Mexican Street Spice Recipe

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my love affair with Mexican cuisine, it’s that spices are the soul of every dish. Nothing captures the bold essence of Mexico’s vibrant food culture quite like Mexican Street Spice.

Inspired by the irresistible flavors of elote (Mexican street corn) and the bustling energy of food carts lining the streets of Mexico, this recipe is my go-to seasoning for adding a little fiesta to almost anything I cook.

How to make Mexican Street Spice

Mexican Street Spice typically refers to a seasoning blend inspired by the flavors of Mexican street food, especially street corn (elote).

Ingredients

For a small batch of approximately ½ cup of Mexican Street Spice, you’ll need the following:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons dehydrated nacho cheese powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon lime zest (dried or fresh)
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all the spices and make sure your lime zest (if fresh) is finely grated. If you’re using fresh zest, let it dry out on a paper towel for about an hour before mixing.
2. Combine the Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, nacho cheese powder, cumin, lime zest, cayenne pepper, salt, and sugar. Stir until well combined.
3. Store Your Spice Blend: Transfer your spice mix into an airtight container or glass jar. Store in a cool, dry place (like your spice cupboard). Properly stored, it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Tips for Perfecting Your Mexican Street Spice

• Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your personal preferences. If you love heat, add more cayenne or chili powder. For a zestier flavor, double the lime zest.
• Boost Authenticity: If you want a more authentic Mexican flavor, consider adding finely crushed dried Mexican oregano or epazote.
• Nacho Cheese Powder Substitute: If you can’t find nacho cheese powder, Parmesan cheese powder (used for popcorn toppings) can act as a substitute, though with less of a “cheesy” kick.
• Use Fresh Lime Zest: While dried lime zest works, fresh zest delivers a brighter, citrusy punch. Ensure it’s fully dried before mixing into the spice blend.
• Experimental Additions: Play with other flavors, like a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of heavily reduced balsamic vinegar for a surprisingly unique twist.

What to serve with

Mexican Street Spice is a versatile and flavorful seasoning that elevates a wide variety of dishes and snacks. Its smoky, tangy, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor profile pairs wonderfully with Mexican-inspired foods and everyday meals that need a bold upgrade.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Why It Works: Mexican Street Spice was inspired by elote, a popular street food, so it’s practically a match made in heaven.

How to Serve:

• Grill or boil fresh ears of corn until tender.
• Slather the corn in mayonnaise, sour cream, or crema Mexicana.
• Generously sprinkle the Mexican Street Spice on top, along with crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
• Finish with a squirt of fresh lime juice for added zest.
• Optional Side Dish: Serve with tortilla chips or warm black beans for a complete snack plate.

2. Grilled Proteins (Chicken, Steak, Pork, or Seafood)

Why It Works: The smoky paprika and hints of lime in Mexican Street Spice enhance grilled or roasted meats beautifully.

How to Serve:

• Use Mexican Street Spice as a dry rub for chicken thighs, pork chops, beef steak, or shrimp before grilling or searing.
• Serve the protein with warm tortillas, a bright slaw, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Tip: Pair your seasoned meats with guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo to keep the meal authentic and vibrant.

3. Tacos (Any Style)

Why It Works: The spice blend is perfect for seasoning taco fillings like carne asada, carnitas, shredded chicken, or vegetarian options (like roasted cauliflower or mushrooms).

How to Serve:

• Warm soft corn or flour tortillas.
• Fill each taco with your desired protein or veggies, then sprinkle Mexican Street Spice onto the toppings for an added kick.
• Layer with diced onions, cilantro, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.

Side Pairings: Serve tacos with Spanish rice and refried beans, or pair them with a chilled margarita for a fun meal!

4. Roast Vegetables

Why It Works: Vegetables absorb the bold flavors of Mexican Street Spice, transforming ordinary veggies into showstoppers.

How to Serve:

• Toss roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts in olive oil and sprinkle the spice blend liberally before roasting.
• Alternatively, grill vegetables and finish them with the seasoning after cooking.

Side Pairings: Serve seasoned vegetables over quinoa or rice for a healthy main dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Mexican Street Spice is a versatile seasoning blend known for its bold and robust flavors, which perfectly complement various dishes like street tacos, grilled corn (elote), and roasted vegetables.

1. Chili Powder

What it does: It’s the backbone of Mexican Street Spice, providing earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors.

Substitutes:

• Ancho Chili Powder: A milder and fruitier option if you want to soften the spice level.
• Smoked Paprika + Cayenne Powder: Combine smoked paprika for the smokiness and cayenne powder for heat.
• Chipotle Powder: Adds a smoky heat to replicate chili powder’s effect.

2. Cumin

What it does: Adds an earthy and warm depth of flavor to the spice mix.

Substitutes:

• Ground Coriander: Has similar citrusy and warm undertones, though slightly milder.
• Caraway Seeds: Slightly sweeter but still earthy; grind them before use.
• Turmeric: Not ideal for flavor, but adds an earthy touch and yellow color in a pinch.

3. Paprika

What it does: Offers a mild sweetness and vibrant red color.

Substitutes:

• Smoked Paprika: For a smokier twist on the classic flavor.
• Sweet Bell Pepper Powder: If you want the sweetness without any heat.
• Tomato Powder: Provides a slightly tangy and red vibrancy similar to paprika.

4. Garlic Powder

What it does: Adds savory, umami-rich undertones to the spice blend.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic can be used if you’re making a wet seasoning, but it won’t work in a dry blend.
• Granulated Garlic: A more textured alternative with the same flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds some sweetness and depth, though different in taste.

5. Onion Powder

What it does: A mild, slightly sweet foundation flavor in the blend.

Substitutes:

• Granulated Onion: Same flavor but coarser texture.
• Onion Salt: If using, reduce the amount of additional salt in your recipe.
• Shallot Powder: A sweeter substitute with a hint of garlic undertones.

6. Cayenne Pepper

What it does: Provides the spicy kick that makes the blend vibrant and exciting.

Substitutes:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat but with a coarser texture.
• Chili Oil or Chili Paste: Best for mixing into wet ingredients or marinades.
• Hot Paprika: Similar heat intensity but somewhat milder.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about making your seasoning blends—it’s a fun, creative process that lets you control every flavor note. Mexican Street Spice has become a staple in my kitchen, adding a taste of festive street food to everything from weeknight meals to party snacks.