Make this super easy homemade sazon rub right in the comfort of your own kitchen!
What is sazon?
Sazon is a Latin spice blend used to season all types of meats, vegetables, rice, and beans. I like having this Homemade Sazon pre-made and on hand. I’ve used it so many times on grilled meats, and after you try it, you will too!
An important ingredient in sazon is crushed annatto seeds or achiote. I recommend looking for achiote powder if you’re seeking a quicker solution. Not only does the achiote provide a deep rich color, but it lends a slight smokiness to the finished product. So, if you’re in the mood to put together a sazon rub that is free of MSG, this recipe is the one for you!
How to use sazon:
Use this homemade sazon as you would any other seasoning. This spice rub works well rubbed onto pork or chicken right before hitting the grill or smoker. It can also be used in marinades. In fact, we have a fantastic recipe for Sazon Grilled Chicken that we think you will love!
Sazon appears in various Hispanic and Latin-American dishes, including carne guisada (beef stew), empanada filling, and picadillo (a ground meat hash).
Homemade Sazon Ingredients:
- Achiote powderย or crushed annatto seeds
- Coriander powder
- Cumin powder
- Dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
- Dried cilantroย or dried parsley
- Coarse saltย sea or kosher
- Onion powder
- Granulated garlic
- Black pepper
Making and Storing Homemade Sazon:
This recipe is simple to make as it contains powdered spices and dried herbs. We recommend increasing the recipe and storing your sazon rub in an airtight container in the cupboard for up to one year.ย We use glass jars with lids to store our homemade rubs and find that labeling the bottle with the date of preparation helps us keep track of its shelf life. Herbs and spices do not go bad, but they can lose their flavor and become bland as time goes by. If you’d like to add an anti-caking agent to the rub, use ground rice hulls according to manufacturer’s directions.
MSG or not to MSG
This homemade sazon recipe does not contain any MSG since some individuals react physically to the processed, concentrated salt-like crystals. However, if you are not one of those people, please feel free to add it to the mixture. The rule of thumb is that it takes 1/4 teaspoon of MSG to season 1 pound of meat, but use your own judgment and preferences.
Sazon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons achiote powder or crushed annatto seeds
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano Mexican oregano preferred
- 1 tablespoon dried cilantro or dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt sea or kosher
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine herbs and spices in a small bowl and transfer to an air tight container. Secure lid and store in the cupboard for up to 6 months.
- To use, simply scoop out the amount needed for your recipe and use it according to directions.
- Feel free to double or triple this sazon seasoning recipe to suit your cooking needs.
- Recipe makes 1/2 c. To use as a rub: 1 tablespoon per pound of meatUse in sauces, marinades, stews and soups as directed.
