Adobo Spice Blend

Name: Adobo Spice Blend
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Latin
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; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust based on your fire tolerance)

Published: Mar 7, 2024 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 1 review

Get ready to up your flavor game with homemade adobo seasoning – an all-purpose homemade spice blend that'll make your meals go from meh to wow in no time.

top view, close up view of homemade adobo seasoning in a white bowl with a teaspoon in the bowl.

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 Adobo Blend?
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
How To Make Adobo Spice Blend
Ways to Use Adobo Seasoning Blend
Top Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
More Delicious Vegan Condiments
Recipe
Craving More Nuts & Twigs?
Comments

Why Make Your Own Adobo 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.

top view of the different seasonings in individual bowls with ingredient names around each.

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 Adobo Spice Blend

For those who like pictures, it's this easy to make. See the recipe card for more details.

top view of adobo seasonings in a mortar.

Step 1: In a bowl, combine all the spices and whisk them together until you achieve a harmonious blend.

mixed up adobo seasonings in a mortar with a wooden spoon in the seasoning.

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.

adobo seasoning in a rectangular glass jar with a label that says Adobo blend 100 % natural

Ways to Use Adobo Seasoning Blend

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 view of a teaspoon scooping homemade adobo seasoning from a glass container.

Top Tips

Experiment in Dishes: 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.
Adjust to Your Taste: Don’t worry about tweaking the recipe to suit your taste buds. More heat, less salt? This spice mix is your canvas.
Grind Your Own: 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store homemade adobo seasoning?

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.

Is it cheaper to make adobo seasoning at home?

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.