SpiceSpotter

Achiote Paste: Recipe and Uses

Achiote Paste: Recipe and Uses

By Maya Gonzalez · October 8, 2026

What Is Achiote

Achiote comes from annatto seeds, giving food vibrant yellow-orange color and mild, earthy flavor. Key ingredient in cochinita pibil.

Ingredients

¼ cup annatto seeds
2 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp black peppercorns
4 whole cloves
½ tsp Mexican oregano
3 garlic cloves
¼ cup bitter orange juice
Salt to taste

Method

Grind annatto seeds, cumin, peppercorns, cloves, and oregano. Add garlic and citrus juice, blend into thick paste. Refrigerate up to one month.

Using the Paste

Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons in citrus juice for a marinade. Works with pork, chicken, and fish.

Beyond the Yucatán

Use in rice for color, as a rub for grilled meats, or mixed into oil for vibrant cooking fat.