Throw away those single-use packets — making your own homemade Sazon seasoning is simple, fast, and best of all, free from added MSG when you make it yourself.
Homemade Sazon Recipe
Sazon is the go-to seasoning blend in many Latin kitchens — it brightens rice, beans, stews and meats and adds that characteristic warm color and savory aroma. I use this blend on wings and grilled chicken, and it’s great stirred into classic dishes like Mom’s Chicken and Rice, Sofrito Chicken Stew, Chicken and Lentil Soup, and more. It’s a staple in my pantry and my kids love the flavor it adds to everyday meals.
Commercial sazon packets are convenient, but many brands include additives like MSG. I stopped buying one popular brand years ago after learning it contained MSG, and though there are other store-bought options, they can be hard to find. Making your own lets you control the ingredients, avoid unwanted additives, and keep a jar of seasoning on hand for any recipe that calls for sazon. Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons of this homemade mix in place of one commercial packet.
The most distinctive ingredient in traditional sazon is ground annatto (achiote), which provides the golden-yellow color. Annatto comes from the seeds of the achiote tree and is used across many cuisines — in some places it’s called sindoor or atsuete. You can find annatto (ground) in Hispanic markets and many spice shops; if you can’t find it, turmeric is a suitable substitute for color and mild flavor.
Making this blend takes only minutes. Mix the spices, store them in an airtight container, and use the blend whenever a recipe calls for a packet of sazon. The flavor is bright, garlicky and earthy with warm notes from cumin and coriander, and the simplicity of the mix means it complements many dishes without overpowering them.
More Latin Recipes You Might Enjoy:
- Crockpot Sazon Pork Chops
- Skillet Sazon Chicken Tenders
- Carne Guisada (Latin Beef Stew)
- Crock Pot Picadillo
- Arroz con Gandules
Homemade Sazon Seasoning Recipe
Yield: 12 servings (about 6 tablespoons total)
Serving Size: 1/2 teaspoon
Note: 1 1/2 teaspoons of this mix equals one packet of commercial sazon.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground annatto (achiote) or turmeric (as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir together until evenly blended.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container or spice jar and label with the date.
- Store the seasoning in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. It will keep best for several months, but the flavor is freshest within the first 3–6 months.
- Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of the mix to replace one packet of store-bought sazon in recipes, or sprinkle to taste on meats, rice, beans, soups and stews.
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder by 1/2 teaspoon.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if you plan to use the mix as a table seasoning. Use less salt if you prefer a lower-sodium blend.
- For a smoky twist, add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. For a bit of heat, include 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- If you can find whole annatto seeds, toast them briefly and grind them for a fresher annatto flavor. Otherwise, ground annatto or turmeric works well for color and subtle flavor.
Nutrition (approximate per 1/2 tsp)
Calories: 7 · Carbohydrates: 1 g · Sodium: 281 mg
Last Step:
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and a comment to share how you used the sazon and any tweaks you liked — your feedback helps others and keeps great recipes coming.