Name: Achiote Paste
Yield: Makes ½ cup
Ingredients: 3 whole cloves; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup annatto seeds; 2 teaspoons coriander seeds; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 2 teaspoons dried Mexican or Italian oregano; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 garlic cloves; ¼ cup distilled white vinegar; 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest; 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Three tacos al pastor on a paper plate with sliced pork and charred cubes of pineapple spilling out.

Photo by Alex Lau

This gorgeous bright red paste is so much better than the store-bought stuff. Rub it on chicken, pork, or fish—it's especially delicious for these tacos al pastor.

Recipe notes