Homemade Chili Lime Seasoning

Fiery with zing! Chili lime seasoning is ever more popular in supermarkets, with the likes of Tajin leading the way. But sometimes it’s about the experimentation at home to create the perfect powder for your tastebuds. Use this chili lime seasoning recipe as a base for culinary play.

Important note: this is not a Tajin copycat recipe. It’s a chili lime seasoning (there are many takes on it) with many more ingredients than Tajin. Keep this in mind when you decide to make this recipe.

Chili lime seasoning
Chili lime seasoning

We love adjusting the ingredients used to create milder or earthier experiences. For example, opting in chipotle powder instead of chili powder brings additional heat and a delicious smokiness to the table. Add a little additional cumin to bring out an even earthier flavor. And, if you want something milder, dropping the cayenne pepper powder. You could also replace it with paprika, just to add a little additional chili pepper flavor.

Use this seasoning as a dry rub; it works well with steaks or pork chops. If you have simple grilled chicken, too, chili lime seasoning can really bring it to life. And, of course, simply sprinkling it atop fruit is an excellent spiced snack alternative. It’s so good over both tropical fruits and citrus.

Like DIY fiery spice blends like this? Check these out too:

  • DIY Tandoori Masala Spice: You can of course use this DIY spice mix for tandoori masala, but don’t overlook it as a grilled vegetable spice blend. Delicious.
  • Berbere Spice Blend: This is a mix that’s perfect for Ethiopian meals, but it’s also amazingly tasty as a finishing spice for dips and fresh vegetables.
  • Baharat Spice Blend: This one is perfect for spicing up Middle Eastern meals and as a boldly spiced dry rub for meats.
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Chili lime seasoning

Chili Lime Seasoning

Not a Tajin copycat – a tasty unique blend for bringing flavor to your food!
3.79 from 201 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 3 1/2 tablespoons (one use)
Calories 12 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder 100% chili powder – like paprika, ancho, pasilla, or chipotle
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest approximately 1/2 lime. Use more to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl, then use as a seasoning or a rub.

Notes

Choose your chili powder and the amount of cayenne used wisely. The combo can make this chili lime seasoning surprisingly hot. 
For very mild heat, opt for generic paprika or ancho powder with little to no additional cayenne. Choose smoked paprika, for a smokier flavor.
For medium heat, guajillo powder or chipotle powder both work (chipotle being smokier and slightly hotter.)

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 238mgPotassium: 67mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 830IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
Did you make this?Mention @PepperScale or tag #PepperScale so we can see what you made!

UPDATE NOTICE: This post was updated on June 22, 2024 to include new content.
3.79 from 201 votes (198 ratings without comment)
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Linda W

This is called chili lime, but did I miss the “lime”?

Meg

5 stars
Love it. Was perfect for my cocktails (I needed something more finely ground than Tajin). Great flavor!

Boo ..

May I ask. Does this seasoning taste like regular takis because I live in a forgin country so it cost a lot of money to get some of my favorite American snacks to where I live.

Rick

4 stars
As I’m not in US ….. not practical due to cost to import ‘Meatchelda’ Can you share a recipe for this ?

Jimmy

1 star
This is not Tajin, so don’t call it that. Tajin only has pepper, lemon, and salt. And only an American would add sugar to it!