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The Recipe · No.1425 · How to Make Adobo Seasoning

How to Make Adobo Seasoning, and where to source it

How to Make Adobo Seasoning — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM How to Make Adobo Seasoning Latin 5best2buy.com

This is a salt blend, which is worth knowing because it changes how you use it — you are seasoning with it, not adding a spice on top, so anything you dust with adobo needs no further salt. Making it yourself lets you pull the salt back, which is the main complaint about the jarred version.

The ratio4 tbsp garlic powder + 3 tbsp oregano + 2 tbsp salt + 1 tbsp each onion powder, turmeric, pepper.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cooknone
Makes¾ cup
CuisineLatin
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Garlic powder
Four tablespoons. The lead by a wide margin.
4 tbsp
Dried oregano
Three tablespoons, Mexican oregano preferably — crushed between the palms.
3 tbsp
Fine salt
Two tablespoons. The commercial version uses roughly double this.
2 tbsp
Onion powder
A tablespoon.
1 tbsp
Turmeric
A tablespoon, mostly for the colour that makes it look right.
1 tbsp
Black pepper and cumin
A tablespoon of pepper, two teaspoons of cumin.
1 tbsp / 2 tsp
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
GrillNo-cook
The Method
  1. Crush the oregano firstBetween your palms, so it distributes evenly instead of sitting in leafy clumps.
  2. Mix and jarEverything combined, airtight. Keeps six months.
  3. Remember it is saltedAnything seasoned with adobo needs no additional salt. This is the mistake people make switching from jarred.
  4. Use it on everythingChicken, pork, beans, rice, eggs, roast potatoes. A tablespoon per pound of meat.
  5. Make it yoursAdd achiote for sazón and the deep orange colour. Citrus zest dried and crushed in. A little sugar for a rub that caramelises on the grill.
The Toolkit

Mixing bowl · Spice jars · Funnel

Straight Answers
Can you make How to Make Adobo Seasoning in an air fryer? — Not needed

No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.

Can you freeze How to Make Adobo Seasoning? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make How to Make Adobo Seasoning ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is How to Make Adobo Seasoning gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is How to Make Adobo Seasoning vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.1425

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