Wanna Make Takis Less Spicy? Here Are 6 Best Tricks!
If you love the flavor of Takis but find the heat a bit too much to handle, don’t worry – there are some easy ways to make Takis mild. As someone with a low tolerance for spicy food but can’t resist the addictive taste of Takis, I’ve experimented with different methods to reduce the heat without compromising the flavor. So, here are some tricks on how to make Takis less spicy.
From a simple rinsing off the seasoning, adding nuts/butter, yogurt or sour cream, or sweeteners, to topping them with whipped cream, drizzling chocolate, or simply pairing them with milder food, you can use many options to make Takis less spicy.
Whether you want to take the edge off the spiciness or make them totally mild, these tricks will allow you to customize the heat to your liking. Read on to find out how you can make Takis as spicy or as mild as you want. The spice is in your hands!
How to Make Takis Less Spicy?
Takis are delicious and addictive, but sometimes that spicy kick can be too much to handle. Through trial and error, I’ve found several hacks that work like a charm to make takis more mild so I can enjoy them without suffering the consequences.
Hopefully, with these easy tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavor of Takis without the burning sensation and tears.
Rinsing Off the Seasoning
One of the easiest ways to reduce the kick of Takis is simply rinsing off some of the spicy seasoning. The flavoring powder coating the corn puffs is what provides most of the heat. By rinsing it off, you instantly make the snack more mild.
I start by pouring the Takis into a colander or strainer. Then I run them under cold water, tossing them around with my hands as the water flows over. I do this for 10-15 seconds, which removes about half the seasoning. Shake off the excess water and spread them on a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet. The Takis will air dry entirely in just a few minutes.
Once dried, give them a taste. If they’re still too spicy for you, rinse them again. Keep repeating until you achieve your desired level of heat. The more times you rinse, the more mild they become. You can also do shorter rinses, checking the heat level after each one. This allows you to slowly scale back the spice, rather than making them bland on the first rinse.
Rinsing is a simple solution if you have an opened bag of Takis and want to tone down the heat immediately. However, for unopened packs, I’d suggest trying some of the other tips first before breaking the seal.
Rinsing can make the Takis slightly soggy if overdone so other methods may produce better results. But when used properly, rinsing is an easy way to take the fire out of your Takis and satisfy your craving!
Add Nuts/Butter
Adding mix-ins is one of my favorite ways to make Takis milder.
Chopped nuts are an excellent topping for spicy Takis. I like to add roasted peanuts, almonds, or cashews. The nutty flavor helps balance out the chili seasoning, and the oils in the nuts seem to coat my mouth, lessening the burn.
You can use nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter for extra decadence. Just swirl a spoonful of your favorite nut butter onto the Takis. The creamy nut butter melts into the chips, creating a sweet, spicy candy-like coating.
Mix-ins are an easy way to customize your snack and reduce the heat. Whether you prefer the crunch of nuts or the creaminess of nut butters, adding extra flavor and texture can transform spicy Takis into a milder, more crave-able snack.
Adding Yogurt or Sour Cream
A spoonful of dairy does the trick for me. Plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or sour cream work well. Just top your snack with a spoonful or two, and the cooling effect helps neutralize the spiciness. The creamy dairy coats your tongue and brings relief. You can also mix the yogurt or sour cream right into the bag to coat all the chips. Start with a little and add more to suit your taste.
For extra flavor, I sometimes add a bit of honey, lime, or freshly chopped cilantro to the yogurt or sour cream. The sweet and tangy flavors complement the chili seasoning on the chips.
You can also make a quick chipotle crema by blending chipotle in adobo sauce into the sour cream. The smoky flavor pairs great with the chili-dusted Takis.
The best part is you can keep experimenting by trying different types of dairy and mix-ins to create your own custom cooler for your spicy Takis. Your taste buds will thank you!
Add Sweeteners
You can also add a little sweetness to balance the heat.
A drizzle of honey is my go-to method for cooling down spicy Takis. The sweetness helps neutralize the chili flavor in the seasoning and gives the chips a nice glaze.
I just add a teaspoon or two of honey and toss to coat. The honey also helps the seasoning stick better to the chips. You can add more honey for an even sweeter Takis.
A sprinkle of sugar, brown sugar, or powdered sugar also does the trick for a quick fix. The sugar crystals melt onto the warm Takis, reducing the heat and giving them a candied coating. Start with a teaspoon and add more sugar to your desired spice level.
The sugar and chili seasoning create a savory-sweet flavor combo that’s surprisingly delicious.
Top with Whipped Cream or Drizzle Chocolate
This may sound strange but whipped cream pairs great with spicy Takis. The creaminess cuts through the heat and cools your mouth. Each bite of Takis topped with a dollop of whipped cream becomes a sweet and spicy adventure. You can also try topping your Takis with ice cream, yogurt, or pudding for a similar cooling effect.
Melted chocolate, chocolate syrup, Nutella, or caramel make an indulgent topping for Takis. The chocolate complements the chili flavor and helps balance the heat. Dip or drizzle your Takis in the chocolate of your choice. The chocolate hardens onto the chips for a spicy and sweet, crunchy coating. Takis have never tasted so decadent!
Pairing with Mild Foods
Creamy guacamole, with its avocado base, helps balance out the spicy treat. The fats in the avocado actually help extract some of the chemical compounds that cause the burning sensation. Mash half an avocado and season with lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and salt for a quick guac to serve with your Takis.
Black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans are mild counterparts to too hot Takis. Their starchiness helps tone down the heat and gives you a bit of protein to make a complete snack. Warm the beans, top with cheese, cilantro, and your favorite salsa for extra flavor.
Melted cheese quesadillas are always a good pairing for spicy chips. The cheese helps neutralize the heat, and its gooey, melted texture contrasts nicely with the crunch of the Takis. Add some beans, veggies, and salsa to boost nutrition and flavor. Fold the quesadilla over the chips for extra decadence!
Is There a Non-Spicy Takis?
When I want to tone down the heat in Takis, I head straight for the mild options. But what about a non-spicy alternative? Is there any?
Luckily for all Takis fans who couldn’t enjoy this fantastic snack because of its hotness, the latest Takis addition is actually non-spicy! They recently released an Intense Nacho flavor that bursts with incredibly cheesy flavor!
For those times when I want the taste of Takis without the pain, this option hits the spot.
Which option will you choose? Tell us in the comment section below. 🙂
