Get ready to up your flavor game with all purpose adobo seasoning recipe – an all-purpose homemade spice blend that'll make your meals go from meh to wow in no time.
The best way to start this post is to say that this is not the Filipino adobo some of you may know and love. In the Philippines, adobo is a savory, slightly tangy, and mildly sweet stew. Adobo actually refers to the cooking method and dish.
My roots are Cuban, and in our household, adobo meant a seasoning mix or marinade rather than a stew.
In this post, I'm referring to the spice blend used to season meats and vegetables. It was basically in many things we ate. It was a single seasoning blend that could do the heavy lifting of a whole spice rack.
A couple of shakes of Goya's Adobo and your meal went from meh to "more please" without digging through a clutter of little jars. Talk about a flavor lifeline and a time-saver rolled into one for my mom.
So even though Goya's Adobo is fantastic and can be found in the International sections of most major grocery chains, I always like to make some spice blends at home. It's a great way to tailor it to what I like most in the blend.
For more delicious seasoning blends in your plant-based recipes, check out Italian Seasoning Substitute, Bijol Traditional Latin Seasoning Condiment, Homemade Taco Seasoning, or Creole Seasoning Recipe. Explore more variety at 20 Seasoning Blends.
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Why Make Your Own All Purpose Adobo Seasoning Recipe Blend?
Pre-packaged adobo blends often come with more than spices (hello, preservatives and additives we can’t pronounce).
When you whip up your own batch, you get to call the shots – from the spice level to the salt content. This recipe is meant to be altered to your preference.
You can have a ready made blend to sprinkle on roasted veggies, tofu stir-fries, or mix it into beans and grains. It brings a depth of flavor that can transform even the simplest plant-based dish into something mouthwateringly delicious in the fastest way possible.
Ingredients
Ready to become a seasoning mixologist? Here’s all you need for a simple yet spectacular adobo seasoning recipe that’s versatile, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. See the recipe card for quantities but remember to alter them as you deem necessary.
Ingredient Notes
- Paprika - use smoked or sweet
- Chili powder - adjust based on your fire tolerance
- Salt - adjust to taste or dietary needs
How To Make All-Purpose Adobo Seasoning
For those who like pictures, it's this easy to make. See the recipe card for more details.
Step 1: In a bowl, combine all the spices and whisk them together until you achieve a harmonious blend.
Step 2: Taste your creation and adjust the salt or chili powder to your liking. Remember, you're the flavor boss.
Transfer your adobo seasoning to an airtight container or spice jar. This mix stays fresh and happy for about 6 months.
Ways to Use Adobo Seasoning
This adobo seasoning isn’t just a one-trick pony. Here’s where to sprinkle some quick flavor boost into your meals:
- Black Beans: Whenever I'm in a rush and need something quick, I grab a can of black beans and warm them up on the stove, tossing a few shakes of adobo seasoning. Works like a charm every time.
- Tofu and Tempeh: Sprinkle some tofu or tempeh in adobo seasoning before baking, grilling, or sautéing to infuse them with a savory depth.
- Veggie Transformation: Sprinkle adobo seasoning over your favorite vegetables before roasting or grilling. It's particularly great with sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and cauliflower, adding a smoky, flavorful kick. Try it on these Sheet Pan Oven Roasted Vegetables.
- Soups and Stews: Boost the flavor of vegan soups and stews by adding a tablespoon (or to taste) of adobo seasoning. It works wonders in lentil soups like Healthy Red Lentil Soup, vegetable stews like Best Cuban Inspired Vegan Lentil Soup, and any bean chilis like Vegan Chili With TVP.
- Plant-Based Meats: Elevate plant-based meat dishes, such as vegan burgers or meatballs, by incorporating adobo seasoning. It adds an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish more complex and satisfying. Give it a try in this Chipotle Black Bean Burger.
- Rice and Grains: Mix adobo seasoning into your rice, Simple Instant Pot Yellow Rice, or quinoa while cooking to imbue the grains with a fragrant and spicy flavor profile.
- Popcorn Snack Time: Toss freshly popped popcorn with some adobo seasoning and nutritional yeast for a spicy and cheesy snack without the cheese!
- Savory Breakfasts: Shake some adobo seasoning onto avocado toast or mix it into this High Protein Tofu Scramble for a breakfast that wakes you up!
- Dressings and Sauces: Create zesty dressings and sauces by adding adobo seasoning. It's perfect in a creamy avocado dressing like Easy Fast Vegan Avocado Crema, or tahini-based dressings, giving salads and bowls a flavorful punch.
Top Tips
- Don't just stick to the usual suspects with adobo seasoning – toss it into all sorts of recipes and see how it flavors them up. Even if I don’t call for adobo in the recipes here, you can totally swap in this magic mix for the seasonings listed.
- If you have whole spices, grinding them yourself can make for a fresher, more aromatic blend. A coffee grinder dedicated to spices is perfect for this or a mortar and pestle also works.
FAQS
Think about putting a date label on your seasoning when you whip it up. Adobo seasoning keeps its kick for quite some time, peaking in flavor if you use it within the first 6 months or so. That's the usual spice spiel, but between us, I let mine hang out in the pantry a bit longer, and it still packs a punch just fine.
Making adobo seasoning at home can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made blends. You can buy spices in bulk and avoid the premium prices of packaged seasoning mixes.
More Delicious Vegan Condiments
What did you think?
Got a minute? Dive into the comments and rate this recipe to let me know how it turned out for you. Was it a hit? Any twists you added? I want to know if my directions were any good or if you plan to make it. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
All Purpose Adobo Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons salt adjust to taste or dietary needs
- 1 tablespoon paprika smoked or sweet
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon chili powder adjust based on your fire tolerance
Instructions
- Combine: Mix all the spices in a bowl and give them a good whisk until they're perfectly blended together.
- Adjust: Sample your blend, tweaking the salt or chili powder to hit your flavor sweet spot.
- Store: Once satisfied, scoop your adobo mix into an airtight container or spice jar. Stored like this, it'll keep for up to 6 months.
Rachel Meadows says
Hi, I accidentally stumbled upon your site and I'm so glad I did. This looks great and can't wait to try it.
Regi Pearce says
So glad you stumbled! Haha - Stop back again and let me know what you thought of the blend. Thanks for the comment.