Carne Asada Seasoning

Cayenne, black pepper, chili powder, and a rich blend of spices, my carne asada seasoning adds a bold, spicy flavor to everything you sprinkle it on.

Carne Asada seasoning

If you like carne asada, then you will love my carne asada seasoning. This blend is the perfect addition to your outdoor cooking arsenal. Combining smoked paprika, aromatic Mexican oregano, and just the right touch of cayenne pepper, it hits all the right notes. What I love most about this seasoning is its versatility. While it’s perfect for creating authentic carne asada, it also works magically on chicken, chips, and pretty much anything you want to give that classic Mexican-inspired flavor boost. You can prepare it in minutes using spices you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re planning taco night, preparing for a backyard party, or just want to up your evening grilling game, this seasoning blend is your new best friend.

Ingredients for Homemade Asada Seasoning

Before we mix 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 will have your family and friends asking for your recipe. Here’s what’s inside.

Kosher salt: Not only does kosher salt enhance all the other flavors, it helps tenderize the meat.
Black pepper: The classic peppery bite is essential to asada and any great condiment.
Smoked paprika: You’ll get both a smoky flavor and a rich red color that will help you make a beautiful carne asada.
Chili powder: This blend of peppers and spices adds a touch of authenticity to your seasoning mix.
Cumin: You want this to round out your blend with some warm, earthy notes.
Mexican oregano: You can also use regular oregano, but I love the stronger flavor of Mexican oregano.
Garlic powder: This provides a flavorful 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 add a little heat to my asada, but you can skip it if you don’t like spicy.

A metal scoop full of barbecue oil spilling onto the countertop.

How to make carne asada seasoning at home

Making your own seasonings at home is one of the most satisfying parts of backyard barbecues. You know everything your family eats and you can feed them with confidence. With the following simple steps, you can make this carne asada seasoning whenever you feel like it:

Prepare the dressing. Grab a bowl and add all those tasty spices. I like to use a whisk or fork to break up any lumps. Trust me, no one wants to bite into a piece of cayenne pepper. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and you’ll see that rich, reddish-brown color everywhere.
Use or store. You can use your seasoning right away to create some amazing carne asada, chicken asado, or even sprinkle it on some fries. You can also prepare it in advance or store the 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 for every pound of meat. This gives you that perfect bite full of flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat. Start with 1 tablespoon if you are new to this blend and adjust to your preference. The important thing is to find the balance that you and your family like best.

Even though I created this seasoning with carne asada in mind, it has become my secret weapon for all types of dishes. It has a different profile than standard taco seasoning. It’s smokier and more complex, but trust me, it will take your carne asada tacos, chicken asado, and even grilled veggies to the next level. If you find something you like, be sure to tell me about it in the comments section.

Storage and shelf life

If you have leftover carne asada seasoning or want to make it ahead of time so you have it on hand, you absolutely can. Store the dressing in an airtight container glass spice jar and keep it in the pantry or spice rack. It will remain to maintain maximum flavor for up to 6 months. After that, we recommend making a new batch for more tender and delicious carne asada.

Carne Asada sitting on the grates of a charcoal grill.

More seasoning recipes

I started making Hey Grill Hey with my own seasonings and continue to invent new blends to help you feed the ones you love. No matter what meat you want to season, I have a recipe to give you a little help. You can find all of these tasty additions in the Seasonings and Condiments section of your recipe library. If you have the Hey Grill Hey app, you can also plan meals and create shopping lists as you browse. In the meantime, check out a couple of my favorite toppings and condiments:

Simple recipe for seasoning carne asada

Alright, it’s your turn to add some smoky and spicy magic to your menu with this carne asada seasoning. I can’t wait to see how you use this seasoning blend in your garden. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to let me know how yours turned out. If you take mouth-watering photos of your carne asada dishes, be sure to share them by tagging @heygrillhey ON Instagram AND Facebook. Seeing your creations brightens my day and inspires the entire Hey Grill Hey community.

And hey, if you’re ready to take your grilling game to the next level, come see what I cooked up The grill team. I have classes that take you from the butcher counter to using leftovers and cover all your favorite meats. Plus, I have a whole lesson on how to make sauces and dressings. It’s a must have for any aspiring backyard BBQ hero.

Prepare the dressing. Combine all the ingredients for your dressing in a small bowl. Mix everything together using a whisk or fork to make sure there are no lumps.

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 right away on steaks or chicken for tacos, chips and more. Store any unused seasoning in a glass spice jar for up to 6 months for best flavor.

Nutrition information is calculated automatically, so should only be used as an approximation.