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Adobo Seasoning Recipe

Adobo seasoning is one of those quintessential Filipino dishes that’s so popular across the country, and around the world.

It has such a deep history behind it — originally coming from Spain, where it was first created as a meat marinade for beef or lamb — but its popularity speaks volumes about how well it works on just about anything.

The spicy, fragrant, salty mixture will give your food a boost of flavor and kick that most other seasonings simply cannot match.

And while we love it all year round, when it comes time for the holidays, nothing beats a warm bowl of steaming hot adobo soup.

If you’re looking to try out some new recipes featuring an adobo seasoning mix, here’s everything you need to know about making one at home.

We’ll show you exactly what goes into the mix along with tips for adjusting its flavor depending on which type of meal you want to prepare.

Plus, if you’re ready to start experimenting right away, check out our guide to adobo spice blends.

Adobo Seasoning Recipe

What Are The Main Ingredients In An Adobo Seasoning Recipe?

The basic components of a typical adobo seasoning include vinegar, soy sauce, salt, sugar, pepper, bay leaves, garlic, onion powder, annatto (a natural coloring agent), cumin, paprika, cinnamon, star anise, peppercorns, cloves, turmeric, ginger, coriander seeds, mustard seed, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, cardamom, black pepper, chiles de arbol, oregano, thyme, and more.

Some cooks may also use anchovies, shrimp paste, fish sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, coconut milk, lime juice, and/or tomato paste.

How Long Does It Take To Make Adobo Seasoning?

It takes anywhere between 20 minutes and two hours to make enough adobo seasoning to last through several meals.

Typically, you should have ample amounts left over after preparing your finished dish.

However, if you intend to cook multiple batches of your meal, it might help to plan ahead so that you have plenty of time to let the mixture sit before adding it to the pan.

Adobo Seasoning Recipe

Is It Possible To Make Adobo Seasoning Without Using Garlic?

While many people like to use garlic in their adobo seasoning recipes, others prefer not to.

If you don’t enjoy the taste of garlic, you can still get great results by removing it from the final product altogether.

Just keep in mind that you won’t achieve the same complex flavors and aromas unless you use some form of flavoring agent instead.

How Much Of Each Ingredient Is Typically Used In An Adobo Seasoning Recipe?

When planning your own adobo seasoning recipe, remember that every cookbook is different.

You should always follow the instructions given by the author who wrote the book.

But generally speaking, most recipes call for somewhere between 1 teaspoon to 2 teaspoons of each ingredient per pound of meat.

For example, if you were following a recipe calling for 3 pounds of chicken breasts, you would measure out 3 tablespoons of each ingredient.

What Is The Best Way To Store Homemade Adobo Seasoning?

You shouldn’t refrigerate your freshly made adobo seasoning because it tends to lose its potency once exposed to air moisture.

Instead, you should immediately transfer the mix to an airtight container and label it with the date.

This will ensure that your seasoning remains fresh until you are ready to use it again.

Adobo Seasoning Recipe

How Can You Adjust The Flavor Of Adobo Seasoning?

There are a number of ways that you can customize the flavor of your adobo seasoning.

You can add more or less of certain elements, swap in another seasoning blend, or even use a different base.

Here are a few examples of how you could change things up:

Add chili flakes or crushed red peppers for a spicier flavor profile.

Replace some of the liquid with a bit of vegetable stock for a richer flavor.

Use ground dried chiles instead of whole ones.

Swap out the vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a sweeter flavor.

Incorporate additional herbs, spices, or other ingredients to create your own signature blend.

Are There Any Health Benefits Associated With An Adobo Seasoning Recipe?

Since adobo is traditionally served alongside seafood, it contains high levels of omega fatty acids.

These healthy fats contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants that protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

They also promote brain development and support overall good health.

In addition, they provide essential nutrients like vitamin A and C, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, protein, B vitamins, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, folates, pantothenic acid, calcium, and manganese.

Are There Any Substitutes That Can Be Used In Place Of The Ingredients In An Adobo Seasoning Recipe?

Yes! There are plenty of alternatives available these days.

Many grocery stores now carry premixed versions of traditional Filipino condiments that mimic the flavor profiles found in adobo.

Check out these brands: Adobong Pinoy Condiment Mix, Adobong Pili, Adobong Ketchup, and Adobong Mayo.

Adobo Seasoning Recipe

Adobo Seasoning

With garlic, oregano, pepper, and other optional ingredients, this Adobo seasoning recipe is an essential all-purpose blend in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. It's great for seasoning or marinating meats and vegetables.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Adobo Seasoning
Servings: 1
Calories: 117kcal

Equipment

  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano dried
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper or use ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional

Instructions

  • In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Make sure to blend evenly.
  • Transfer the adobo seasoning to a spice container and store in the refrigerator until needed. Keep it in a cool, dark place.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 117kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 2347mg | Potassium: 427mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1019IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 3mg
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