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    Home » Recipes » Sauces and Seasonings

    Published: Oct 1, 2023 · Modified: Oct 12, 2023 by Lola Calder-Rodas

    Homemade Achiote (Annatto) Oil

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    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    annatto oil achiote oil finished

    Achiote Oil is a staple in a lot of our Puerto Rican and Caribbean Cooking. By infusing oil with Annatto seeds it's what gives the dishes that orange hue. It is used in Arroz con Gandules, Habichuelas Guisadas, and Carne Guisada amongst other dishes! Here I will show you how to make achiote (annatto) oil in a few steps!!

    achiote annatto oil in a glass jar with annatto seeds

    Here are other staples and essentials that are used in our Puerto Rican cuisine:

    • Sazón Seasoning
    • Adobo Seasoning
    • Sofrito

    Achiote Oil is essential in our Puerto Rican cooking. It gives the food that beautiful orange-reddish hue. It's super easy to make at home and it requires two ingredients.

    Here are the recipes where I have used Annatto Oil: Meat Picadillo and Carne Guisada(Puerto Rican Beef Stew).

    annatto achiote seeds to make annatto oil

    What are Achiote (Annatto) Seeds?

    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. I usually use Badia where you can purchase online or at your local supermarket. Asian stores also carry Annatto seeds.

    What You'll Need to Make Achiote Oil

    annatto seeds and neutral oil to make annatto oil

    **See the Recipe Card Below for complete measurements**

    • Annatto (Achiote) Seeds
    • Neutral Oil - These type of oils have little or no flavor, also a high smoke point. Because of the neutrality in these oils can be used without altering or adding flavor on a dish. Corn, canola, vegatable, soybean,avocado, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed and Peanut oil are examples of neutral oils. For this recipe my favorite oil to use is Grapeseed.

    Instructions

    annatto achiote seeds and neutral oil in pan
    1. Add neutral oil and annatto seeds into a sauce pan then stir at low-medium heat for about 5 minutes so the seeds release the color.
    annatto achiote oil final result

    2. Remove the pan off the heat to cool off and let the Annatto seeds render into the oil for about 20 minutes. The oil shoud look red/maroon.

    3. Place a funnel into the storing container and pour the oil using a strainer on top of the funnel. Discard the seeds carefully. The Achiote oil and seeds stain everything it comes in contact with.

    Hint: Do not boil. If it boils it will then turn bitter.

    Substitutions

    Achiote seeds are the ideal to make this oil but Achiote paste could be used. Just make sure to strain it before storing it.

    Variations

    This is a simple oil that it is the base for cooking. But you could add:

    • Garlic - add garlic cloves into the storing jar to add flavor.

    Equipment

    For this recipe you will need :

    • Mason Jar or reuse the container the oil came in.
    • Strainer
    • Funnel
    • Spatula
    • Sauce Pan

    Storage

    Store the Achiote (Annatto) oil into a mason jar or the same oil container. Store in the pantry for up to 3 months or you can store in the refrigerator.

    I don't recommend freezing it.

    FAQ

    Where can I buy Achiote (Annatto) seeds?

    The seeds can be found at Latin Market, and in Asian Markets like Hmart.

    Does Achiote (Annatto) Oil has flavor?

    A neutral oil is used to make this Achiote Oil. It has little or no flavor, Its purpose is to give color to food.

    How long Achiote (Annatto) oil last?

    Achiote oil can be stored at room temp for up to three months.

    Other Puerto Rican Recipes

    • Mojo Marinade
    • Puerto Rican Meat and Potato Empanadillas
    • Air Fried Seasoned Fries with Mayo Ketchup

    If you make this recipe I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.

    📖 Recipe

    achiote-annato seeds used to make achiote oil

    Homemade Achiote (Annato) Oil

    Lola - Café Sazón y Vida
    Achiote Oil is a staple in a lot of our Puerto Rican and Caribbean Cooking. By infusing oil with Annatto seeds it's what gives the dishes that orange hue. It is used in Arroz con Gandules, Habichuelas Guisadas, and Carne Guisada amongst other dishes!
    5 from 1 vote
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    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Resting 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 24 minutes mins
    Course cooking oils, oils, sauces
    Cuisine Caribbean, Puerto Rican
    Servings 2 Cups

    Equipment

    • Strainer
    • Funnel
    • Spatula
    • Papel Towel

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cups Grapeseed or any other neutral oil
    • ¾ cup Achiote (annatto) seeds

    Instructions
     

    • Add neutral oil and annatto seeds into a sauce pan then stir at low-medium heat for about 5 minutes so the seeds release the color.
    • Remove the pan off the heat to cool off and let the Annatto seeds render into the oil for about 20 minutes. The oil shoud look red/maroon.
    • Place a funnel into the storing container and pour the oil using a strainer on top of the funnel. Discard the seeds carefully. The oil and seeds stain everything it comes in contact with.

    Notes

    FAQ

    Where can I buy Achiote (Annatto) seeds?
    The seeds can be found at Latin Market, and in Asian Markets like Hmart.
    Does Achiote (Annatto) Oil has flavor?
    A neutral oil is used to make this Achiote Oil. It has little or no flavor, Its purpose is to give color to food.
    How long Achiote (Annatto) oil last?

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tbsp
    Keyword Aceite de Achiote, Achiote Oil, Annatto Oil, Annatto seeds, Puerto Rican food, Puerto Rican seasonings
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @cafesazonyvida on Instagram and use #cafesazonyvida!

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    Lola Cafe Sazon y Vida
    Meet Lola!

    Hola!! Welcome to my pedacito on the internet. La Vida is meant to be enjoyed with a good cup of Café and well seasoned food!

    I love to share my Puerto Rican culture though recipes, stories, libations. I am also a commercial photographer.

    More about me →

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