The Essential Pantry Staples I Swear By for Latin Cooking
I can’t tell you the days I’ve ever come home from work, fully motivated to cook a nice dinner, only to open the pantry and… it’s empty?
Cooking at home always sounds great in theory, but making that extra stop at the supermarket or grocery store on your way home? That’s usually where I lose all my steam.
That’s why having a few trusty pantry staples can completely transform any recipe. Whether you’re making something simple or trying to add a little extra flair, these Latin pantry essentials will make your meals pop (slap?) with authentic flavor.
It can be the difference between just eating and enjoying every bite!
Stock Your Pantry With The Essentiales
Having the right staples in your pantry is a total game-changer, especially when you’re craving a sudado de pollo, taquitos, or anything in Latin cooking.
Whether you’re trying to throw together a quick weeknight meal or tackling something a little more ambitious, these ingredients will always have your back. Once you’ve got them stocked, you’ll never have to worry about scrambling for last-minute ingredients or, let’s be honest, ordering takeout again.
From basics like rice and beans (frijoles or habichuelas) to spices that pack a punch, these are the essentials I rely on to bring out those bold, earthy, authentic flavors.
With your pantry ready to go, you’ll always be just a few steps away from a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Dry Goods
Dry goods are the unsung heroes of your kitchen. They’re inexpensive (perfect for budget life), versatile, and last forever—well, almost.
I love buying them from bulk bins when I can to cut down on packaging and stock up on just what I need. And if you don’t have fancy containers, don’t worry.
A heavy-duty zip-loc bag and Mason jars work just as well.
Just keep them cool, dry, and away from sunlight so the flavors last.
- Rice – Long-grain white rice is a staple for so many meals. I can’t tell you how often I rely on it to pair with beans or serve as the base.
- Dried Beans (Black, Pinto, Kidney) – Whether I’m making a stew, a side, or even a quick bean salad, dried beans are a must.
- Dried Lentils
- Areparina – If you love arepas as much as I do, you need this cornmeal in your pantry for an authentic Colombian brekky with a side of hogao.
- Cornmeal – Perfect for making cornbread or tamales, or adding a little texture to dishes.
- Flour
Oils, Vinegars, and Sauces
If you want to start building flavor right from the first step, you need a good variety of oils and vinegars. These are the foundation of so many Latin dishes, from the base for your sofrito to the tang in your marinades. I always keep these staples within reach.
- Oils: Olive oil is my go-to for almost everything, like salad dressings. Avocado oil—Because of its high cook point, I love this one for pan frying, frying, or high-temperature cooking. Achiote Oil (Annatto-infused)—This oil brings a beautiful red color to rice and meats, plus it’s packed with a subtle, peppery flavor.
- Vinegar: organic white distilled, red wine vinegar – for the best chimichurri sauce.
- Mayonnaise
- Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative great for stir-fried veggies, and rice.
- Sofrito: When I want to build deep flavor, this blend of onions, peppers, garlic, culantro, cilantro, and tomatoes is always the first thing I grab. I love making a big batch and freezing it in small portions.
- Recaito: The cilantro-packed cousin of sofrito. Recaito gives everything a fresh, herbal flavor and is perfect for beans and stews.
- Salsa Verde: for tacos, and proteins
Time-Saving Options
Let’s be honest, tracking down fresh ajicitos and culantro isn’t always easy (and sometimes it’s impossible!). That’s why I love having high-quality, store-bought Sofrito and Recaito on hand.
They save me time without sacrificing flavor, so I can whip up my favorite dishes even when I can’t find all the fresh ingredients.
Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are what bring a dish to life. With a well-stocked spice cabinet, you can turn even the simplest ingredients into something special. These are the ones I reach for again and again, whether I’m making a quick weeknight dinner or experimenting with new recipes.
- Sazón – Adds that signature flavor and color to rice, beans, and meats. I use it for everything from baked, and grilled chicken to beans.
- Adobo – A seasoning that can do it all—meats, veggies, even potatoes. It’s my go-to when I’m not sure what to use, and it never fails.
- Cumin – That warm, earthy flavor you get in so many Latin dishes? That’s cumin, and it’s a must for beans, stews, and even rice. I love this Colombian-style Chicken Stew with tons or flavor!
- Dried Oregano (Mexican or Regular) – Mexican oregano has a citrusy note and works wonders in stews and sauces.
- Achiote (Annatto) – These seeds add a beautiful red color and mild peppery flavor to rice and meats.
- Paprika – Sweet or smoked, it adds depth and a rich red color to meats, sauces, and veggies.
- Garlic Powder – For when you need that garlic flavor fast. It’s such a lifesaver for quick weeknight meals.
- Onion Salt – A great shortcut to add flavor when you’re short on time or don’t feel like chopping onions.
- Chipotle Powder – This smoky, spicy powder brings depth to tacos, chili, and marinades.
- Dried Chiles (Ancho, Guajillo, Pasilla) – These are perfect for making sauces (umm, birria) adding depth to stews. Try this ancho aioli recipe and this birria recipe!
- Tajín – Spicy, tangy, and perfect for sprinkling on fruit, veggies, or even cocktails.
- Chili Lime Seasoning (or Tajín) – A must-have for adding a zesty, spicy kick to fruit, veggies, and even popcorn.
- Crushed Red Pepper – Perfect for a hint of heat in soups, stews, or pasta.
Fresh Finds
The freshness of herbs, cheese, and citrus really brings dishes to life. These are the items that brighten up your meal and add those essential finishing touches. I always keep these in my fridge to use when a dish needs that extra pop of flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro
- Fresh Oregano
- Fresh Parsley
- Limes – or as in Spanish, we’d call limones verdes.
- Lemons
- Fresh Jalapeños – Whether I’m adding heat to a salsa or slicing them for tacos, fresh jalapeños are always in my fridge.
- Queso Fresco – This mild, crumbly cheese is the perfect topper for tacos, salads, or even rice dishes.
- Cotija Cheese – for taco night.
- Butter
Freezer Essentials
Having a few go-to frozen items makes life so much easier, especially when you’re pressed for time. I love freezing things like homemade sofrito or peppers so I can have them on hand without worrying about spoilage.
- Frozen Corn – Frozen corn is a quick, easy way to add sweetness and texture to soups, stews, or salads.
- Frozen Sofrito – Whenever I make sofrito, I freeze small portions in ice cube trays or air-tight mason jars. It’s such a time-saver when I need to throw together a quick dinner (also included above).
- Frozen Garlic Cubes – I always keep a bag of frozen garlic cubes to add to stir-fries, soups, or sauces when I don’t have fresh ajo on hand.
Canned Goods: Pantry Lifesavers
Canned goods have saved weeknight dinner more than once. Whether I’m throwing together a quick batch of beans and rice or making a soup, these are the pantry staples I can always count on. And the best part? They last forever, so you can stock up without worrying about them going bad.
- Canned Black Beans – A lifesaver when I don’t have time to cook dried beans. Perfect for rice and beans, soups, or even tacos.
- Canned Garbanzo Beans (Organic) – These are so versatile! I use them for everything from soups to salads to hummus.
- Canned Tomatoes – I love using canned tomatoes as the base for sauces, soups, and stews.
- Canned Hominy – For the best pozole.
- Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – Smoky, spicy, and full of flavor. I love stirring just a bit of the sauce into soups, stews, or even mayo for aioli with an extra kick.
