The Mexican spice blend Tajín is a chili-lime salt blend offering a citric acid burst of brightness, the savory hit of salt and the manageable heat of mild Mexican chili peppers. The fire engine red seasoning has die-hard devotees all over the U.S. While Americans are going wild for this chili-lime sensation, this flavor combo is far from new. The Tajín brand has been around since the 80s, but the combination of chili and lime has long been part of Mexican cuisine.
What’s great about Tajín is its versatility. Originally marketed to top fruits and vegetables, the spicy-savory salt blend can be added to meals at all times of the day, even dessert. Interested in taking on Tajín but not sure where to start? Here are five ways to incorporate Tajín into a meal any day of the week.
Easy never tasted so awesome.
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Salty-Sweet Fruit: Tajín shines when sprinkled on slices of mango, watermelon, pineapple or added to a fruit salad. Top your fruit blend before eating for visual appeal or toss the fruit in the spice mix to incorporate. Tajín is best added according to personal taste; just keep in mind a little goes a long way.
Veggie Pick-Me-Up: Add the kicky spice blend to veggies, giving a boost of flavor to your salads and sides. Tajín is perfect paired with raw, sliced cucumbers, carrots, or jicama, but works equally well sprinkled over grilled or roasted veggies too. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Sprinkle it over your roasted or grilled, buttered corn; or if you are making elote, a popular the Mexican street food, it’s the perfect finishing move.
Snack Booster: The salty, sweet, and savory combo is a welcome addition to crunchy snacks of all kinds. Mix it into your roasted cashews or sunflower seeds, for a perfect nighttime snack. Top your stovetop popcorn or sprinkle it onto plain potato chips. Or try stirring it into a homemade snack mix; no matter the snack, the addition of a chili-lime kick can’t be beat.
Drink Enhancer: Grab a cool beverage and top it with some Tajín for an extra kick! Substitute the salt rim of a margarita or a michelada with a spicy citrus boost. Alcohol-free beverage options that are especially tasty with a touch of tajin include lemonade, limeade, and mango-based beverages.
Protein Upgrade: Whether it’s used to season ground beef for tacos or or as a spice rub for your pork roast, Tajín can be used as an easy flavor shortcut for any number of main dishes. Tajín can be leveraged as an instant spice rub for beef, poultry, pork and even fish. Whether it’s simple pan-seared steak, roasted chicken, or grilled shrimp skewers, the spice blend is a great go-to boost for any weeknight meal.
Looking to grab a bottle for yourself? Look for Tajín Clásico, the flagship flavor. For those concerned about their sodium intake, Tajín offers a low-sodium version, so you can still get all the chili-lime goodness. And for anyone looking for a little more heat, Tajín Habanero is for you. Tajín can be found Mexican and Latino markets and on conventional grocery store shelves nationwide.
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