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    Get Set Vegan » Substitute » Achiote Paste Substitute 

    Published: Sep 17, 2023 · Modified: Oct 30, 2024 by Hawwa · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Achiote Paste Substitute 

    If your recipe calls for Achiote Paste but you can’t find it, try one of these easy alternatives that bring the same vibrant color and earthy taste to your dishes!

    These Achiote Paste substitutes are as practical as Gochujang and Chili Oil alternatives. They're easy to find in your pantry or at the store and have a longer shelf life, ensuring they're always available when you need them.

    Achiote paste block with annatto seeds on the background. Overlaying text on top.

    Achiote paste isn’t a common ingredient unless you love Mexican cuisine and want your dishes to be vibrant and spicy. Its shelf life is only about 3-4 months, and it can spoil quickly if not refrigerated. I often find that after using it just once or twice, it’s gone bad by the time I need it again. 

    But enough of that sad story! Let’s explore some easily accessible substitutes for achiote paste. These alternatives have a longer shelf life, are easy to store, and offer a similar taste profile. Let’s dive in! 

    Jump to:
    • What is Achiote Paste? 
    • Achiote Paste Substitute 
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Food Substitutes

    When looking for an Achiote Paste Substitute, remember it’s mainly used for its vibrant color rather than its flavor, which is usually mild unless used in large amounts. Any alternative that provides a bright red-orange hue without significantly changing the taste of the dish can serve as a good substitute for achiote paste.

    What is Achiote Paste? 

    Achiote Paste is a red seasoning mix made from crushed Annatto Seeds and spices like garlic, cumin, and oregano. It adds an earthy, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor to food. People use it to marinate, flavor stews, or give dishes a bright red-orange color. It’s popular in Mexican and Latin American cooking, and makes dishes look and taste richer.

    Achiote Paste Substitute 

    Here are some substitute for achiote paste that offer a similar color and flavor:

    Annatto Powder

    Annatto Powder, made from ground annatto seeds, is a great alternative to achiote paste. It gives the same bold color and subtle earthy flavor. To make a paste, simply mix the powder with white vinegar. For stews, you can skip the vinegar and use the powder as is.  

    Since achiote paste is more concentrated, use 2 tsp of powder for every 1 tsp of achiote paste called for in the recipe. Achiote powder is one of the best substitutes for achiote paste. It works in almost any recipe and closely mimics thecolor, taste and flavor of the paste. 

    Annatto seeds powder on a wooden spoon.

    Annatto Oil 

    Annatto Oil is made by heating annatto seeds in oil, which gives the oil a vibrant red-orange color and a mild, earthy flavor. It’s a great substitute for achiote paste, adding both color and flavor to your dishes. When using annatto oil, you can replace other oils in the recipe, as it works as both a seasoning and cooking oil, giving your dish the same rich taste. Annatto Oil works as a great achiote paste alternate in stir fries and marinades.  

    Sazon Goya 

    Sazon Goya is an all-purpose seasoning blend made from salt, annatto seeds, coriander, and sometimes oregano. It comes in small, single-use sachets, which makes it convenient for long-term pantry storage. There are different varieties available, including low-sodium or salt-free options. Be sure to choose one with annatto seeds if you're using it as an achiote paste substitute.  

    For substitution, use a 1:2 ratio—if your recipe calls for 1 tsp of achiote paste, use 2 tsp of Sazon Goya. You can mix it with vinegar, water, or oil to create a paste for marinades. Sazon Goya works perfectly as a substitute in soups, stews, marinades, curries, and stir-fries! 

    Sazon goya seasoning sachet.

    Mexican Fiesta Seasoning 

    Another great all-purpose seasoning is Mexican Fiesta Seasoning. I found it a good alternative to achiote paste. This mix contains annatto seeds, chili peppers, dehydrated garlic, onion, and salt, adding a vibrant Mexican flavor to your dishes. I love using it in tacos, stews, rice, and curries.  

    This seasoning mix will slightly alter the flavor profile of your dish due to the additional ingredients. Be mindful of the salt content, as you may need to reduce the salt in your recipe. Since the amount of annatto seeds in this mix is low, use a 3:1 substitution ratio. If your recipe calls for 1 tsp of achiote paste, replace it with 3 tsp of this seasoning. 

    Mexican fiesta seasoning.

    Smoked Paprika 

    Smoked Paprika is a great substitute for achiote paste. It offers a similar earthy flavor with a smoky twist. To use smoked paprika as a substitute, keep in mind that it doesn’t have the same color intensity.  

    For every 1 tablespoon of achiote paste, use about 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika. This spice works well in marinades, stews, and sauces, adding a delightful flavor to your dishes. 

    Kashmiri Mirch   

    Kashmiri Mirch is another excellent substitute for achiote paste. It is a type of red chili powder known for its vibrant color and mild heat. While it lacks the earthy flavor of achiote, it provides a similar rich red hue to dishes.  

    To use Kashmiri Mirch as a substitute, mix it with a bit of oil or vinegar to create a paste-like consistency. For every 1 tablespoon of achiote paste, you can use about 1 tablespoon of Kashmiri Mirch. It works well in marinades, sauces, stews, curries, rice and soups adding a beautiful color to your dishes. 

    kashmiri mirch in a black bowl.

    Saffron 

    Saffron can be used as a substitute for achiote paste, though its floral and slightly sweet taste, along with its golden-yellow color, differs from achiote. It's also quite expensive, making it less ideal as an alternative. If you do use saffron, steep a few strands in warm water or broth to release its color and flavor before adding it to your dish. Since saffron is potent, use a pinch for every tablespoon of achiote paste, achieving a similar color but a different, unique flavor. 

    Saffron strings placed in a metal spoon.

    Turmeric Powder  

    Turmeric is a good substitute for achiote paste when you're looking for color rather than exact flavor. It provides a bright yellow hue similar to achiote’s red-orange color, but its earthy, slightly bitter flavor is different. You can also mix equal amount of paprika to get that red color and some smokey flavor hints. 

    Keep in mind that turmeric is stronger in taste, so use it sparingly. For every tablespoon of achiote paste, start with ½ teaspoon of turmeric to avoid overpowering the dish, especially in soups, stews, or marinades.  

    Mustard powder in a bowl,

    Tomato Paste 

    Tomato Paste can be used as a substitute for achiote paste when you're mainly looking for color. It provides a deep red hue, though the flavor is quite different, offering a rich, slightly sweet, and tangy taste. 

    To substitute use it in equal amount, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for 1 tablespoon of achiote paste. Keep in mind that it will change the flavor of your dish but can still work well in stews, marinades, and sauces. 

    Tomato paste can and a wooden spatula on top.

    DIY Achiote Paste 

    If you're looking for the same flavor and color profile without using any alternative ingredients, you can make fresh achiote paste at home. However, you'll need Annatto seeds to replicate the authentic achiote paste. Here's a simple recipe to create your homemade achiote paste, perfect as a substitute for store-bought versions. You'll enjoy the vibrant color and flavor, all made from scratch! 

    Harissa 

    Harissa Paste flavor profile is very different from achiote paste, but it provides a similar vibrant color. Use it as a substitute only if you're open to experimenting with flavors, as harissa adds a bold, smoky, and spicy kick. Keep in mind that its spice level is much higher, so adjust accordingly if you don't want too much heat in your dish.  

    If your recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of achiote paste, use ½ tablespoon of harissa as a substitute. This will help manage the spice level while still providing a similar color. Adjust further based on your spice tolerance. 

    Spoon filled with harissa paste.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is achiote paste made of?

    Achiote paste is primarily made from annatto seeds, spices like cumin and coriander, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Some variations may also include citrus juice or herbs for added flavor.

    What flavour is achiote?

    Achiote has a mild, slightly peppery, and earthy flavor with hints of citrus.

    Is achiote spicy?

    Achiote itself is not typically considered spicy. It has a mild, slightly peppery flavor with some earthy and citrusy undertones.

    Is achiote and paprika the same?

    No, achiote and paprika are not same. Achiote is derived from the seeds of the annatto tree, known for its vibrant color and mild, earthy flavor. In contrast, paprika is made from dried peppers and can range in flavor from sweet to smoky or spicy.

    Is achiote a herb or spice?

    Achiote is classified as a spice. It comes from the seeds of the annatto tree and is used primarily for its color and flavor in various cuisines.

    More Food Substitutes

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    • Agar Agar Powder Substitute
    • Five Spice Powder Substitute
    • Brown Lentils Substitute
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    • Fennel seeds in a heart shaped box
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    • Farro grains in background with text overlay
      Farro Substitutes   
    • Lemongrass substitute.
      Find the Best Lemongrass Substitute  

    When using any of these substitutes, remember to adjust the quantities to taste and to match the requirements of your specific recipe. These alternatives can help replicate the color and flavor of achiote paste, but keep in mind that they may not provide the exact same taste profile. 

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