Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Achiote Paste

Stuck in a cooking rut with no achiote paste in sight? No sweat.

We’ve got your back with the top 5 swaps that’ll keep your dishes singing. You might think achiote is irreplaceable. Guess what?

There are treasures in your pantry waiting to be discovered. Each substitute we’re about to reveal isn’t just a stand-in; they’re stars in their own right, bringing unique flavors and vibes to the table.

Ever used paprika or turmeric and witnessed the magic they sprinkle on dishes? That’s the kind of transformation we’re talking about.

Sure, achiote has its charm, with its earthy, peppery taste, but wait until you see what we have up our sleeve.

These alternatives, from the familiar to the might-need-a-Google, promise to keep your kitchen adventures exciting. And trust us, your dishes will thank you.

What is Achiote Paste?

Achiote paste is a bright red, slightly tangy seasoning made from ground annatto seeds.

It can add flavor to stews, chicken, and rice dishes.

In Mexico, the paste is often cooked in oil or lard before adding to a dish.

Different names throughout Latin America know achiote paste.

It may be called achiote paste, recado rojo or annatto paste.

Achiote paste can be used to marinate the meat before cooking.

Marinating the meat in the seasoning for 4 hours is usually enough to flavor it.

If you wish to add more intense flavor, marinate the meat overnight in a sealed container.

After this point, discard the leftover paste and rinse the meat thoroughly before cooking it.

The paste is also used with other spices and ingredients to create a flavorful broth for braising meat or cooking rice.

Achiote paste can be purchased at most Latin grocery stores and some well-stocked supermarkets.

In a pinch, you can make your paste by combining annatto seeds with either oil or lard.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Achiote Paste

Achiote paste adds a distinct flavor and vibrant reddish-orange color to dishes.

However, if you don’t have achiote paste available or want alternatives, there are several substitutes that can provide similar characteristics and flavors.

In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for achiote paste, comparing their key characteristics and providing the proper ratios to ensure the best results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Harissa	Spicy, smoky, and provides a complex flavor	Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 tablespoon of harissa
Sambal Olek	Spicy, tangy, and adds heat to dishes	Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek
Make Your Paste	Customizable, allows you to control flavors and spice levels	Prepare a mixture of ground annatto seeds, vinegar, garlic, spices, and oil, according to recipe
Cumin and Cayenne Pepper	Earthy, smoky, and adds heat to dishes	Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin + 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Guajillo Chili Powder	Mildly spicy and imparts a rich, smoky flavor	Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 tablespoon of guajillo chili powder

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Harissa

Harissa is a paste made from chilies, coriander, caraway seeds, and garlic.

You can make it yourself or purchase it at your local Middle Eastern market.

This strong chili paste has an intense flavor.

It may add heat to meat dishes throughout North Africa and France.

The sauce may also be used as a spread for sandwiches.

Harissa can be made from a variety of different types of chili peppers.

The sauce is typically eaten with lamb dishes.

Furthermore, this paste has a rich and smoky flavor similar to both paprika and cayenne pepper.

• Key Characteristics: Harissa is a spicy and smoky chili paste that can add complexity to dishes. While it may not replicate the exact flavor of achiote paste, it offers a similar vibrant color and robust taste.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 tablespoon of harissa. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

2 – Sambal Olek

Sambal oelek is a chili paste from Indonesia.

It comes from a mixture of red chilies, vinegar, sugar, and salt.

You may find this delicious condiment in Asian grocery stores and online retailers.

It’s crucial to note that it has a much saltier flavor than other chili pastes.

This is due to the addition of salt to the mixture.

When cooking with Sambal oelek, you can add it to marinades or use it in stir-fry recipes.

It’ll also give any dish added heat and smokiness.

This chili paste is made from any chili pepper.

It can be red or green, depending on the used mix.

• Key Characteristics: Sambal Olek is a spicy and tangy chili paste that brings heat to recipes. It can be used as a substitute for achiote paste, providing a kick of flavor and color.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

3 – Make Your Paste

It’s possible to make your achiote paste.

To do this, you’ll need lard and annatto seeds.

For every three tablespoons of lard, add one tablespoon of annatto seeds.

Once you have the mixture in an airtight container, let it sit overnight in a dark place at room temperature.

Once this paste has rested, combine it with lime juice and cumin.

This mixture will be your achiote paste substitute.

The result is a vibrant orange-colored paste that can be used as needed.

You may use this condiment for stews, marinades, or rice dishes.

It’s also great for fish or chicken recipes.

• Key Characteristics: Making your own paste allows you to customize the flavors and spice levels according to your preferences. This method gives you control over the ingredients and can be a suitable alternative to achiote paste.
• Proper Ratio: Prepare a mixture of ground annatto seeds, vinegar, garlic, spices, and oil according to the recipe you are following. Adjust the proportions of each ingredient to achieve the desired flavor and consistency.

4 – Cumin and Cayenne Pepper

Cumin is an aromatic, peppery spice that can be used as a substitute for achiote paste.

In addition to cumin, you may also add cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Combine these two spices and use them in similar ways as achiote paste.

Cumin is most popular in Mexican and Mediterranean cooking.

It’s crucial to know that this spice has a slightly bitter taste, making it ideal for stews, soups, and marinades.

Cumin also pairs well with tomatoes, onion, and garlic.

Cilantro may be added to cumin if achiote paste is unavailable.

This mixture may be used as a marinade for chicken dishes.

• Key Characteristics: A combination of ground cumin and cayenne pepper can provide an earthy and smoky flavor, along with some heat. Although it won’t mimic the exact taste of achiote paste, it can add depth to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Adjust the quantities based on your preferred level of spiciness and smokiness.

5 – Guajillo Chili Powder

Guajillo chili powder is made from ground guajillo chilies.

The powder’s flavor is similar to that of ancho or chipotle pepper, which are both commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

However, it isn’t as spicy as those peppers.

This red chili powder can be used as a substitute for achiote paste.

Combine the powder with other spices and use it in your recipes.

It’s possible to make your guajillo chili powder by using dried guajillo chilies and grinding them into a fine powder.

Then, combine the powder with other spices and use it in your recipes.

You can even use the mixture as a marinade for chicken or fish dishes.

• Key Characteristics: Guajillo chili powder offers a mildly spicy flavor and imparts a rich, smoky taste to dishes. It can provide a similar depth and color as achiote paste.
• Proper Ratio: Replace 1 tablespoon of achiote paste with 1 tablespoon of guajillo chili powder. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

Conclusion

Achiote paste is a popular ingredient in Latin American cooking.

This condiment is typically made from annatto seeds, allspice, and other spices.

However, it can be difficult to find this product when traveling worldwide.

Luckily, there are several great substitutes that you may utilize in your recipes.

Harissa, sambal oelek, achiote paste, make your paste, or guajillo chili powder can be substituted for this condiment.

Each of these alternatives has the bright red color and smokiness that you’ll need to complete your Latin American recipes.