Sazón with Coriander and Annatto (Achiote) is a must-have seasoning for adding bold, vibrant flavors to your favorite Latin-inspired dishes.
This homemade blend is not only easy to make but also uses simple pantry staples you likely already have at home.
The best part? You know exactly what goes into it, and you can customize the ingredients to your liking.
Free of preservatives, this Sazón with Coriander and Annatto recipe is a healthier, fresher alternative to store-bought options. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back! Perfect for seasoning rice, beans, stews, and more.
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🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground achiote: 🤓Achiote is also called annatto. Brings a beautiful color and subtle earthy flavor that’s essential in many Latin dishes. 👉 It can be substituted with sweet paprika.
- Granulated garlic: Adds a savory kick and rounds out the flavors.👉 It can be substituted with onion powder.
- Granulated onion: Gives a mild sweetness and depth to the mix. 👉It can be substituted with garlic powder.
- Ground coriander: Adds a fresh, slightly citrusy note to balance the seasoning.
- Ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor that ties everything together.
- Monosodium glutamate (optional): Boosts the flavors and adds an umami richness.👉 You'll find it in the spice aisle under the brand name Accent, but you can omit it if desired.
- Fine Sea salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly. 👉It can be substituted with any salt.
See the recipe card for quantities.
👩🍳 How to Make Homemade Sazón with Coriander and Annatto (Achiote)
1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
2. Transfer the sazón to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place.
3. Use about 1½ teaspoons to replace one packet of store-bought sazón in meats, beans, soups, stews, or rice dishes.
🫙 Storage
Store your sazón in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use within six months and shake before each use to keep the spices evenly mixed.
📝 Camila's Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: 1 teaspoon granulated onion, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried cilantro, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Feel free to adjust these amounts to suit your taste preferences.
🛠️ Frequently Asked Questions
What is sazón used for?
Sazón is a versatile seasoning blend commonly used in Latin cooking to enhance the flavor and color of dishes like rice, beans, stews, soups, and marinades.
Can I make sazón without MSG?
Yes! You can omit MSG from the recipe if you prefer. It’s optional and only included to boost umami flavor.
What can I use instead of achiote?
If you don’t have ground achiote, substitute with mild paprika for color, though it won’t provide the same earthy flavor.
Is sazón spicy?
Traditional sazón is not spicy. However, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you prefer a kick of heat.
Can I make a low-sodium version?
Absolutely! Simply reduce or omit the salt from the recipe and add it to your dishes as needed during cooking.
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Sazón with Coriander and Annatto (Achiote)
Tools
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground achiote or sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ tablespoon monosodium glutamate (optional) or fine sea salt or kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon fine sea salt or kosher salt
Instructions
- Combine the spices: In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Store the seasoning: Transfer the sazón to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place.
- Use as needed: For most recipes, use about 1 tablespoon of this homemade sazón to replace one packet of store-bought seasoning. It's perfect for flavoring meats, beans, soups, stews, and rice dishes.
Notes
Storage Store your sazón in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Use within six months and shake before each use to keep the spices evenly mixed.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
