Homemade Baja Citrus Seasoning
Let’s be honest. Sometimes dinner needs a personality.
Not a quiet little sprinkle of salt and pepper situation. Not a polite dash of garlic powder. It needs something loud. Something sunny. Something that makes your chicken taste like it booked a last-minute vacation.
That’s where homemade Baja citrus seasoning comes in.
This zesty DIY blend brings together citrus, garlic, and warm spices for a bold, fresh flavor that works on chicken, shrimp, beef, fish, or roasted vegetables. Even better, it skips the fillers and preservatives often found in store-bought seasoning packets.
So instead of opening an envelope, you’re opening the spice cabinet.
Why Make Your Own Citrus Seasoning Blend?
Pre-made seasoning mixes may be convenient. However, they often contain:
- Artificial ingredients
- Anti-caking agents
- Added sugars
- Preservatives
- Excess sodium
On the other hand, making your own Baja-style seasoning allows you to:
- Control the salt level
- Customize the citrus flavor
- Avoid unnecessary additives
- Create fresher, brighter taste
- Save money over time
In addition, you can adjust the spice level depending on what you’re cooking.
Homemade Baja Citrus Seasoning Recipe
Baja Citrus Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. Smoked Paprika
- 3 tsp. Paprika
- 3 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 3 tsp. Onion Powder
- 3 tsp. Chili Powder
- 4 tsp. Ground Coriander
- 3 tsp. Dried Cilantro or Cilantro Flakes
- 3 tsp. Brown Sugar
- 2½ tsp. Fine Sea Salt
- 1 tsp. Gound Black Pepper
Instructions
- With a whisk, mix all ingredients together.
- Store in an air tight container.
When Ready to Use
- in a resealable bag or container with a lid, add 1-2 tbsp of the mix per pound of meat, combined with ¼ C. olive oil and 2 tbsp. lime juice and 1 tbsp. orange juice.
- Marinade your meat choice for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator or overnight for enhances flavor.
Notes
- You can also add or decrease your spices according to your taste buds.
- This recipe is equivalent to 3 store-bought packages.
Ways to Use This Blend
This bright seasoning mix works well for:
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Steak
- Fish
- Roasted vegetables
- Sheet pan dinners
- Grilled recipes
Additionally, it can be used as a dry rub before cooking.
If you’re looking for more easy DIY blends, you can find additional spice recipes in our Homemade Spices, Mixes + Marinades post.
Storage Tips
To maintain freshness:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in a cool, dark cabinet
- Label with the date
For the best flavor, use within 3 to 6 months due to the citrus zest.
Overall, making your own homemade Baja citrus seasoning is a simple way to add fresh, bold flavor to your meals without relying on store-bought packets.
Thanks for stopping by Maison Hearth—where the house is lived in, the food is made with love, and the sass is always included. Come back hungry, curious, and ready to make a little mess.
