Sazón Seasoning
On March 03, 2025
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With 7 simple but powerful ingredients, you’ll create a mouthwatering Sazón Seasoning to give your chicken, seafood, and more a savory depth.
Homemade Sazón Seasoning
If you’ve ever had a perfectly seasoned bite of Puerto Rican rice, beans, or grilled meats, you’ve probably tasted the magic of Sazón. This homemade Sazón Seasoning is packed with bold, earthy flavors and a pop of vibrant color, thanks to the annatto seeds. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up your own spice blend in minutes, skipping the store-bought packets full of additives. Sprinkle this Sazón on everything from chicken to seafood to veggies, and behold the rich, mouthwatering flavor.
What is sazón seasoning?
Sazón seasoning is a staple in Latin cooking, especially in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine. The word “sazón” actually means “seasoning” in Spanish, and that’s exactly what this blend does. It seasons food with a unique mix of salt, garlic, onion, cumin, black pepper, turmeric, and annatto.
The annatto seeds not only give Sazón its signature warm, nutty flavor but also its distinct reddish-orange hue, which you find in dishes like al pastor. Homemade Sazón lets you control the ingredients and skip the MSG found in many store-bought versions. Knowing exactly what’s in your food is one of the best part about making your own seasonings.
Ingredients for this Recipe
With only seven ingredients, this homemade Sazón seasoning is simple yet packs a punch of flavor. Most of these spices are likely in your pantry already.
- 2 Tablespoons fine sea salt
- 2 Tablespoons annatto seed (ground)
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
For annatto seeds, you may need to find in them Hispanic markets or online. I recommend grinding your own seeds so you get the freshest flavor and the most vibrant color.
How to Make Sazón Seasoning
You’re just two simple steps away from a flavorful homemade spice blend that will elevate your dishes!
- Make the Sazon Seasoning. Combine all the ingredients for your seasoning in a small bowl or mortar, then use a pestle or spice grinder to grind everything into a fine, even powder. This fine grain is a signature of Sazón seasoning, which ensures the mix blends well into dishes without clumping.
- Use or store for later. Use this savory seasoning immediately to give flavor and color to meats, rice, beans, and even stews. Store any unused seasoning in an airtight glass spice jar so you have it ready when the urge strikes.
Ways to Use Sazón Seasoning
Sazón seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used to bring savory Latin flavors to all kinds of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Grilled meats: Sprinkle it on chicken, beef, or pork before grilling.
- Seafood: It’s especially great on shrimp, giving it a beautiful color and warm, earthy flavor.
- Rice and beans: Classic Puerto Rican arroz con gandules wouldn’t be the same without it.
- Stews and soups: Adds depth and richness to hearty dishes.
- Vegetables: Toss it with roasted potatoes, bell peppers, or even corn on the cob.
Storage and Shelf Life
To keep your homemade Sazón seasoning fresh, store it in an airtight container. I love these glass spice jars, but any container you have will work. When stored in a cool, dark place, like your pantry, it will stay at peak flavor for about 6 months. If it starts to lose its vibrancy, give it a quick shake or grind to refresh the aroma before using. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this stuff on hand.
More Seasoning Recipes
If you love making your own spice blends, you’ll want to see what else I’ve got in store. Whether you’re looking for a smoky BBQ rub or a zesty taco seasoning, I’ve got you covered. You can find all my BBQ rubs, sauces, and spice blends in the Hey Grill Hey App. And if you’re really serious about creating your own flavor profiles, check out my Rubs & Sauces Pitmaster Class in The Grill Squad.
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Easy Sazón Seasoning Recipe
Now that you know how easy it is to make your own Sazón Seasoning, there’s no reason to waste money on the pre-made stuff. Whip up a batch, try it in your favorite dishes, and let me know how you used it. Leave a comment below, and give this recipe a 5-star rating if you had fun making it.
Don’t forget to share some photos of your Sazón-seasoned favorites with the Hey Grill Hey community. Fine me on Instagram and Facebook, then tag @heygrillhey so we can all see what you’re cooking up. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel to get an inside look at how I make seasoning recipes just like this one.
Sazon Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons fine sea salt
- 2 Tablespoons annatto seed ground
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- Make the Sazon Seasoning. Combine all the ingredients for your seasoning in a small bowl or mortar. Use a pestle to grind the seasoning until you have a very fine, evenly-mixed blend.2 Tablespoons fine sea salt, 2 Tablespoons annatto seed, 1 Tablespoon garlic powder, 1 Tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Use or store for later. Use the seasoning immediately on chicken, seafood, and even veggies. Store any unused seasoning in a glass spice jar for up to 6 months for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
