Our adobo seasoning recipe is an incredibly versatile spice mix that can be used in and on just about everything! It’s as ubiquitous as salt and pepper in some countries, so give it a try and spice up your own cooking!
What Is Adobo Seasoning?
If you’ve been to Latin America or eaten in a restaurant that serves Latin American or Filipino cuisine, odds are you’ve enjoyed the flavors of an adobo spice mixture. The spices used vary in different regions, but typically it will have garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and sometimes other spices such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
It’s savory with a slight tang; the spice level depends on which ingredients were used, but it’s typically not very spicy. Of course, spice lovers can just kick theirs up a notch by adding whatever they like!
Different versions are available at almost any grocery store, but it’s so simple to make a DIY adobo mix that not only tastes better and will be just the way you like it, but it costs much less! It also uses herbs and spices that you likely already have on hand in your pantry.
Adobo Seasoning Ingredients
Our adobo seasoning recipe uses these herbs and spices for a flavorful spice mix:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- White or black pepper
- Salt
You can also add hot or smoked paprika for even more flavor, or try adding a little cumin or chili powder until you find the flavors you like best.
How To Make This Adobo Seasoning Recipe
It’s so simple to make adobo seasoning that there’s no reason to ever buy it at the store. With so few ingredients, it takes less than five minutes to mix together.
Place the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, salt, and paprika (if you’re using it) into a small bowl and mix it well. You can add a little turmeric for color, too. That’s it, you’re done!
You can also put the spices into the jar that you’ll be using to store it, then simply shake it until it’s completely mixed.
Uses For Adobo Seasoning
You can use a homemade Adobo spice mix in just about anything! It’s incredibly versatile and can be added to almost any meal to maximize flavor. Here are some ways we love to use it:
- As a marinade – Mix adobo seasoning with olive oil and lime juice for a flavorful marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or beef. Marinate for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
- As a seasoning for grilled meats – Sprinkle adobo seasoning onto meats before grilling. It works particularly well on chicken, steak, pork chops, or even fish.
- As a rub before roasting meats – Rub adobo seasoning on chicken, pork, or beef before roasting in the oven. It adds a lot of flavor for minimal effort.
- Add it to soups and stews – When your soup or stew needs that little extra “something”, try adding a tablespoon of adobo seasoning!
- It’s great on vegetables – Toss vegetables in a little olive oil and adobo seasoning before roasting or sauteing. Try it on potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. It adds a flavorful kick and pairs well with the natural sweetness of vegetables.
- Seasoning for rice – Mix adobo seasoning into cooked rice, quinoa, or other grains for a flavorful side dish.
- Make an easy bean side dish – Stir adobo seasoning into cooked beans, lentils, or chickpeas for added flavor. It makes a delicious side dish or filling for tacos and burritos.
- Add it to sauces and dips – Mix adobo seasoning into sauces, dips, or dressings. It works well in creamy dips like sour cream or yogurt-based sauces.
- It’s delicious on seafood – Sprinkle adobo seasoning on fish or shrimp before grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
- Use it to flavor your snacks – Sprinkle adobo seasoning on popcorn, roasted nuts, or homemade potato chips.
- It works for breakfast, too! – Mix homemade adobo seasoning into scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas. Or add a little to the butter or oil in a hot pan before frying your eggs.
- As an all-purpose seasoning – Use it on just about anything, like a dish of cottage cheese, on pizza (really!), or even mixed with a little olive oil and brushed onto pita or naan bread.
- Mix a little with mayo for a delicious sandwich spread – Especially with chicken. It also makes a great dressing for chicken salad.
How To Store Homemade Adobo Seasoning
Store your DIY adobo mix in a small container or spice jar. Keep it in a cool, dry location to help extend its shelf life. It will keep indefinitely, but try to use it within a few months before it begins to lose flavor.
Adobo Seasoning Recipe
Our adobo seasoning recipe is an incredibly versatile spice mix that can be used in and on just about everything! Give it a try and spice up your cooking!
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp white or black pepper
Optional spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients into a small bowl and mix well. Store in a small container or spice jar in a cool, dry place (such as your pantry).
Notes
If you’re a garlic lover, adjust the amounts to three tbsp garlic powder and just one tbsp onion powder. Adjust the other seasonings to your preference, too!
Try These Seasonings Next!
- Takis Powder Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Flamin Hot Cheetos Seasoning
- The Best Blackening Seasoning
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