What Is Achiote powder and How Can I Use It?

Achiote powder rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 3 recipes to cook with it.

Quick facts

In Chinese: 胭脂粉
British (UK) term: Achiote powder
en français: poudre de roucou
en español: polvo de achiote

Recipes using achiote powder

There are 3 recipes that contain this ingredient.

Steamed Fish (Pachay)

Whole fish wrapped in a banana leaf with garlic, tomato, cilantro, and achiote, then roasted on a comal or dry skillet. A traditional Central American pachay recipe that's simple and full of smoky, earthy flavor.

Mark's Chili Con Carne

This recipe will produce a notably hot chili. But there are plenty of points where you can modify the heat level. You can substitute a bell or poblano pepper for the fresh hot peppers, substitute olive oil for the chile oil, and adjust or eliminate the hot sauce and/or cayenne pepper.