Puerto Rican Sazon seasoning is a fragrant and an essential spice blend used in our Puerto Rican dishes. In less than 10 minutes you can make a healthier alternative to Sazon Goya.
Sazon seasoning is used in a lot of Caribbean and Latin Dishes. Here I will show you how to make your own!
Here are other essential staples in our Puerto Rican cooking. Learn how to make Sofrito (Recaito), my most visited recipe for Adobo Seasoning and Achiote Oil.
What is Sazon seasoning used for?
Sazon seasoning is used in almost all of our Puerto Rican cooking like Arroz con Gandules, Picadillo, Empanadillas de Carne and Habichuelas Guisadas. Coriander, Garlic and Onion powder makes it very fragrant. However, Annatto or Achiote gives the food a beautiful orange hue. It is used in a lot of Latin/Caribbean cooking.
Before I started making my own Sazon I was using the Knorr Packets, which some contain red artificial coloring. But once I made my own I never went back to buy the little packets again.
Sazón has a slightly sweet and savory flavor without being spicy.
Ingredients
To make the Sazon you will need spices that you might already have in your spice drawer. Onion, Garlic, Annatto(Achiote) Powder, Coriander and Salt. You can omit the salt altogether. Then add it later to your taste as you are cooking.
This sazon recipe is MSG free. However, The idea that using MSG is bad for you has been largely debunked. You can read the Myths vs Facts about MSG here.
**See the Recipe Card Below for complete measurements**
- Garlic Powder - this is ideal because it mixes well. My preferred to use is Badia. Granulated Garlic is an alternative.
- Onion Powder - just like with garlic powder it mixes well. Granulated Onion is another great choice.
- Ground Coriander - coriander seeds that have been grounded and are aromatic, slightly sweet and have a citrusy and smokey flavor
- Annatto Powder - Annatto or Achiote (both words are interchangeable) seeds are grounded to make the Annatto powder. Annatto seeds are native to Mexico, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. Settlers started to use Annatto(Achiote) seeds for coloring because they couldn't find Saffron. Annatto has a sweet and peppery taste. This one from Amazing Chiles & Spices is my favorite & Badia is my second choice.
- Salt - Redmond Fine Salt is my choice of salt. Kosher salt can be use. As always you can adjust the salt or leave it out altogether.
How to make Puerto Rican Sazon Seasoning
Let's get into it. Once you gather all your spices here is what you will do:
Using a measuring spoon you will add all the spices in a bowl
Blend all the spices using a whisk
Sazon mixture should look like this when its completely blended
Using a funnel to pour all the mixture into a mason jar.
Tip: If you are using Adobo and Sazon Seasoning together, or any other seasonings make the Sazon without salt.
What can I use instead of Annatto(Achiote)
- Saffron is a good substitute for Achiote.
- Combine Turmeric and Sweet Paprika
- Paprika
Kitchen Tools
- Glass or Mason Jar
- Funnel
- Bowl
- Measuring spoon
- Whisk.
How to store Sazon Seasoning and Servings
I store in a glass jar with an airtight lid in a cool dry place for 4-6 months.
Use 1 Tbsp of Sazon in your favorite dishes.
Substitution
Achiote Oil could be a substitute for Sazon BUT remember that Achiote by itself doesn't have any seasoning. You will still need to add spices and salt.
FAQ
Sazon is a blend of Ground Annatto(Achiote), Onion and Garlic Powder, Ground Coriander and Salt.
Adobo can be as all seasoning spice blend. Sazon is used for savory and to give that orange hue in Puerto Rican dishes.
Sazon has a savory earthy taste but without adding spice(heat) to the dish.
It is good for rice, soups, beans, meat & fish dishes. In Puerto Rico we use it for Arroz con Gandules, Arroz con Salchichas, Habichuelas Guisadas, and Picadillo. But the uses are endless.
I added Salt for this recipe but it can be omitted, you can also use less amount.
YES! Almost all the store seasonings contain artificial coloring and additives. This recipe makes a healthier alternative to Sazon Goya.
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If you make this recipe I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.
📖 Recipe
Puerto Rican Sazon Seasoning
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mason Jar with Lid About 6 oz, depending how much sazon you make
- 1 Funnel
- 1 TBSP Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp salt You can use less or skip it all together
- 2 ½ tbsp Annatto (Achiote) Powder
- 2 tbsp Coriander
Instructions
- Using the measuring spoon add all spices into the bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until all the spices are combined. (Refer to pics above for how it is supposed to look)
- Place the funnel on top of the glass jar or mason and pour all the ingredients. Place lid and close airtight.
- Use 1 tbsp or more to taste.
- Store in the airtight glass container for 4-6, depends how often you use it.
- TIP: If you are using Adobo and Sazon Seasoning together, or any other seasonings make the Sazon without salt.
FAQ
- What can I use instead of Annatto (Achiote)Saffron can be used in lieu of Achiote.Combine Turmeric and Sweet PaprikaPaprika
- What does Sazon taste like?Sazon has a savory earthy taste but without adding spice(heat) to the dish.
- How to store Sazon SeasoningIt can be stored in a jar with an airtight lid in a cool dry place for 4-6 months.
- What is Sazon seasoning good for?It is good for rice, soups, beans, meat & fish dishes. In Puerto Rico we use it for Arroz con Gandules, Arroz con Salchichas, Habichuelas Guisadas, and Picadillo. But the uses are endless.
Nutrition
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