Adobo Seasoning is an all-purpose flavorful seasoning blend commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American Cuisine to enhance the flavor of meats, marinades, vegetables, and more.
![Adobo Seasoning Recipe Jar of Adobo Seasoning with wooden spoon.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Goya-Adobo-Seasoning.jpg)
What is Adobo Seasoning?
The culinary term adobo stems from the Spanish word adobar, which means to marinate or season.
When used alone, the word adobo refers to a popular Philippine dish that is made by marinating meat in a combination of vinegar, soy, and seasonings and then cooking until tender.
Adobo Seasoning is not a Philippine seasoning. Rather it is an all-purpose spice blend made up of salt and dried spices commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American Cuisine.
This spice blend is a flavorful combination of salt, cumin, oregano, paprika, onion powder, chili powder, and pepper and is used just as you would use a Homemade Dry Rub, Cajun Seasoning, or Seasoned Salt to enhance the flavor of meats, marinade, vegetables, and more.
Why Homemade is Best
- Quality Control. When you make your own spice blends, such as this Adobo Seasoning you have complete control over what you put into your spice blend! Most store-bought spice blends are extremely high in sodium and add anti-caking agents, sugar, preservatives, and sometimes MSG.
- Customization. Making Adobo Seasoning allows you to customize the flavor profile to your personal taste preferences and adjust the added salt as needed.
- Better Tasting. Homemade Adobo Seasoning is so much better tasting than Goyo Adobo Seasoning. It is pure and simple and will enhance your food with flavor, not preservatives.
- Cost-effective. Buying individual spices and making your own homemade spice blends will typically cost you less in the long run than purchasing pre-packaged blends.
Ingredients Needed for Adobo Seasoning
![Ingredients in Adodo Seasoning Ingredients for Goya Seasoning labeled in small bowl.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Ingredients-in-Adodo-Seasoning.jpg)
The ingredients in Adobo Seasoning can vary based on region and preference, but this homemade blend is made up of the most commonly used seasonings.
- Kosher Salt: I always recommend using kosher salt over iodized or table salt in seasoning blends. Kosher salt helps to enhance flavors, rather than just leaving them tasting salty.
- Chili Powder: Use regular ground chili powder, not Ancho Chili Powder which can be overwhelming.
- Cumin
- Dried Oregano
- Tumeric
- Onion Powder
- Paprika: This recipe calls for regular paprika, not smoked paprika. If you would like a smokey undertone in your seasoning.
- White Pepper: White pepper has a slightly fermented taste and pairs well with the other spices in this Adobo blend. Feel free to use black pepper if that is what you have on hand.
∗ important to remember ∗
When making homemade spice blends, it is best to use spices that are no older than 6 months old, as spices lose their potency and flavor as they age.
How to Make Homemade Adobo Seasoning
In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix together until everything is well distributed. Easy-Peasy!
To store Adobo Seasoning, transfer the mixture to an airtight container or jar, to keep the moisture out of the seasoning and store it in your pantry for up to 6 months.
![Goya Seasoning Blend Mixing bowl showing spices for adobo seasoning being mixed together.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Goyo-Copycat.jpg)
Ways to Use Adobo Seasoning
There are endless ways to use Adobo Seasoning, as it is nearly as versatile as salt and pepper.
- As a Seasoning: Sprinkle it over homemade microwave popcorn, air fryer corn on the cob, Instant Pot beans, or rice with Adobo seasoning before serving to add flavor to otherwise simple dishes.
- To Develop Flavor: Add 1-2 teaspoons of this Adobo Seasoning to soups, stews, or chilis to help enhance flavors. It is also delicious tossed with potatoes before making for Baked Fries or Air Fryer Potatoes.
- As a Dry Rub: Use it to rub onto chicken, pork, beef, or tofu before cooking. It makes a great seasoning for Baked Cod, Baked Chicken Breasts, and Air Fryer Pork Chops.
- As a Marinade: Combine this seasoning with oil and an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, to create a wet marinade perfect for proteins, like London Broil, or to make vegetable kabobs.
recipe modifications
Lower Sodium: Feel free to cut the salt in half or omit it completely if needed.
Garlic Lover: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if you like the flavor of garlic in your seasoning.
More Homemade Spice Blends
- Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Homemade Greek Seasoning
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Chili Seasoning
- Homemade Italian Seasoning
If you tried this recipe for Adobo Seasoning, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
![Adobo Seasoning blend in glass jar with wooden spoon.](https://amindfullmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/All-Purpose-Adobo-Seasoning-Recipe_-360x360.jpg)
Adobo Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon white pepper or black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon tumeric
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the salt, paprika, white pepper, onion powder, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and turmeric together until everything is well distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or jar, to keep the moisture out of the seasoning, and store it in your pantry for up to 6 months.
Olivia
Yum! I love how easy this was to put together and how flavorful it is! Thank you!!
Andie
Yum!! Saving this recipe because it was so yummy!
Caroline Y
SOOOO easy! I won't but from the store again!! It tastes better too so thank you!
Kristen Chidsey
Wonderful! So happy to hear you enjoy this seasoning!