If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you might be familiar with burrito seasoning. This flavorful mix of spices is used to add delicious taste to burritos, tacos, and other dishes. One tablespoon (about 8 grams) of burrito seasoning contains just 15 calories, making it a great way to enhance the flavor of your meal without adding extra calories.
Burrito seasoning typically contains a combination of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Some brands may also include salt, sugar, and other ingredients to adjust the taste. Generally, burrito seasoning is a low-calorie blend that offers the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at burrito seasoning, its ingredients, health benefits, and how to use it to make your favorite Mexican dishes at home.
What is Burrito Seasoning?
Burrito seasoning is a unique blend of spices that enhances the taste of Mexican dishes. It typically contains chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Some brands may also add salt, sugar, and other ingredients to adjust the taste. Burrito seasoning is usually sold in sachets or jars at grocery stores and online shops. The mix of spices in burrito seasoning gives it a bold flavor that pairs well with various ingredients such as rice, beans, vegetables, and meat. The spice blend is also versatile and can be used to season different types of meals, including soups, stews, and chili. It is an easy and convenient way to add flavor to your dishes without having to buy different spices individually. With burrito seasoning, you can make delicious Mexican meals at home in minutes.
The Ingredients in Burrito Seasoning
The most common ingredients in burrito seasoning include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. Some brands may also add salt, sugar, and other spices such as oregano, thyme, and coriander. These spices work together to create a distinct flavor that enhances the taste of Mexican dishes. The spices in burrito seasoning also offer various health benefits. For instance, cumin may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation, while chili powder contains capsaicin, a compound that may boost metabolism and help weight loss.
How Many Calories are in Burrito Seasoning?
One tablespoon of burrito seasoning (about 8 grams) contains only 15 calories. This means that you can enjoy the delicious taste of Mexican dishes without worrying about your calorie intake. Burrito seasoning is also low in sodium, making it a great seasoning option for those with high blood pressure or heart disease.
How to Use Burrito Seasoning
Burrito seasoning is a versatile spice blend that can be added to many dishes to enhance their flavor. You can use it to season chicken, beef, pork, or vegetables before grilling, sautéing, or roasting them. You can also add it to soups, stews, and chili to give them a Mexican twist. To use burrito seasoning, simply sprinkle it over your food or mix it with some oil to create a paste. You can adjust the amount of seasoning based on your taste preference. If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add more chili powder or add some hot sauce to your meal. Alternatively, you can make your own burrito seasoning at home using your favorite spices. This allows you to customize the seasoning to your taste and avoid any unwanted ingredients such as salt or sugar. We'll discuss how to make your own burrito seasoning in the next section.
The Health Benefits of Burrito Seasoning
Many of the spices used in burrito seasoning offer various health benefits. For instance, chili powder contains capsaicin, a compound that may help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Garlic powder may help reduce inflammation and boost immunity. Cumin may help improve digestion and reduce the risk of certain diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Additionally, burrito seasoning is low in calories and sodium, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight or blood pressure. As an alternative to store-bought seasoning blends, you can also make your own burrito seasoning using spices that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Making Your Own Burrito Seasoning
Making your own burrito seasoning allows you to control the ingredients and customize the taste to your preference. To make your own burrito seasoning, you'll need a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other spices such as oregano, thyme, coriander, or onion powder based on your taste preference. To make the seasoning, simply combine all the spices in a bowl and mix well. You can store the seasoning in an airtight container and use it whenever you need to add a Mexican flavor to your dishes.
Different Brands of Burrito Seasoning
If you don't want to make your own burrito seasoning, there are many brands available at grocery stores and online shops. Some of the most popular brands include Old El Paso, McCormick, and Simply Organic. These brands offer different blends of spices and may include organic, gluten-free, or low-sodium options.
Burrito Seasoning vs. Taco Seasoning
Burrito seasoning and taco seasoning are both spice blends used to add flavor to Mexican dishes. They contain many of the same spices such as chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. However, burrito seasoning may have more paprika, while taco seasoning may have more oregano or onion powder. Burrito seasoning is also milder than taco seasoning, which is usually spicier. This is because burrito seasoning is typically used to season the filling of burritos, while taco seasoning is used to season the meat or beans used in tacos.
Burrito Seasoning in Mexican Cuisine
Burrito seasoning is frequently used in Mexican cuisine to add flavor to dishes such as burritos, tacos, and fajitas. It is also used to season beans, rice, soups, and other traditional Mexican foods. Mexican cuisine is known for its rich, bold flavors, and burrito seasoning plays a big role in achieving that. By using a blend of spices that complements the ingredients, Mexican chefs create dishes that are both tasty and nutritious.
Where to Buy Burrito Seasoning
You can buy burrito seasoning at most grocery stores and supermarkets. It's usually located in the spice aisle, near other Mexican seasonings such as chili powder and cumin. You can also find it online, either through the manufacturer's website or e-commerce sites such as Amazon. If you prefer to make your own burrito seasoning, you can purchase the individual spices at grocery stores or health food stores. This allows you to control the quality and freshness of the ingredients.
Burrito seasoning is a versatile spice blend that can be added to many dishes to enhance their flavor.
5 FAQ about Burrito Seasoning:
1. What ingredients are in Burrito Seasoning?
Burrito seasoning typically includes a variety of spices such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. Some blends may also include salt, sugar, or other flavorings.
2. Is Burrito Seasoning spicy?
It depends on the specific blend of seasonings. Some burrito seasoning blends may have a bit of heat from chili powder or cayenne pepper, while others may be milder. Check the label or ingredient list to get an idea of the spice level.
3. How can I use Burrito Seasoning?
Burrito seasoning is commonly used to add flavor to ground beef, chicken, or pork for burrito fillings. It can also be sprinkled on vegetables or added to rice or beans for a tasty side dish. Get creative and experiment with using burrito seasoning in other recipes, like soups or stews.
4. Is Burrito Seasoning high in calories?
Most burrito seasoning blends are very low in calories, since they are made primarily from spices. One tablespoon of burrito seasoning typically contains only around 15 calories.
5. Where can I buy Burrito Seasoning?
Burrito seasoning can be found in most grocery stores in the spice aisle. It may also be available at specialty stores or online. Look for brands that use high-quality ingredients and have minimal additives or preservatives.