Homemade Sazón Recipe
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This easy-to-make Homemade Sazón recipe is a unique blend of toasted spices and herbs that are ground down and used to enhance the flavor of many Latin American dishes. You won’t believe how simple this is to prepare is just 5 minutes!
Seasoning blends and rubs are such an easy way to boost the flavor of any dish, and most of the time you already have what you need in the pantry. If you want to try making your own, take a look at my all-purpose chicken seasoning or my blackened seasoning.
What is Sazón
Sazón is a popular Latin American spice and herb blend that commonly includes achiote, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. It is a ground seasoning that plays an important role in Caribbean and Latin cuisine. To me, it is as much of a staple in Latin cooking as sofrito.
The word itself translates simply to “seasoning,” so there can definitely be some variation in the blend of spices and herbs. However, when Spanish-speaking folks say “sazón,” they really mean flavor, and with all the delicious ingredients in it, I can see why. It’s similar to how we might think of Lawry’s or Old Bay seasoning.
While you can buy this premade from several brands, I find many of them are loaded with food dyes and ingredients that aren’t the best for you. Making it at home is incredibly easy, and the flavor not only matches the store-bought versions but might even be better.
History of Sazón
Jose Ortega developed the seasoning at a job in Puerto Rico and perfected the ingredient blend. He then pushed it to local grocery stores to help sell it. According to CBS, the process of creating it began to change, so Ortega partnered with Goya over 50 years ago to keep the original recipe intact.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Annatto – I used annatto seeds in this spice rub as they are classically used in sazón. You can also buy ground annatto. However, paprika is a good substitute. This is the same ingredient I used in my achiote paste recipe.
- Turmeric – Ground turmeric adds more earthy flavors to the spice.
- Garlic – I used granules, but powder may also be used.
- Onion – I prefer to use granules as I feel they’re more flavorful. However, powder may be used.
- Coriander – Whole coriander seeds are toasted and ground down for bright flavors.
- Oregano – Any dry oregano will work. Substitute with dry basil if that is all you have available.
- Salt – I always used coarse salt in my cooking and baking.
- Pepper – Ground white pepper blended better with the mix. Although black pepper can be used, I did not want big specks in it.
- Cumin – Whole seeds were toasted for more flavor and aroma and then ground and added.
How to Make Homemade Sazón
Toast the seeds: I add the annatto seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds to a medium-sized frying pan.
Cook the spices: I cook the annatto, cumin, and coriander seeds over low to medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring them often.
Watch for changes: Once the seeds are slightly toasted, I notice the annatto seeds start to release their color into the pan, while the coriander and cumin turn light brown around the edges. The aroma also becomes wonderfully strong at this stage.
Grind the spices: Next, I transfer the toasted spices to a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle, then grind them until they are finely ground.
Mix in the seasonings: I transfer the ground spices to a bowl, or keep them in the spice grinder, and add the garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Then, I pulse the grinder to mix everything together.
Adjust the seasoning: I taste the mixture and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Store and use: I store the sazón spice blend in an airtight container, or use it right away in my Colombian chicken stew recipe.
Chef Tip + Notes
The key for making my Sazón Spice Blend is to toast the seeds slowly over low to medium heat so they release their oils without burning. Taking the time to do this brings out a deep, rich flavor that makes the blend stand out in any dish.
- Annatto seeds: I love using annatto seeds for their sweet, peppery flavor with an earthy finish, and they naturally add color to recipes.
- Toasting spices: I toast whole spices to bring out more flavor and aroma, just like when I make my garam masala.
- Pre-ground option: I can use pre-ground spices for this blend by simply mixing them together.
- Mortar and pestle: I can make this with a mortar and pestle, but the annatto seeds make it a little more work.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: You can make this homemade sazón several weeks before you are ready to use it.
How to Store: Place it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months.
More Spice Blend Recipes
Homemade Sazón Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons annatto seeds
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 1 tablespoon garlic granules
- 1 tablespoon onion granules
- 1 tablespoon dry oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
Instructions
- Add the annatto seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds to a medium-sized frying pan.
- Cook the spices over low to medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes while frequently stirring.
- Once they become slightly toasted, you’ll be able to notice that the annatto seeds start to bleed their color into the pan and the coriander and cumin will get light brown around the edges. In addition, they’ll become very aromatic.
- Next, transfer the mixture of toasted spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, and grind until finely ground.
- Transfer to a bowl, or add in the garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper, and pulse the spice grinder just to mix it.
- Taste the mixture and see if it needs more salt or pepper.
- Store or try the sazón spice blend in my Colombian chicken stew recipe.
Thanks for all your recipes Billy!
I just made the Sazon. I didn’t know how it would compare to the store bought version. I can honestly say,No comparison! Your version is so much better!
Thanks again!
My pleasure!