Making your chili lime seasoning is so easy! Just grab some chili powder, limes, and spices from your kitchen. You can whip it up in minutes and add a delicious kick to grilled or BBQ meat or any dish.
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Why You'll Love This Chili Lime Seasoning Recipe
Most accessible Ever: A few pantry staples, and with a few minutes, make a spice blend with a citrusy kick and a smoky warmth. No fancy ingredients or complex steps are needed(same as this Cuban seasoning).
Storage-Friendly: This spicy chili lime seasoning is powdered and has a longer shelf life(like this Madras curry powder); store it in an airtight container for months.
Grilling: Think beyond meat; brush this simple blend on burgers, sausages, or kebabs before grilling for a smoky chili lime twist.
How to make chili lime seasoning
The Ingredients
Chili Powder: This is the base of our blend, bringing a smoky depth and heat. Look for other mild, hot, or ancho chili powder varieties. Each addition brings a different flavor profile, and all variations taste good.
Lime Crystals: Adds a bright, citrusy, fresh flavor to this chili lime seasoning. You can find them in most leading grocery stores in the spice or drinks aisle. For immediate use, you can substitute fresh lime zest. When storing this seasoning, add a dried version of the lime zest(for a longer shelf life).
Paprika: Smoked paprika adds another layer of complexity and color to the seasoning. However, you can use sweet paprika instead.
Spices: Onion, garlic, and cumin powder add savory notes that complement chili and lime beautifully.
The directions
Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, crystalized lime(or lime zest if you are not planning to store it), paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
Season to Taste: Add the sea salt and black pepper.
Mix and Store: Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are distributed evenly.
Storage Savvy: You can store your homemade chili lime seasoning in a cool, dark pantry for up to 6 months.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate: Transfer the leftover DIY chili lime seasoning to an air-sealed container and store it in the fridge for up to 6 months.
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the seasoning in an airtight container for up to one year.
Thawing: Transfer the frozen seasoning to the refrigerator a day before using it to thaw it safely.
No Reheating Needed: Since this is a dry spice blend, there's no need to reheat it before using it. Just sprinkle it on your favorite dishes and enjoy!
What to serve with chili lime seasoning?
Grilled Meats: For a smoky, citrusy kick, sprinkle it on grilled chicken, fish, shrimp, or tofu(it also works on this Blackened Mahi Mahi or this spicy garlic lime chicken).
Vegetables: Enhance the roasted vegetables by tossing them with this seasoning, like this spicy roasted butternut squash or spicy roasted sweet potatoes.
Popcorn: For a flavorful twist, add a sprinkle of chili lime seasoning(try on this jalapeno popcorn).
Breakfast Boost: Mix this seasoning with Sriracha scrambled eggs or toss it over Cajun deviled eggs.
Cocktail Creations: Feeling adventurous? Rim your glass with chili lime seasoning for a unique twist on a Bloody Mary or Margarita(try on this jalapeno mojito).
Recipe Variations
Spice It Up: Add cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Smoky Twist: Substitute smoked paprika for the regular paprika for a
Mexican Flavors: Transform this blend into a Mexican chili lime seasoning by adding a teaspoon of ground coriander and a pinch of chipotle powder.
Herb-Infused: Mix in a teaspoon of rosemary or thyme for an extra savory flavor.
Recipe Tips And Tricks
Spice It Up Gradually: Add the chili powder a little at a time until it reaches your heat tolerance.
Label It: Write the date on the storage container with the date for ease of use in the future.
Printable recipe card
Chili Lime Seasoning
Ingredients
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon crystalized lime
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, crystalized lime, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
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