What Are Annato seeds and How Can I Use Them?

Annato seeds rewards a little know-how: how to choose them, cook them, store them, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 5 recipes to cook with them.

Recipes using annato seeds

There are 5 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Arroz Amarillo (Yellow Rice)

With its vibrant color and flavor, yellow rice is a staple in Latin America and the Caribbean. In Cuba, it's traditionally garnished with pimentos, but I sometimes top it with sliced scallions. Serve it with Cuban-style roast pork, ropa vieja or as a side to grilled meats, poultry or seafood.

Pompano in Paper

Pompano baked in parchment with annatto, citrus, olives, and pimento. Fish en papillote the Mexican way, steamed in its own fragrant sauce for moist, tender fillets.

Sopa De Lima

Classic Yucatecan sopa de lima with chicken simmered in lime-scented broth colored by annatto seeds, with tomatoes, oregano, and a hint of grapefruit. Topped with crispy tortilla strips.

Huachinango

Huachinango: grilled red snapper marinated overnight in achiote (annatto) paste with garlic, orange juice, and oregano. The Yucatecan fish classic with deep red color and citrus-spice depth.

Baby Back Ribs with Sofrito Glaze

Caribbean-style baby back ribs marinated in a from-scratch sofrito with annatto oil, cilantro, Anaheim chile, guava jelly, and coffee liqueur. Baked low and slow until tender.

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