Sazon Seasoning is a savory, slightly sweet blend of aromatic spices used most often in Caribbean cuisines. You can easily make this all purpose seasoning at home to use in all types of recipes from rice and vegetable dishes to meats, stews and marinades.
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Sazon Seasoning is a Caribbean spice blend originally from Puerto Rico used in a huge variety of recipes.
After reading the ingredient list on store-bought blends, I decided to make my own homemade version. Many store-bought blends contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) and Red #40, both of which can be controversial and really aren’t necessary at all.
You can use this homemade sazon the same way you would any store-bought variation. My personal favorite recipe to add it to is Sweet Plantain Lasagna.
Why This Recipe Works
Homemade spice blends are very easy to make. All you need to do is measure out the individual spices that you need and mix them together.
This is an very flavorful blend of spices. It’s made with aromatic spices such as coriander, cumin and annatto.
You have full control over how it tastes. Adjust the amount of individual spices, add other types that aren’t in it that you prefer, or omit a spice you may not care for.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground annatto: this may also be called achiote. It may be harder to find in stores. I can only find it whole in the grocery store so I order it online.
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Chef’s Note: some recipes for sazon seasoning will call for salt and pepper. I prefer to leave them out so that you can control the levels better as you cook. This helps ensure that your finished dish isn’t too salty.
The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.
Prep!
There is no significant prep work for this recipe.
Create!
Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined.
Present!
Store in a jar with a lid away from direct sunlight.
Use by the earliest expiration date on the individual jars of herbs and spices used.
Tips and Techniques
- Use fresh, dried herbs and spices for the best results.
- If you don’t have or don’t like an ingredient, you can easily adjust this recipe to suite your own tastes.
- Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Use by the earliest expiration date on the individual jars of herbs and spices used.
FAQ’s
What Is In Sazon Seasoning?
Sazon seasoning is a Caribbean spice blend that can vary a little bit. Most store-bought blends coriander, annatto, cumin and garlic powder. Some other ingredients that may be included are oregano, onion power, turmeric and basil.
What Can Be Used As A Substitute For Sazon Seasoning?
If you don’t have sazon seasoning on hand, or the ingredients needed to make your own, you can use saffron or turmeric as an alternative, though the flavor will be somewhat different.
More Homemade Spice Mixtures
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Sazon Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground annatto
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix until well combined.1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon ground annatto, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Store in a jar with a lid away from direct sunlight.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- 1 1/2 teaspoons is equal to 1 packet of store-bought sazon seasoning.
- Use fresh, dried herbs and spices for the best results.
- If you don’t have or don’t like an ingredient, you can easily adjust this recipe to suite your own tastes.
- Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Use by the earliest expiration date on the individual jars of herbs and spices used.
Harriet Young says
Fantastic seasoning! I used it in a rice dish and it was just incredible. Thanks so much for sharing.
Neha says
I love how versatile this seasoning is! I think everyone in my family is gonna love it, can’t wait to try!
Gianne says
The blend of spices added a rich, savory depth that elevated the entire dish. I can’t wait to experiment with it in other recipes—it’s definitely a new staple in my kitchen!
Sara Welch says
This was such a quick and easy seasoning that does not disappoint! Delivers on flavor and was way better than any store bought version!
Andrea says
I am adding this fantastic, homemade sazon seasoning to my spice rack right now. Yum!