Homemade Wingstop Mexican Spice Recipe

Recently, Wingstop introduced their irresistible Wingstop Mexican Spice, a flavor explosion inspired by the smoky, savory goodness of Mexican street corn. From the moment I had my first bite, I was hooked. That perfect blend of spices, garlic, parmesan, cilantro, and tangy lime was pure magic.

How to make Wingstop Mexican Spice

Wingstop Mexican Street Spice is a limited-time dry rub flavor inspired by the classic Mexican street food, elotes (grilled street corn).

Ingredients

For the Spice Blend:

• 2 tsp smoked paprika – Adds the smoky depth that defines this flavor.
• 1 tsp chili powder – Balanced heat without being overpowering.
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper – Optional for those who prefer extra spice.
• 1 tsp ground cumin – Warm, earthy notes that pair beautifully with chili powder.
• ½ tsp garlic powder – Brings savory undertones to the mix.
• 1 tsp onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness.
• 1½ tsp dried cilantro: For fresh herbal flavor (use fresh cilantro if you prefer).
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall taste.

For the Toppings:

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese – The nutty creaminess gives it that signature Wingstop touch.
• 1 tsp lime zest – Bright, citrusy aroma to balance the spices.
• 1 tbsp lime juice – For tangy zing and added freshness.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Charred corn kernels (for Mexican street corn vibes)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice Blend:

1. In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried cilantro, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the spices are evenly blended.
2. Set the spice blend aside to use as seasoning for wings or other dishes.

2. Cook the Wings/Tenders:

1. Prep your wings or tenders by patting them dry. This helps the seasoning adhere better.
2. Toss the wings in a light olive oil or neutral cooking oil coat.
3. Grill, bake or air-fry your wings at 400°F (200°C) until they are crispy and fully cooked. (This is typically 35-40 minutes for baked wings, flipping halfway.)

3. Toss with Spice and Toppings:

1. Sprinkle the spice blend generously over the hot wings and toss to coat evenly.
2. Add grated parmesan cheese and toss again for that cheesy finish.
3. Drizzle lime juice over the wings and sprinkle lime zest for a bright, zesty kick.

4. Garnish and Serve:

1. For an elevated presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or charred corn kernels.
2. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch pairs beautifully!

Tips for Success

• Adjust the Heat Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, dial back on the cayenne pepper or skip it entirely. On the flip side, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for even more heat.
• Go Fresh: While dried cilantro is convenient, using fresh cilantro brings a livelier, aromatic flavor. Chop it fine and toss it on at the end.
• Lime Mastery: Don’t skip the lime zest—it provides a burst of citrus that deeply ties all the flavors together.
• Make It Smokier: Add a touch of liquid smoke to amplify the flavor profile, especially if you’re baking or air-frying the wings instead of grilling.
• Experiment with Other Foods: This spice blend isn’t just for wings! Try it on roasted veggies, baked potatoes, popcorn, or even shrimp tacos.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a replica of Wingstop Mexican Spice flavor at home can be fun, but sometimes you may not have all the available ingredients.

1. Chili Powder

Purpose: Chili powder forms the base of the Wingstop Mexican Spice blend, giving it heat and depth.

Substitutes:

• Red Pepper Flakes: Use red pepper flakes for heat, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Cayenne Pepper + Smoked Paprika: Combine cayenne pepper (for heat) and smoked paprika (for smokiness) to approximate the flavor.
• Ancho Chili Powder: This provides a milder and earthy chili flavor.

Ratio: For every 1 teaspoon of chili powder, try ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper + ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.

2. Smoked Paprika

Purpose: Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor.

Substitutes:

• Regular Paprika + Liquid Smoke: For a similar smokiness, combine regular paprika with a small drop (¼ teaspoon) of liquid smoke.
• Chipotle Powder: Chipotle powder offers smokiness and heat, making it an excellent substitute.

Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the same amount of chipotle powder or regular paprika + liquid smoke.

3. Garlic Powder

Purpose: Garlic powder enhances the savory and umami profile.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh garlic and sauté it lightly before adding to the spice mix.
• Granulated Garlic: Similar to garlic powder but coarser; works as a 1:1 substitute.

Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of garlic powder with 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic or 1 minced garlic clove.

4. Onion Powder

Purpose: Onion powder lends a sweet and savory flavor.

Substitutes:

• Fresh Onion: Sauté finely minced onions for a similar taste.
• Chopped Dried Onion Flakes: Rehydrate and pulverize dried onion flakes if you have them.
• Shallots: Shallots can replicate the mild onion flavor well.

Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of onion powder with 1 tablespoon of minced onion or 1 teaspoon of dried onion flakes.

5. Cumin

Purpose: Cumin adds warm, nutty, and slightly earthy notes to the spice mix.

Substitutes:

• Ground Coriander: Coriander has a slightly milder citrusy flavor, complementing the Mexican spice profile.
• Caraway Seeds (Ground): Caraway seeds offer a similar warmth and earthiness.

Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of cumin with ¾ teaspoon ground coriander or ½ teaspoon ground caraway seeds.

6. Oregano

Purpose: Oregano contributes a herbal flavor commonly found in Mexican cuisine.

Substitutes:

• Italian Seasoning: While slightly sweeter, Italian seasoning can replace oregano in small quantities.
• Marjoram: Marjoram has a flavor close to oregano but is milder.

Ratio: Replace 1 teaspoon of oregano with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or 1½ teaspoons of marjoram.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of Wingstop Mexican Spice wings lies in their versatility—pair them with classic Mexican-inspired dishes or fun, creative accompaniments for a full feast.

More Seasoning Recipes:

• Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Rub Seasoning Recipe
• Chipotle Chicken Seasoning Recipe
• Copycat Dan O’s Cheesoning Seasoning Recipe
• Homemade Dan O’s Seasoning Recipe
• Chimichurri Seasoning Recipe