Who doesn’t love a kick of spice every now and then? South Asian dishes are highly popular for their spicy flavors and the perfect blend of various spices. However, it takes some amount of experiment and skill to get the right flavor. Some brands have made this task easier by introducing flavorful seasonings. These seasonings not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also make your work quick. Goya Foods is the founder of both sazon and adobo. Let’s find out the differences between sazon vs adobo.
Sazon vs Adobo
Sazon
This seasoning has a Latin basis. A packet of this seasoning changes the flavor and color of any savory dish. They are widely consumed in Spanish and Mexican dishes. The overall taste is not strong spicy rather it imparts a delicate flavor to the palate.
Varieties
Goya has different Sazon seasoning. This includes Sazon with coriander, with garlic and onion, with saffron, with cilantro and tomato. These varieties make it a versatile addition. You can use the one that fits your dish the best.
All the varieties do contain ground cumin, oregano, coriander, and annatto which is responsible for the savory taste.
In case you suffer from high blood pressure or do not like salt in general, try out the salt-free version.
Color
The main differentiating point between varieties is the amount of coloring agent present in each type. The color of sazon seasoning is reddish that varies a little in shades.
Uses
You can add the sazon seasoning of your choice in stews, sauces, and soups. Furthermore, they will enhance the flavor and color of rice, meat, and beans too. Due to its versatility, the seasoning is a favorite in Caribbean cuisine.
You can even add it to your favorite steak, fish, or tacos. The resultant flavor profile will be spicy and delicious.
Many chefs have their sazon recipes. A homemade one is a healthier choice as you can control the spices and especially the salt content.
Drawback
The major disadvantage is the taste enhancer, monosodium glutamate. This artificial ingredient is responsible for its poor health effect. To counter this problem, you can go with homemade sazon recipes.
Adobo
Adobo is another seasoning famous for its use in Latin American, Caribbean, and Hispanic cuisines. It is an essential part of the Latin American kitchen for imparting flavor to meat products.
Taste
The flavor profile has a vibrant salty taste. It has a kick of cumin and oregano just like sozan. Garlic and salt combine to give Spanish dishes their flavorful taste.
Uses
This all-purpose seasoning is versatile, and you can add it to several dishes. It goes well with meat and even seafood. The spicy and savory flavor enhancer is a treat for taste buds.
Besides meat, add it to soups, stews, rice, and beans. This seasoning is good when you are roasting, grilling, frying, or sautéing.
The seasoning comes in both wet and dry forms. The wet form is used as a marinade. Whereas the dry form is directly sprinkled on the food of choice.
Mexicans make red, thick adobo sauce. Sometimes, they add broth or water to dilute the sauce. It becomes a liquid that is useful for simmering various food items.
Homemade Adobo
Many people have now stopped using Goya products. However, this doesn’t mean you cannot replicate the taste. Homemade adobo is healthier and a taste according to your choice. The major ingredients you require are Spanish paprika, salt, garlic powder, ground cumin, oregano, chili, and onion powder. Salt with a hint of black pepper will do wonders. It also includes lemon juice and turmeric.
Lemon juice is part of wet rubs for use in marinades. It is best to marinate the meat in adobo seasoning in the refrigerator overnight.
Concluding Thoughts
Latin Americans and Caribbean dishes are incomplete without a hint of spicy seasonings. You can buy it from the grocery stores. However, if you are extra conscious about your health, go for any homemade recipe. Sozan and adobo both are easy to make at home and contain simple ingredients. The flavor profile is a little different owing to varying ingredients. You can add or subtract the spices according to your taste buds. Whether you buy sozan and adobo from the market or make your seasoning at home, it will remarkably enhance the flavor of any dish.