili lime seasoning on things like nachos or chamoy pickles.
- Citric Acid: Instead of dried lime or lime crystals, try using citric acid instead if you can’t find dried lime for this .
- Moisture: Do not leave the chili lime seasoning blend uncovered as moisture will get in and cause it to clump together and harden up. It’s best kept in a spice cabinet.
- Guajillo Substitute: Chipotle powder is a great substitute for guajillo powder. It may slightly change the flavor but it’s the closest option.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic-inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients, and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible to the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.