Tajin (pronounced ta-HEEN), is a brand of Mexican seasoning. In its original form, it is a dry seasoning primarily made of chili peppers, salt and lime. It provides so much flavor that many assume it has MSG, but it does not.
The complete ingredients as listed on the label are:
- chili peppers
- sea salt
- dehydrated lime juice
- silicon dioxide (to prevent caking)
Not only does Tajin come as a dry seasoning, but as sauces as well. There is a liquid version of the classic dry seasoning as well as chamoy sauce.
What is Tajin used for?
Tajin is used to add flavor to bland food, or additional dimensions of saltiness, spiciness and acidity to food lacking in those areas. It can be used as a seasoning, in a marinade or in a sauce.
It’s difficult to describe the exact taste because it is a unique flavor combination. However, the most accurate description would be that it tastes like a salted lime with a bit of a spicy finish.
What can you put Tajin on?
This is such a versatile seasoning that it can essentially be put on literally any type of food that lacks salt or a bit of bright acidity. It is most often used on fresh fruits, vegetables and savory snacks.
The fruits that it tastes best with are:
- mangoes
- pineapples
- watermelon
- oranges
- kiwis
- apples
The vegetables that it tastes best with are:
- cucumbers
- jicama
- carrots
- corn
The snacks that it tastes best with are:
- elotes
- popcorn
- pork rinds
- potato chips
- shrimp cocktail
- chicken wings
- guacamole
The drinks that it tastes best with are:
- mangonadas
- micheladas
- margaritas
- bloody Marys
- lemonades
- mango juice
Where can I buy it?
You can buy Tajin at most major supermarkets. Mexican grocery stores will almost certainly have it as well. If you want to buy it online you can find it on Amazon.
How can I make it at home?
Homemade Tajin seasoning
If you don't have easy access to Tajin, here is a way you can make it yourself with some common ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red chile powder
- 2 tablespoons crystallized lime powder
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle on any food you want. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to add additional salt to match your taste preference. If you prefer additional spiciness, you can also add sprinkles of cayenne pepper as you like.
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Kristina Reynolds is the Founder & CEO of Glutto and an alumna of the University of California, San Diego. She writes articles & posts for Glutto Digest with insights from fellow industry experts. Furthermore, she is the author of The Fittest Food Lovers: How EVERY BODY Can be Incredibly Fit and Still Enjoy Food, a collaborative philanthropic book with proceeds going to charities that fight world hunger.
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