7 Best Substitutes For Achiote Paste
Achiote (ah-chee-oh-tay) paste is a popular condiment in Latin American, Central American, and Caribbean cuisines thanks to its pungent, earthy flavor and bright yellow or reddish color that it adds to several dishes.
In case you don’t have any achiote paste, there are several great alternatives that you can use in its place!
So, what are the best substitutes for achiote paste? Some of the best achiote paste substitutes include harissa, sambal oelek, Guajillo chili, paprika paste, Tex Mex paste, and more.
Read on to find out more about achiote paste, what it is made from, what it tastes like, how to use it, and some of the best substitutes to use in its place!
What Is Achiote?
Achiote (also called annatto) is a small, reddish seed that comes from the achiote tree.
This tree grows in South and Central America and its seeds have a distinct, slightly earthy flavor and red-orange hue.
Its flavor and color make achiote a great condiment and food colorant for various sweet and savory dishes.
In addition to its culinary uses, achiote is also known for its medicinal properties in treating various digestive and skin disorders.
What Is Achiote Powder?
Achiote powder is basically achiote seeds ground into a fine powder used for flavoring food.
Commonly used in Latin American and Mexican cuisines, you can make your own achiote powder by cleaning and roasting achiote seeds and grinding them into a fine powder.
What Is Achiote Paste?
Achiote paste, also called “annatto paste” or “bija paste,” is a condiment made with annatto seeds, cumin, pepper, coriander, oregano, garlic, and cloves.
Its star ingredient, annatto seeds (commonly known in Mexico as achiote), has been used by people in Central and South America and the Caribbean for centuries to give a yellowish or bright red color to skin, cloth, and food.
Achiote paste has an earthy, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor and can be used as a sauce, marinade, or rub for meat, chicken, pork, and fish. It is mostly used to flavor dishes in Latin American cuisine including tacos, tamales, and enchiladas.
Pre-made achiote paste is easy to purchase and is available in stores and online — try the El Yucateco Achiote Paste on Amazon!
How Is Achiote Paste Used In Recipes?
Achiote paste is used in many Latin American and Caribbean dishes to add a distinctive flavor and color.
It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes and is particularly popular in Puerto Rican cuisine.
There are several ways to use achiote paste — you can add it directly to your recipes or mixed with other ingredients.
You can mix it with other herbs and spices to create a marinade for adding flavor and a depth of richness to your dishes. You can also add it to your soups, stews, and sauces to make them more colorful.
To use achiote paste as a rub, apply it generously to your meat or fish, then let it sit for about 4-6 hours — this is usually enough to give it flavor, but if you want a more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight in an airtight container.
Before cooking, make sure you discard the leftover paste and rinse the meat before cooking.
You can even dilute it with water, broth, citrus juice, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce. The paste can also be added to empanada and tamale dough for flavor and a nice, vibrant color.
Achiote paste can be quite strong, which is why when using it in recipes, make sure to start with a small amount and add more according to your taste.
You can always add more if you feel that the dish needs more flavor, but you can’t remove it once it has been added and mixed into the dish.
Best Substitutes For Achiote
If you can’t get your hands on some achiote paste, you can substitute it with another product with similar properties such as harissa, Sambal Oelek, Guajillo chili, and Tex Mex paste — we’ll explain why below, don’t worry.
The key to finding the best achiote paste substitute is to experiment with different flavors and figure out what works best for your recipe.
Whether you opt for harissa or Tex Mex, there are plenty of options for creating delicious dishes that do not rely solely on this unique spice.
Whichever substitute you choose, just make sure to add it slowly to your dish so that you don’t end up with a dish that is too spicy.
With a little trial and error, you should be able to find the perfect substitute for achiote paste for all your favorite recipes!
1. Harissa
Harissa is a chili paste of North African origin used most commonly in Moroccan, Tunisian, and Algerian cuisines.
It is made using chilies, including bell peppers, coriander, caraway seeds, and garlic, all of which are ground into paste form.
There are several variations of harissa, depending on the country where it is made, with some using whole chilies instead of ground ones.
Some may also have additional spices and ingredients such as rose water. All of its variants are quite flavorful and are perfect as an ingredient or condiment.
This spicy sauce has a peppery and smoky flavor with different levels of heat depending on the type of peppers and chilies used to make it. It also has strong garlicky notes that are elevated with a kick of citrus.
Not every harissa paste is the same; there are several varieties available in Middle Eastern stores as well as online. Some are smooth while others may be on the chunky side.
Try the Mina Harissa Spicy Sauce on Amazon — you can also make your own harissa paste at home!
A great substitute for achiote paste, harissa is traditionally used in foods made with lamb meat. It is used to flavor soups and stews, season meat and vegetables, and as a sandwich spread for an earthy, spicy, and smoky kick!
2. Sambal Oelek
Sambal is an aromatic condiment made of dry and fresh ground herbs and spices.
Similar to salsa in Mexico and chutney in India, there are several types of sambals in Indonesia that vary depending on local ingredients and preferences. The sambal you’ll most likely find in the United States is Sambal Oelek.
Sambal Oelek is an Indonesian chili paste made with equal parts red chilies, vinegar, sugar, and salt. There are several ways to make Sambal Oelek, with some variations containing onions and lemons as well.
It has a spicy taste and is significantly saltier than other chili pastes, and is most often sold in Asian grocery stores as well as online — try the Huey Fong Sambal Oelek Chili Paste on Amazon!
Perfect for marinades and stir-fries, Sambal Oelek adds an extra layer of heat to your dish and is an excellent substitute for achiote paste.
3. Guajillo Chili Powder
Another great alternative to achiote paste, Guajillo powder is a Mexican chili powder made with ground guajillo chilies.
Guajillo chilies are not that spicy — they have a Scoville rating of 1,500-2,500 and are a perfect option for people who prefer milder flavors.
Guajillo chili powder has a smoky, sweet flavor that can add depth to your dish and is ideal for chicken and fish marinades. It also pairs well with other ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, and cumin.
You can buy the Amazing Chiles And Spices’ Guajillo Chile Powder on Amazon, or make your own at home using dried guajillo peppers and a spice grinder.
4. Paprika Paste
Paprika paste is made from dried and ground red peppers and is another suitable substitute for achiote paste. While it may not give the exact same results flavor-wise, it does add a bright red color to the dish.
Both paprika and achiote are common spices used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines and, although not the same, they can be used interchangeably in certain dishes.
Paprika is made from red peppers and has a mild, sweet flavor that works great as a seasoning or to add color to various types of dishes such as stews and soups.
You can buy the Authentic Univer Piros Arany Red Gold Hungarian Paprika Paste on Amazon, or try making your own paprika paste at home.
When using paprika paste as a substitute for achiote paste, we suggest starting with a small amount and adding more if needed. This tip is useful when replacing achiote paste with any substitute so that you don’t go overboard.
5. Tex Mex Paste
Tex Mex paste is a popular condiment in Southwestern cuisine. Made with ancho chili peppers, garlic, cumin, and other spices, it shares similar ingredients to achiote paste and is a good replacement for it.
Made extremely popular by HelloFresh, a meal kit delivery service, Tex Mex paste is a great rub for meats and makes a flavorful taco filling.
You can’t find this particular brand of paste in stores, but there are several similar seasoning blends that make a great achiote replacement. It is also incredibly easy to make at home and you can do so using just a few basic ingredients.
When using Tex Mex paste as a meat rub, mix it with some olive oil and apply it all over the meat. The paste will not only infuse the meat with more flavor but also help tenderize it.
To use it as a filling for tacos, simply mix it with your choice of protein and add a bit of taco seasoning for extra flavor.
6. Cumin And Cayenne Pepper
When looking for a suitable replacement for achiote paste, you can look for spices with similar flavors and aroma, such as cumin — an aromatic spice with peppery notes. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper to the mix for a bit of heat!
When mixed together, cumin and cayenne pepper can be used in a similar manner as achiote paste. It is an excellent choice for stews, soups, and marinades, but you need to keep in mind that this combination has a slightly bitter taste.
Cumin and cayenne pepper go well with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, all of which help elevate the flavor of the dish.
7. Homemade Achiote Paste
If you can’t get your hands on storebought achiote paste and do not wish to use any of the above-mentioned substitutes, you can make your own achiote paste at home!
Homemade achiote paste, like other homemade condiments, is superior and has a much better flavor as it is fresh and free of preservatives. It is full of rich, bold, and tangy flavors and colors that will enhance any dish to which it is added.
All you need is a few basic ingredients and a spice mill and blender. Here’s how you can make the best achiote paste at home!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup annatto seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup bitter orange juice
Instructions
1. Gather all your ingredients.
2. Use a spice mill (or mortar and pestle) to grind the annatto seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, peppercorns, and cloves.
3. Add the ground spices to a blender along with the salt, garlic, and bitter orange juice.
4. Process the mixture until it turns into a smooth paste.
5. Store the achiote paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it as and when required.
Notes
- If you do not have a spice mill, grinder, or mortar and pestle, you can also use an old coffee grinder to grind the spices. If you do, make sure you don’t use it later for coffee as the strong seasoning flavor and aroma of achiote paste will most likely be left behind.
- You can purchase bitter orange juice at the supermarket and online, where it is commonly labeled as “sour orange” — buy the Goya Bitter Orange Marinade on Amazon!
- As an alternative to bitter orange juice, you can use orange juice plus Mexican lime juice or white vinegar.
Homemade Achiote Paste
Homemade achiote paste, like other homemade condiments, is superior and has a much better flavor as it is fresh and free of preservatives. It is full of rich, bold, and tangy flavors and colors that will enhance any dish to which it is added.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup annatto seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 2 whole cloves
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup bitter orange juice
Instructions
1. Gather all your ingredients.
2. Use a spice mill (or mortar and pestle) to grind the annatto seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, peppercorns, and cloves.
3. Add the ground spices to a blender along with the salt, garlic, and bitter orange juice.
4. Process the mixture until it turns into a smooth paste.
5. Store the achiote paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it as and when required.
Notes
- If you do not have a spice mill, grinder, or mortar and pestle, you can also use an old coffee grinder to grind the spices. If you do, make sure you don’t use it later for coffee as the strong seasoning flavor and aroma of achiote paste will most likely be left behind.
- You can purchase bitter orange juice at the supermarket and online, where it is commonly labeled as “sour orange” — buy the GoyaBitter Orange Marinade on Amazon!
- As an alternative to bitter orange juice, you can use orange juice plus Mexican lime juice or white vinegar.
Related Questions
Now that you know all about achiote paste and the substitutes to use in its place, here are a few additional questions we thought you might have.
What is achiote oil?
Achiote oil is a popular culinary ingredient made from achiote seeds and prized for its bold and mildly spicy flavor — try the La Favorita Vegetable Oil With Annato on Amazon!
If you’re making it at home, achiote oil is made by roasting achiote seeds until they become fragrant and then adding your choice of fat, such as coconut oil or olive oil.
You can also add other ingredients, such as onion and garlic — simply cook the mixture on low heat for several hours, then strain it through a fine mesh.
How long does achiote paste last?
Storebought achiote paste lasts a few months in the refrigerator due to the presence of preservatives.
Homemade achiote paste, on the other hand, stays fresh for 2 weeks in the refrigerator if kept in an airtight container.
To extend its shelf life, you can wrap your container of achiote paste in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze it for up to a year.
What is the difference between achiote paste and Sazon seasoning?
Although both achiote paste and Sazon are Latin seasonings used on meats, fish, poultry, and in soups and stews, they are very different.
Sazon is a type of seasoned salt sprinkled onto recipes for added flavor, while achiote paste gets its texture from a liquid such as bitter orange juice added to achiote powder.
Sazon also has cilantro whereas achiote paste uses cloves, creating two very distinct flavor profiles.
