Recado rojo facts for kids
Recado rojo (say "reh-CAH-doh ROH-hoh") is a famous mix of spices. It's also called achiote paste because it gets its bright red color from a special seed called annatto (or achiote). This spice blend is very popular in Mexican and Belizean cuisines, especially in areas like the Yucatán and Oaxaca. It gives food a unique taste and a beautiful red-orange color.
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What is Recado Rojo?
Recado rojo is a special spice mix. It's known for its bright red color. This color comes from annatto seeds. These seeds are also called achiote. The paste is a key part of many dishes. It adds a unique flavor to food.
What's in Recado Rojo?
This colorful spice mix usually has many different ingredients. The main one is annatto seeds. Other spices often include:
The annatto seeds are what make the mixture bright red. They also give the food a special red-orange look.
How is Recado Rojo Used?
Chefs use recado rojo in different ways. They might mix the paste with lemon juice, water, oil, or vinegar. This creates a liquid marinade. Meat can soak in this marinade to get lots of flavor. Sometimes, the paste is rubbed directly onto meat.
After adding the paste, the meat is often:
Recado rojo can also be added to corn dough. This gives a zesty taste and color to foods like empanadas and red tamales. It's also an ingredient in popular dishes like tacos al pastor and chorizo.
Similar Spices
There is a similar spice mix called sazón (which means "seasoning"). It is often used in the food of Puerto Rico. Sazón is used for meats and fish. It is made from ground annatto seeds, cumin, coriander seeds, garlic powder, and salt.
See also
In Spanish: Recado rojo para niños
