Easy Homemade Adobo Seasoning Recipe

Adobo seasoning probably isn’t really one of those all purpose seasoning mixes that you reach for a lot. Most likely you came here because a recipe called for it and you don’t have it. So you came looking for a recipe or for an adobo seasoning substitute. You can buy it at most grocery stores or you can just make it yourself.

Adobo is actually a sauce and comes from the Spanish word adobar which means marinade. Adobo seasoning would be the combination of herbs and spices that give it a flavor popular in Spanish, Puerto Rican and Mexican cooking. But it is a good multi-purpose seasoning too and shouldn’t be limited to just Latin recipes.

What is adobo seasoning made of?

Adobo usually is made from a spice mix of of onion powder, oregano, cumin and garlic powder. It also includes black pepper and sometimes paprika or chili powder. It’s a spice blend of ingredients you probably already have at home. Some versions call for salt, some use tumeric. But essentially it’s a seasoning with Latin flavors.

Where can I buy adobo seasoning?

Goya adobo is a popular brand that you can find in a low of grocery stores. Amazon has it but not on their Prime program and it looks pricey there too. But this gives you an idea of what to look for.

Their tag line is “a simple shake is all it takes.”

If you want to buy it in bulk, they have an online store or they have a store locator on their website to see where to find it near you.

What is a good substitute for adobo seasoning?

It’s going to hard to imitate Goya seasoning without having their exact recipe, but you can find a number of substitutes online. Most of them call for similar ingredients to my recipe below, while others are simpler and mimic the Goya brand. It’s really a matter of taste and how close to authentic you want to be.

This seasoning is what adds delicious flavor to my goulash recipes.

Grab the recipe below:

Adobo Seasoning Recipe

Adobo seasoning is an all-purpose seasoning used in Mexican dishes, but is versatile enough for all of your cooking. 

Print Rate

Course: Seasonings

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: mexican, seasonings, spices

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: 730 Sage Street

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp paprika
• 2 tsp black pepper
• 1-1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1-1/2 tsp oregano
• 1-1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder (or chipotle powder)

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a small, air-tight jar.
• Shake to combine.
• Store in a cool, dry place with your normal spices.

Notes

Note: Serving size varies based upon how much your recipe calls for.

Information shown is an estimate and is for information only. 730 Sage Street is not responsible for the factual accuracy of any nutrition information, calculations or claims.

If you are looking for a taco seasoning try my homemade recipe.