Behind the Seasoning: Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning

Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning checks all of the boxes when it comes to flavor profiles. Chile and lime are the flavor stars of everything from fajitas to gas station snacks. If you’ve seen chile lime spice on the shelves in the market but never know what the difference is between that and our Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning, you are at the right place.

What is Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning?

Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning is a South American-inspired seasoning that features the Peruvian chile, Aji Amarillo. The fruity flavor of this medium-spicy chile is enhanced by the subtle tartness of powdered lime leaves. This seasoning is more than just chile and lime though, an earthy balance of cumin and other spices make it more complex and versatile. For that reason, even if heat and chiles aren’t your thing, you might still like Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning.

What is the difference between chile lime and Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning?

Chili lime seasoning typically combines chile peppers or chili powder with citric acid and lime. Traditional Peruvian seasonings include a blend of chile peppers, cumin, and paprika. We use Pervuian aji amarillo, with an added lime and garlic twist. These additions make the spice mix different from your typical chile lime seasoning and from traditional Peruvian blends.

What does Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning taste like?

This flavor bomb doesn’t stay in one lane. Because of the Peruvian aji amarillo chile peppers and the tangy lime, the seasoning cannot be defined by just one flavor. It is salty, earthy, and citrusy with bittersweet, tart, tangy, and sweet notes. It may sound overwhelming but these distinctive flavors all work together in a complementary way. 

Is Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning spicy?

Don’t let the chile in the name of the seasoning blend intimidate you. The chile here refers to and actual spice rather than heat level, making the Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning fairly mild. The chiles used in this blend tend to have a sweet, warm flavor rather than being spicy-hot. While they add a slight burst of warm heat to the spice blend, it isn’t overwhelming or overpowering in any way. 

What spices and seasoning are in Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning?

The South American-inspired spice lives up to its name, as the dominant flavors come from chile and citrus. The spice blend highlights the Peruvian Aji Amarillo chile, which is a fairly mild, golden-yellow chile pepper. To complete this zesty seasoning we add a generous amount of amount of earthy cumin, as well as salt, and herby Mexican oregano and cilantro. This seasoning may seem like it has a lot going on, but the spices actually create balance.

Is Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning the same as Tajin?

As you learn about the flavor of Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning, you might be thinking, “Isn’t this just the same thing as Tajin?” Tajin is the brand name version of a Mexican chile lime seasoning and is made with chile peppers, salt, and dehydrated lime juice. It's typically used to sprinkle on or finish dishes. The chile and lime flavors in Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning are not as intense and this seasoning is more versatile.

Where and How to Buy Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning

If you are looking for basic chile lime seasoning, head to your local market and look in the spice section. If you are looking for Peruvian chiles in the seasoning blend, our store has got you covered for all of your needs. The spice blend comes in many sizes, so you don’t have to be concerned about using it all up at once. 

If you’d rather see the product in person, our store locator feature will guide you to where you can find the spice mix. 

What is Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning used for?

If you are a regular user of chili lime seasoning, you'll be familiar with the ways to use the Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning. It has very similar uses, as it can be used on fruit, as a garnish on the rim of a cocktail, and as a seasoning in guacamole. You don't even have to make guacamole, avocado with Peruvian Chile Lime sprinkled on top is simply amazing. The spice blend has more of a zing to it, upping the flavors typically associated with chile lime seasoning. 

Because of the varied flavor notes in this seasoning, this spice mix is very versatile when it comes to its uses. It is excellent on Peruvian staples like potatoes, corn, shrimp, and beef. The aji amarillo chile in this seasoning provides the shrimp with the perfect amount of heat. The Peruvian notes of the spice also make it an excellent addition to empanadas, ceviche, tacos, eggs, and tamales. 

It's also a great way to add new flavors to dishes you're already cooking. Simply toss chicken and veggies in olive oil, sprinkle this seasoning generously, and bake or grill. It’s really that easy. Serve with tortillas for a fajita style meal. Mix it into bean dip or hummus and add it to sour cream for a chip or veggie dip.

What can be substituted for Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning?

Going to reach for your Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning and finding it empty can be a real disappointment. Luckily, many other seasonings can replace the flavors in a pinch. Swap it out with Mild Chili Powder and add a little bit of fresh lime zest or juice to the finished dish. While it won’t be an exact replica, the simple combination will cover the basic flavor profile. You can also dive deep into your spice cabinet and create your own homemade version. Use chiles, cumin, salt, turmeric, lime, Mexican oregano, and cilantro. 

Recipes Using Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning

Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning is so versatile it can be hard to know where to start with the spice blend. It crosses all the lines when it comes to sweet and savory meals, making it useful in all sorts of recipes. These are some of our favorite ways to use the zingy spice. 

• Fiesta Guacamole - The seasoning easily takes this classic dip to the next level. You might as well double the recipe, as you are going to want to go back for seconds and thirds. 
• Super Easy Savory Dip - The richness of the sour cream and yogurt allows the bold seasoning to stand out. Dip in chips or veggies to complete the simple appetizer.  
• Salt Plate Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw - This flavorful shrimp cooks quickly. If you want to make it even easier, swap in some store-bought slaw.
• Slow Cooker Roast Chicken - The low and slow cooking of the chicken allows the deep flavor of the seasoning to develop, so it is present in every single bite.
• Cochinita Pibil Tacos - Mexican tacos get a hint of Peruvian flavor thanks to the seasoning blend. The mashup of cultures creates a mouthwatering bite. 

What do you plan to make with Peruvian Chile Lime Seasoning? Let us know in the comments below!