In case you are a fan of Mexican or Latin American cuisines, you would know that these recipes are incomplete without achiote. Achiote adds spice, color, and flavor to the meals. However, it is hard to find achiote in the grocery stores, so we are sharing the achiote substitutes, so you can complete the recipe just fine (yes, without achiote!). Let’s have a look!
Achiote Substitutes
Achiote is a versatile ingredient because it can be used as a dye as well as a spice, how convenient. Achiote has a yellow color and is widely used in Indian, Latin American, and Mexican cuisines. It is also known as annatto (yes, they are the same things!). As far as the appearance is concerned, it is available in paste, powdered, and whole seed versions.
Achiote delivers little to no flavor when used as a colorant or in a small amount. In case you add achiote in larger quantity, it will deliver the peppery and earthy flavors. Some people also experience slight bitterness. In case you use the seeds, it will lead to a mildly floral scent. If you are clear about what achiote is and how it tastes, we can check out the substitutes!
1) Dried Oregano
In case you’ve been cooking for a long time, you would know about oregano. In particular, people who are into kinds of pasta and pizzas would know how important dried oregano is. That being said, oregano makes a good substitute for achiote. It is basically a herb with intense flavor in the leaves. The leaves are usually dried for a culinary experience.
Dried oregano has a warm and aromatic flavor. However, some people also think that dried oregano has a mildly bitter flavor, and the flavor’s intensity can be different. It can be added to the recipes without dominating the flavor of the fish. It can be added to the dishes for an Italian flavor. In addition, it goes perfectly with the Mexican cuisines and for seasoning salads, meat, sauces, and seafood.
2) Garlic Powder
The garlic powder is made by dehydrating the garlic cloves and is grounded in powdered form. The garlic powder is often blended into fine form. Sure, it will deliver the garlic-like flavor, but it won’t be as intense as fresh garlic. The garlic powder has a sweeter taste and isn’t too assertive. In addition, garlic powder has caramel undertones.
Garlic powder is widely used as a spice with its mild flavor. Usually, it’s added to enhance the flavor. It can be dehydrated and processed in the machinery for making powder.
3) Ground Cumin
Just like oregano, cumin is the widely used spice out there, and it can replace achiote in the best possible manner. Cumin is widely used in Indian cuisines, which makes it fine for Mexican cuisine as well. We suggest that you use ground cumin because it can work with a variety of recipes, such as stews, rice dishes, bread, soups, and sauces.
However, while you are substituting ground cumin for achiote, we suggest that you use a smaller amount because it can overtake the entire flavor profile. The ground cumin has a brownish and yellowish color, but green and white variants are available as well. It goes fine with Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern recipes and cuisines.
4) Hibiscus Powder
To begin with, this powder is extracted from the Malvaceae plant (its sepals, to be precise). Hibiscus powder has a rich color that is identical to the fruit color of this plant. Hibiscus powder can be used in beverages as well as herbal mixtures. Generally, hibiscus powder has a red color which makes it a fine substitute for achiote.
5) Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder is the readily available ingredient out there and is native to India and China. It is used in curry dishes (Indian cuisine), so it can be added to Mexican cuisines for substituting achiote. Even more, it goes fine with multiple Southeast Asian cuisines. Even more, turmeric powder and achiote have somewhat similar color profiles, but turmeric powder might be a bit more yellow.
6) Nutmeg
If you cannot find any other substitute, nutmeg is your last resort. It has a warm and sweet flavor. In addition, it has an intense aroma. Nutmeg has a crimson and red color. However, you need to be extremely careful while substituting nutmeg for achiote!