My Adobo Seasoning Recipe shows you how to make this all-purpose spice mix using spices you already have in your pantry. It takes 5 minutes to put together and adds vibrant Latin-inspired flavors wherever it’s used, whether you rub it on meat, sprinkle it over grilled vegetables, or stir it into a rice dish.
My pantry is packed with dry spice blends I’ve made myself, from this bold Southwest Seasoning Rub to this classic Poultry Seasoning. They’re easy to make using simple, everyday spices, and you have complete control over the ingredients (no preservatives included). I reach for one whenever I’m looking for the easiest way to turn up the flavor of my meat and veggies.
Homemade Adobo Seasoning Mix
Adobo seasoning is an all-purpose seasoning blend in Latin American, Mexican, and Caribbean cuisines. It’s really simple to make from scratch by mixing together granulated garlic, onion, oregano, salt, and white pepper. Some recipes also contain turmeric for color and cayenne pepper for a kick.
There are a few brands of pre-made all-purpose adobo seasoning out there (Goya being one of the most popular), but as a professional chef, I prefer to make my own. This way, I know exactly what’s going into my food, and I have control over the flavors and ingredients. And since my blend calls for spices that are likely already in your pantry, my recipe is a total win-win.
Along with sazón and sofrito, adobo seasoning is part of the holy trinity of Puerto Rican flavors. I use it in my Arroz con Gandules Recipe, but it can also be rubbed onto fish, stirred into a hearty stew, sprinkled over vegetables, and so much more. I know it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Salt – I always use kosher salt or coarse sea salt in my spice mixes.
- Onion – I prefer granulated onion.
- Garlic – Again, granulated garlic is what I like to use.
- Oregano – I use dry oregano to help the mix last as long as possible at room temperature.
- White Pepper – This adds a peppery bite without leaving black specks in the blend.
How to Make Adobo Seasoning
Add the ingredients: I start by adding all of the ingredients to a small bowl.
Mix: I mix the seasonings together until they’re combined.
Serve or store: Now, I can either use the adobo seasoning right away or store it away for later.
Chef Tip + Notes
The most important tip I can give you about making your own adobo seasoning is to experiment with the spices. Make the blend as normal with the core 5 (salt, garlic, onion, oregano, and pepper), then get creative with anything else you like. I’d recommend adding 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric for a golden color, cayenne for heat, cumin for warmth, or dried citrus zest for a tangy pop.
- Double the recipe: My recipe makes 1/4 cup of adobo seasoning, but you can easily double or triple the ingredient quantities to make more.
- Taste and adjust: I always taste my homemade seasoning blends after I mix everything together. That way, I can adjust the flavors by adding more of one or two spices, if needed.
- Low sodium: Feel free to reduce the salt to 1/2 tablespoon if you’re watching your sodium intake.
Serving Suggestions
As I said, adobo seasoning is part of the Puerto Rican flavor trifecta along with sofrito and sazón. It adds delicious, classic flavors to all kinds of Puerto Rican meals, like my daughter’s favorite, Arroz con Gandules (rice with pigeon peas), as well as rice and beans, habichuelas guisadas (Puerto Rican beans), chuletas guisadas (stewed pork chops), or pernil (slow roasted pork).
Beyond recipes from Puerto Rico, there’s really no wrong way to use it. I reach for the blend every time I feel like covering my chicken breasts in a delicious rub, I mix it into the ground beef for tacos, and I toss it with roasted red potatoes to give them a savory punch.
I even like it on my scrambled eggs in the morning! Seriously, I would so much rather use garlicky, salty adobo seasoning than plain salt.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make this adobo seasoning mix several days or weeks before you’re ready to use it.
How to Store: This spice blend can be kept in an airtight glass jar or container in a cool, dry place (like your pantry or on a spice rack) for up to 6 months. I like to store mine in a shaker jar for convenience.
More Seasoning Recipes
Adobo Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion
- 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoons dry oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small bowl.
- Mix until combined.
- Use in a recipe or store covered in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Adobo Seasoning Recipe