This is my favorite seasoning mix of all time! It’s super versatile and really elevates the taste of all my favorite Cuban dishes.
I sometimes just add a teaspoon of this homemade spice blend to my recipes and don’t even bother with measuring out other spices. It pretty much has all I need!
I find that many storebought spice blends are made with additives and MSG which I’m not a fan of which is why I developed my own sazon completa recipe.
Not to mention, it’s way cheaper to just make this complete seasoning yourself.
Let me show you how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This homemade Cuban complete seasoning is a blend of:
- Ground coriander. Provides a citrusy yet earthy flavor.
- Ground annatto. Also known as achiote, it tastes woodsy, earthy, and peppery. If you can’t find annatto or achiote powder, you can substitute for paprika.
- Dried oregano. Mildly sweet, slightly bitter, and peppery.
- Ground cumin. Nutty, earthy, and warm.
- Garlic powder. Garlicky yet slightly sweet.
- Onion powder. Slightly sweet onion flavor.
- Salt.
- Pepper.
You can find all these spices in a Cuban kitchen. It’s a must! I like to think of this spice blend as a shortcut to all my favorite seasonings in one bottle.
When you’re buying these spices, make sure the ingredient list doesn’t have anything funky. The beauty of making this at home is no additives or MSG.
The recipe below makes 3 ounces which equates to about 18 teaspoons of seasoning.
What does complete seasoning taste like?
This homemade Cuban complete seasoning tastes savory and earthy but never spicy.
How long does this homemade complete seasoning last?
This homemade spice blend lasts up to 6 months in an empty spice bottle or even a mini mason jar.
What can I cook with this Cuban spice blend?
- Chicken
- Pork
- Fish
- Ground beef
- Steak
- Pollo a la Plancha (Cuban Grilled Chicken Breast)
- Cuban Arroz Con Pollo
- Crispy Baked Mojo Chicken Wings
- Cuban-Style Crispy Shredded Chicken (Vaca Frita de Pollo)
- Pollo Asado (Cuban-Style Grilled Chicken)
Originally posted July 2017. Updated April 2022.
Homemade Cuban Sazon Completa (Complete Seasoning)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon salt (if using kosher salt, use 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
- 1/2 tablespoon ground annatto or achiote (substitute for paprika)
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a bowl, stir all the spices together until well combined. Transfer the spice blend to an empty spice bottle or a mini mason jar.
- This spice blend makes 3 ounces which equates to about 18 teaspoons. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Feel free to use it on chicken, pork, fish, meat, just about anything to want to elevate in flavor. Enjoy!
Kris says
This came out so rich and flavorful! Can’t wait to make again. :)
Sara says
I love making seasonings from scratch. This was delicious and will work well with so many dishes!
Gina says
Loved this sazon seasoning. So much better than store bought. This will be a staple in my seasoning collection!
Andrea says
This is a fabulous season blend. I can’t wait to try it on a pork roast. Yum!
Juliane says
Made chicken with this tonight. Amazing
Elyse says
I used this last night with a marinade I made. I added juice from half a lime, half a lemon, half of an orange, and 2 Oz of pineapple juice. It was amazing, and I had so many compliments. Thank you 😊
Jamie Silva says
So happy to hear!! :)
Lynn says
Will it hurt the flavor if I don’t have oregano?
Jamie Silva says
I’d say it would since you essentially want all the seasonings for the ultimate flavor!
Rebecca says
I love this seasoning mix for fajitas! It’s my favorite with either shrimp or chicken!
Jamie Silva says
Love to hear that, Rebecca!
Stacey says
Used this on chicken wings… Family love it!
Rebekah says
I used this on a 7 grain mix tonight. The 7 grain mix was bland but I added a pinch of this for fantastic flavor! Thank you!
Nick says
Thanks for this spice recipe!😁Am doing a Cuban/Latin American inspired New Years Eve dinner. For 3 families & “a HORDE” of kids within that group! So this will be perfect to spice up the meals & add great flavour!🙌
Temple Walker says
Could I use this to make picadillo?
Jamie Silva says
YES! :)
Kathryn says
I will have to try this for sure! I use Complete seasoning on many things….. love it! It is a staple in my home. I especially love to use it when making Guacamole. It is fantastic.
The only problem I have is the MSG, so I would love to use organic, non GMO ingredients.
Thanks for the recipe!
Kathryn