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How to Make Cuban Seasoning in 5 Minutes

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An all-around seasoning! Give your meat, poultry, and vegetables Cuban flare with this homemade Cuban spice. Made with two herbs, five spices, and citrus zest, this Cuban blend will give your tastebuds a delectable experience it will never forget.

Cuban spice blend in an airtight container with lemon and parsley in the background.

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Cuban seasoning is the ultimate seasoning blend to add to your pantry. It is versatile, enhancing and elevating the flavor of many foods. It has no MSG or additives, so you know exactly what goes into your food.

This blend is made with a mix of garlic powder, salt, pepper, onion powder, oregano, parsley, cumin, and dried orange/lemon zest. All of these ingredients are combined to create a flavorful seasoning blend that can be used in a variety of dishes. 

Why you should make this Cuban Seasoning

  • Homemade Cuban seasoning has no MSG or additives. This makes it a healthier option for adding flavor to your food. It is excellent for any diet because it is gluten-free and sugar-free. The most crucial aspect is that you can be confident that you are giving your family chemical-free food.
  • A homemade batch costs around $1 to $2 and yields 10 servings. Store-bought blends often cost $4 to $6 for the same amount.
  • It’s a versatile seasoning blend that can be used with a variety of protein and vegetables.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy Mediterranean Seasoning Mix

What You Need To Make This Cuban Spice Blend Recipe

Ingredients you need for a homemade cuban spice mix.

See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact measurements.

How to Make Cuban Spice Blend/Seasoning for Pork and Chicken

Collage of mixing ingredients for Cuban spice blend in a white bowl.
  1. Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together. (Photos 1 & 2)
  2. Store in an airtight container in a cool spot for up to 6 months.
Cuban spice blend sitting on counetertop with a lemon and parsley in the background.

Storage

Keep it in an empty spice/airtight container. This should keep the blend fresh for at least 6 months and up to a year. Make sure your spices are stored in a dry, cold place.

Tips

This Cuban Seasoning Spice Blend is my go-to for chicken. I also use it on other meat like pork and steak. Add a little kick to your rice and beans as well.

For chicken and pork, use it as a dry rub at 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound. Mix it with olive oil and lime juice for a quick marinade. For beans and rice, try half a teaspoon per serving.

Here are some ideas:

  • Chicken Thighs
  • Chicken Leg Quarters
  • Pork Chops
  • Pork Loin
  • Pork Chops
  • Pork Loins
  • Baby back ribs
  • Black or Red Beans
  • Cuban Sandwiches

Recipe FAQs

What does Cuban seasoning taste like?

That’s a hard one to describe. The cumin brings warmth, the zest brings brightness while the garlic and onion add a pop! It’s something you just have to try for yourself!

Is it possible to make a large batch of Cuban seasoning?

Absolutely! Double the amount and put it in an airtight container/spice jar for future use.

What are traditional Cuban spices?

Often you’ll find a bay leaf, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and oregano in some type of blend or mixture in a Cuban dish.

Are Cuban spices spicy?

Nope! While Cuban spices blends are packed with flavor they are not packed with heat in the form of spice. If you like your dishes to have some heat you can add in some cayenne to taste!

Can I substitute dried lime zest for the orange zest?

Yes! Use half a teaspoon of fresh lime zest in place of 1 teaspoon dried. Either citrus works great in this blend.

Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?

You can! Use half a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic per tablespoon of garlic powder. Adjust salt to taste and use right away.

Cuban spice seasoning in a glass of jar.

More Seasoning Blend Recipes You May Enjoy

Jar of seasoned breadcrumb mix with spilled crumbs, lemon, and herbs nearby.
5 from 3 votes

Homemade Cuban Spice Blend/Seasoning


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Basics
Cuisine: Cuban
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
10 Tablespoons
This homemade Cuban spice blend is perfect for chicken, pork, and vegetables! Full of warm flavors with bright notes of citrus!

Ingredients 

  • 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder
  • 2 Tablespoons Onion Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon Parsley
  • 1 Tablespoon Salt
  • 1 Tablespoon Pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Orange or Lemon Zest

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool spot for up to 6 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 TBSP Calories: 15kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 3g (1%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 1g Sodium: 701mg (30%) Potassium: 61mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 1g (1%) Vitamin A: 53IU (1%) Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 24mg (2%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

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5 from 3 votes (1 rating without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made it today with black beans and rice. Excellent! Thank you!

  2. Sherill Gilman says:

    5 stars
    Made it today with black beans and rice. Excellent! Thank you!