Chupacabra Seasoning is an iconic blend that has become a go-to for grill masters, kitchen enthusiasts, and anyone who’s serious about flavor. Known for its versatility and addictively savory taste, this seasoning has won countless fans. But what if I told you that you could make your own version at home?
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How to make Chupacabra Seasoning
Chupacabra Seasoning is a bold, savory spice blend made by the brand 2 Gringo’s Chupacabra. It’s known for its versatile flavor that works well on a wide range of foods, especially grilled meats.
Ingredients
To replicate the rich and savory flavor profile of Chupacabra Seasoning, start with the following:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (the backbone for bold, smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (adds depth and a touch of smokiness)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder (essential for savory undertones)
- 1 tablespoon onion powder (balances the layers of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (a little sweetness to balance out the spice)
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (adds richness and enhances taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (mild peppery heat)
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for those who enjoy extra spice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (earthy and warm)
- ½ teaspoon oregano (for a fragrant herbal touch)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: Measure out each ingredient and place them in a bowl. Using dry spices ensures a shelf-stable mix.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir the spices together with a whisk or spoon until evenly combined. No flavor should overpower the others—your goal is a balanced blend.
- Store properly: Transfer your seasoning into an airtight container or glass jar. Label it and store it in a cool, dry place. When stored correctly, it can last for up to 6 months.
- Use it generously: Sprinkle your homemade Chupacabra Seasoning on steak, chicken, pork, seafood, potatoes, veggies, or popcorn for that irresistible burst of flavor.
Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Chupacabra Seasoning
- Experiment: Adjust the ingredient ratios for your personal taste. Love heat? Add more cayenne or chili powder! Prefer sweetness? Double up on the brown sugar.
- Freshness matters: Use fresh spices for maximum flavor. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for years, their potency will be diminished.
- Grind it fine: If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the mix in a spice grinder or food processor for a few seconds. This works especially well for rubs.
- Test the flavor: Before storing the seasoning, sprinkle a small amount onto cooked chicken or veggies to ensure the flavors are balanced.
- Make it in bulk: If you love this mix as much as I do, consider doubling or tripling the recipe and storing it for future grilling or cooking adventures.
What to serve with
Chupacabra Seasoning’s bold and versatile flavors make it the perfect complement to countless dishes.
1. Grilled Meats
The smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes of Chupacabra Seasoning are ideal for grilled meats.
- Steak: Rub the seasoning generously onto ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak and let it marinate for about 30 minutes before grilling. Serve with roasted veggies and garlic mashed potatoes.
- Chicken: Sprinkle or rub the seasoning on chicken breasts, thighs, or wings. Grill, roast, or pan-sear them to perfection, then pair with a fresh salad or coleslaw.
- Pork: Use it as a dry rub for pork chops, tenderloin, or baby back ribs. Serve with barbecue sauce and cornbread for an unforgettable Southern-style meal.
- Turkey: Ideal for turkey tenderloins or thighs—it adds a pop of flavor to a lean protein. Enjoy it with roasted sweet potatoes or wild rice.
2. Seafood
Chupacabra Seasoning’s subtle hint of spice balances beautifully with fish and shellfish.
- Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil and Chupacabra Seasoning before sautéing, grilling, or baking. Serve them with pasta or tacos topped with avocado and lime juice.
- Salmon: Rub the seasoning over salmon fillets before grilling or baking. A simple side of steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli completes this dish perfectly.
- Scallops: Coat scallops lightly with seasoning, then pan-sear them for a crispy exterior. Pair them with a risotto or spring greens for a light yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients Substitutes
One of the best things about making homemade spice blends—like Chupacabra Seasoning—is the flexibility to experiment and adjust the recipe to match your pantry or taste preferences.
1. Chili Powder
Original Purpose: Chili powder provides the smoky, earthy flavor foundation for the seasoning blend.
Substitutes:
- Ancho Chili Powder: Adds a mild, slightly sweeter heat—perfect for those who enjoy less spice.
- Chipotle Powder: Offers a smoky and spicy option if you want the mix to have deeper heat.
- Paprika + Ground Cayenne: Combine 1 tablespoon of paprika and a pinch of cayenne to mimic general chili powder.
2. Smoked Paprika
Original Purpose: Smoked paprika gives the seasoning a subtle woody and smoky undertone.
Substitutes:
- Regular Paprika: Still sweet and mild, though lacking the smoky notes.
- Ground Chipotle Pepper: For spice and smokiness—use sparingly as it’s hotter than smoked paprika.
- Liquid Smoke (optional): If you only have regular paprika, add a drop or two of liquid smoke to dishes when using the seasoning.
3. Garlic Powder
Original Purpose: Garlic powder enhances the savory dimension of the blend, balancing out the smoky and sweet flavors.
Substitutes:
- Granulated Garlic: Similar texture and taste, with slightly larger flakes—it works just like garlic powder.
- Freshly Minced Garlic: Use finely minced fresh garlic if you’re incorporating the seasoning immediately into marinades, though it won’t be shelf-stable.
- Onion Powder (if desperate): Not an exact substitute, but it has some savory overlap.
4. Onion Powder
Original Purpose: Adds depth and a mild sweetness, complementing other savory notes.
Substitutes:
- Granulated Onion: Just like powdered garlic, granulated onion works seamlessly here.
- Onion Flakes: Crush them into a finer texture to match onion powder.
- Fresh Grated Onion: Works well if the seasoning is used right away in a wet marinade.
5. Brown Sugar
Original Purpose: Brown sugar brings a touch of sweetness that enhances savory elements and balances the smokier flavors.
Substitutes:
- White Sugar + Molasses: Mix 1 tablespoon of white sugar with 1 teaspoon of molasses to mimic the moist texture and flavor of brown sugar.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: For marinades, use a teaspoon of honey or syrup in place of sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: A healthier alternative to brown sugar with a similar caramel-like taste.
6. Seasoned Salt
Original Purpose: Seasoned salt delivers both saltiness and extra flavor (thanks to herbs like celery salt).
Substitutes:
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Add salt to taste, then adjust with additional herbs to make up for seasoned salt’s flavor boost.
- Celery Salt + Regular Salt: Combine equal parts celery salt and regular salt for a similar profile.
- Herb Salt: Found at specialty stores, this can add a fun twist to your blend with aromatic herbs included.
7. Black Pepper
Original Purpose: Black pepper delivers mild heat and earthy undertones that help round out the spice blend.
Substitutes:
- White Pepper: A milder, slightly more subtle option with a similar flavor profile.
- Ground Sichuan Pepper: Adds a unique tingling sensation along with earthy notes—use sparingly as it can overpower other flavors.
- Freshly Ground Pepper: Crush whole peppercorns yourself for a fresher, more aromatic result.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Original Purpose: Cayenne adds the heat and spice that kicks this seasoning up a notch.
Substitutes:
- Red Pepper Flakes: While coarser, they provide a similar heat level—grind them further if needed.
- Ground Chili Peppers: Any medium-to-high-heat chili powder like bird’s eye or Thai chili powder works just as well.
- Paprika: Offers less heat, but brings red color and mild flavor; combine it with white or black pepper for extra bite.
9. Ground Cumin
Original Purpose: Cumin introduces warm, earthy flavors and complements the smokiness of chili powder and paprika.
Substitutes:
- Coriander Powder: Slightly lighter and citrusy, it can still lend a warm undertone.
- Caraway Seeds: Toast and grind for a similar earthy flavor with a slightly grassy note.
10. Oregano
Original Purpose: Adds a herbal touch and subtle bitterness, rounding out the overall flavor.
Substitutes:
- Thyme or Marjoram: Both offer similar herbal profiles; use an equal amount to replace oregano.
- Dried Basil: Adds a touch of sweetness and blends well with the other ingredients for a subtly different taste.
- Italian Seasoning Mix: Often contains oregano along with a mix of other herbs like thyme and basil.
Final Thoughts
With its bold blend of smoky spice, savory herbs, and sweet undertones, Chupacabra Seasoning brings unparalleled flavor to almost any dish. From backyard barbecues to quick weeknight dinners, the possibilities are endless.
More Seasoning Recipes:
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients: Measure out each ingredient and place them in a bowl. Using dry spices ensures a shelf-stable mix.
- Mix thoroughly: Stir the spices together with a whisk or spoon until evenly combined. No flavor should overpower the others—your goal is a balanced blend.
- Store properly: Transfer your seasoning into an airtight container or glass jar. Label it and store it in a cool, dry place. When stored correctly, it can last for up to 6 months.
- Use it generously: Sprinkle your homemade Chupacabra Seasoning on steak, chicken, pork, seafood, potatoes, veggies, or popcorn for that irresistible burst of flavor.
