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Homemade birria seasoning blend of spices for authentic Mexican dishes

Birria Seasoning

A simple, pantry-friendly spice blend that delivers bold, authentic chili flavor perfect for enhancing beef, lamb, chicken, or vegetarian dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dried Chiles
  • 3 pieces dried chiles (guajillo, ancho, or pasilla) Choose by flavor: guajillo = bright, ancho = sweet-smoky, pasilla = earthy.
Spices
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano) Regular oregano can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the dried chiles and toast them for 1–2 minutes, flipping frequently until fragrant.
  2. Remove chiles from the skillet and let cool briefly. Trim off stems, slice each open, and shake out most seeds (leave some if you want extra heat).
  3. Break chiles into smaller pieces and place in a spice grinder or high-powered blender. Add cumin, cloves, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper.
  4. Grind until you have a fine, even powder. Taste and adjust salt as needed. If the blend tastes flat, a tiny pinch of sugar can brighten it.
  5. Transfer to an airtight jar, label with the date, and store.

Notes

Store in a cool, dark pantry for up to six months. Refrigeration can extend freshness, and freezing is an option for up to 12 months. Keep utensils clean to avoid contamination.