Sazon Seasoning

Sazon Seasoning (pronounced sa-zon), is also called sazon without msg, sazon, or sazon no msg.
 

What is Sazon

Sazon seasoning is a type of seasoning found primarily in Puerto Rican kitchens but can also be used in Mexican and Spanish dishes. The seasoning is used on fish, meats, poultry, soups and stews. Most Caribbean Hispanic recipes in this country call for a packet of either Goya or Knorr Sazon Seasoning. The problem with either of these brands of Sazon is that both contain MSG (both list this as the first ingredient), as well as yellow food coloring, red food coloring and something called Tricalcium Phosphate (Goya uses this one) or Silicon Dioxide (Knorr uses this one) - both of these are anti-caking agents - hmmm certainly not what your grandmother would have used!

Like all of our seasoning blends, our Puerto Rican Sazon Seasoning does not include any MSG, food colorings, or additives.
 

History of Sazon Seasoning

One of the most important things we look at when evaluating which spices and seasoning blends we are going to add to our site are the history or story that we want to share. After much research we were able to talk to Cruz Miguel Ortíz Cuadra, senior lecturer in the department of humanities at the University of Puerto Rico, who is the author of the book Eating Puerto Rico: A History of Food, Culture and Identity. He was gracious enough to share a tremendous amount of knowledge from his research on the history of Sazon Seasoning.

Legumes have played a significant role in Puerto Rico's agriculture and diet from the early 1500s. Lima beans and African beans were early beans of choice, and in the 18th century pigeon peas became popular. More recently, lentils and garbanzo beans have gained wider acceptance.

Beans, Phaseolus, a genus in the family Fabaceae are native to the Americas, primarily Mexico. With beans' strong influence on the islands cuisine, it naturally led to the creation of a "fondo de cocina" (translates to seasoning base or mix) used in cooking legumes to create a recognizable taste known in Puerto Rico as "sazón" (seasoning). In other Caribbean cuisines, this is referred to as a "sofrito".

In Puerto Rico, there is not one right or wrong way to cook stewed beans. As with many regional dishes, the exact recipe varies from not only town to town, but family to family - with each believing that their version is the best. The individual preference for the ideal aroma, color and flavor of the dish is achieved by the cook adding ingredients to the dish at specific stages of the cooking process. In Puerto Rico, Sazon is still used to season braised and stewed dishes as well as other rice dishes, but it is most recognized for its use in preparing beans.

Emotional influences on many meals in Puerto Rico are driven by sensory, physiological and psychological pathways that are filled by the use of Sazon. It might best be called a "comfort" seasoning.
 

What Does Sazon Taste Like

A mild, smooth flavor that has subtle garlic and onion notes with herby undertones.
 

What is the Difference Between Sazon and Adobo

The biggest difference between the two is that Sazon Seasoning is geared more to Puerto Rican dishes and will enhance the flavor of your meal without adding heat and Adobo Seasoning is more likely found in Mexican recipes and while very flavorful packs a little bit of heat.

Sazon seasoning is used to add flavorful spice to many regional dishes, and can be added to beans, grilled meats, soups, and stews.

Adobo seasoning is an all-purpose seasoning used for authentic Mexican dishes and is often added to beans, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, pork, rice, and soups.
 

How do You use Sazon Seasoning

Sprinkle Sazon into dishes that contain onions and peppers, such as rice and beans, fajitas and meat fillings for tacos, burritos and enchiladas. Sazon will enhance the flavor of your meal without adding heat.

Add to soups or stews to give them a more authentic Latin American flavor. This works nicely in dishes that are bean-based. Make sure to measure the Sazon when adding it to liquid-based dishes, as it tends to become more intense the longer that it cooks.

Use Sazon as a rub on beef, chicken, fish and pork before baking, grilling, roasting, sautéing or stir-firing.

Sazon pairs particularly well with steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli and green beans, and with starchy foods such as baked potatoes and French fries.

For those on a sodium restricted diet, use this salt free Sazon at the kitchen table as an alternative to salt and seasoning blends. Some of our favorite recipes using Sazon Seasoning are Chicken Sofrito Stew, Red Red Sazon Stewed Peas, and Empanadillas.
 

What is a Substitute for Sazon Seasoning

If you have a recipe calling for Sazon Seasoning you can use Achiote Oil (achiote is the preferred name for annatto in many parts of Latin America). You can also use Adobo Seasoning in a pinch just be aware of the heat difference.
 

Hungry for More Information

What is a Sofrito
Flavorful Latin American Food – More than Just Tacos
Spanish Spices and Herbs
How to Build Flavors