Substitute for annatto seed?

[JonParker]

I have some,short ribs that I plan to turn into birria tacos. But my recipe calls for achiote paste, which I couldn't find at my Latin market. The one ingredient in achiote paste that keeps me from making my own is the annatto seeds.

Is there anything with a similar flavor profile that I can use? I've never had it, so I have no idea what I'm looking for.

[cocktailhour]

I am glad you found some. I was going to suggest a little lemon zest to replace some of the flavor, and maybe a little Mexican oregano. I have a personal vendetta against turmeric, so I would ignore the color or use saffrom. this is certainly not an exact replica of the flavor, but I think a fair substitute.

[JonParker]

I just picked all the Mexican oregano yesterday and have it drying on a rack to use over the winter.

[seamunky]

I'm sure you've looked all over your market but just in case:

In most latino markets I've been to, whole achiote seeds are found in the baggies along with the other spices in cellophane bags with the paper label binding it closed on top. Achiote paste is in a small box commonly next to the little boxes of bullion cubes.

[JonParker]

Thanks, I'll be sure to check both those places next time.

[JonParker]

I stopped by the market this morning and bingo! Right by the boullion. Thank you!

[dordalina]

In the international isle at my grocery store there is a packed of seasoning that you can buy called "Sazon." It's more of a spice blend but it definitely gives that bright orange color that you may be looking for and has a distinct flavor of it's own.

[JungMann]

I hate to sound like a broken record, but I can't think of anything that recreates the bitter, floral, muddy flavor of annatto seeds. If you're only using a tablespoon, I think you can afford to leave it out or add a little bit of turmeric for some earthiness and yellow color.

[rasputina]

Honestly, no real substitute in my opinion.

[kmlmgm]

I have purchased annatto seeds and powder from myspicesage. They are awesome and ship FAST!

[JonParker]

It's got three kinds of chiles, so I doubt it's for color.

[paulj]

How much paste? What region of Mexico?

[JonParker]

One tbsp. It's from Yucatan, I think. That recipe you linked above looks very similar to the recipe I'm using. I may just skip the achiote, and add a bit of allspice, extra cumin and coriander. Thanks, you've been a big help.

[paulj]

http://www.mexicoinmykitchen.com/2009...
Conchita pibil is the Yucatan recipe that uses a significant amount of achiote paste.
1 cup of it is used in a paste that coats 3 lb of pork, which is then steamed in a banana leaf.

[JonParker]

That looks delicious. If I find the achiote paste (and I will) I'm definitely making that.

[jjjrfoodie]

Jon, I make cochinita pibil all the time.

It's not a tough dish to make and if no bannana leaves, i just use foil and a dutch oven.

The achiote is key.

i find it locally in the little squares for paste but have also made my own by grinding whole annato seeds (Goya brand).

I have yet to find a substitute for either. It's not exactly a std. profile flavor that can be subbed by a different spice.

If doing pibil's (cochanita or pollo), I suggest you also make the sweet red pickeld refridgerator onions that go on top. Sublime but yummy.

Food and Wine Magazine in Oct 2012 had a nice red pickled onion recipe that is available on line.

[JonParker]

The recipe I used the pickled red onions, and they were delicious: in fact I've been thinking up other uses for them. The tacos were fantastic too. This is definitely going in my regular recipe rotation.

[paulj]

Cebollas encurtidas are one of the most common condiments in Ecuadorian cooking
http://www.whats4eats.com/pickles/cebollas-encurtidas-recipe

http://laylita.com/recipes/2008/03/10...

[Veggo]

I can eat them from the bowl with a spoon, likewise a good Veracruz sauce.

[chefj]

That is right on.

[paulj]

This recipe of Jalisco style Birria
http://allrecipes.com.mx/receta/1934/birria-de-ameca--jalisco.aspx
does not use achiote

http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/delic...

[paulj]

What you probably want comes in small plastic wrapped cubes.
http://store.gourmetsleuth.com/achiote-paste-2pk-P243.aspx?gclid=CJ3MqP-VubMCFUdxQgod1isAuw

The seeds are also easy to find in Latin markets, but they are hard to grind. More often they are gently fried in some oil, and fished out. In the process they lend their color to the oil. Thus, most often they are used for color, not flavor. This Yucatan style of dish is the exception, in which enough achiote (also called annatto) is used to lend a mild earthy taste.

seeds; http://store.gourmetsleuth.com/achiote-seed-25oz-P245.aspx

Goya makes Sazon seasoning packets with annatto
http://www.thelatinproducts.com/goya-...
Again, it's mainly there for color.

[Veggo]

Achiote is common in many dishes in the Yucatan, where I have lived off-and-on for many years. Annatto seeds are native there, I usually crush them with a heavy spoon. They definitely impart a rusty color, and in sufficient quantity they add a distinctive and unique flavor to pork, fish or chicken dishes. Every ingredient in Yucatec cooking serves a flavor purpose, nothing is there for "pretty".

As to the OP's question about a substitute, which would be for color only as the taste of achiote is unique, a mild, unsmoked paprika would be the closest.

[smtucker]

I can't think of anything that it matches. Perhaps a cross between saffron and paprika? I did notice that Penzey's is now carrying achiote seeds if you have one near you.

[Chowrin]

for the color you want turmeric, preferably penzey's crazy yellow stuff.

[rasputina]

turmeric does not turn things the red orange color that annatto does.

[Chowrin]

mm... you're right, that's more like paprika. or maybe mix the two?