McCormick Aji Amarillo Seasoning 24 oz — Chef-Grade Peruvian Blend, Tropical & Smoky, Medium Heat

McCormick Aji Amarillo Seasoning is a 24 oz chef-grade blend inspired by the Peruvian aji amarillo pepper, offering tropical fruit notes, oak smoke, garlic, onion and a comfortable medium chile heat to elevate seafood, poultry, vegetables and sauces.

This 2025 Flavor of the Year from McCormick captures the bright, fruity character of aji amarillo—often described as passion fruit and mango—with balancing savory and smoky layers. Formulated for kitchen professionals but simple enough for home cooks, the seasoning brings a trending South American chile profile into everyday dishes without overwhelming heat. It’s designed to be versatile: use it as a dry rub, a finishing sprinkle, or a base for marinades, dressings and cocktails.

What flavor profile does this seasoning bring to dishes?

Expect a lively mix of tropical fruitiness and savory depth. The aji amarillo pepper provides sweet, tangy fruit notes while oak smoke adds a subtle char and garlic and onion create foundational savory balance.

• Primary notes: passion-fruit and mango-like fruitiness
• Supporting tastes: roasted garlic and sweet onion
• Smokiness: gentle oak-smoked undertone for savory depth
• Heat level: medium, approachable for most palates

How can I use Aji Amarillo seasoning in the kitchen?

This blend is built to be multi-purpose—sprinkle it on proteins, fold it into sauces, or mix it into dressings and salsas. It enhances both quick weeknight meals and composed restaurant-style plates.

• Seafood: rub or finish on shrimp, scallops and fish for bright, layered flavor
• Poultry & meat: use as a dry rub or combine with oil for marinades
• Vegetables & grains: toss roasted veggies or roasted potatoes to add tropical warmth
• Condiments & drinks: stir into mayonnaise, vinaigrettes, ceviche, or cocktail rims

Is the heat manageable for everyday diners?

Yes—the aji amarillo’s heat is classified as medium and is more fruity than fiercely spicy. It adds warmth rather than aggressive burn, making it suitable for families and menus seeking bold taste without extreme capsaicin intensity.

• Medium chile heat that complements flavors rather than dominating them
• Fruity profile softens perceived spiciness
• Works well when blended into sauces to distribute heat evenly
• Adjust intensity by quantity or by combining with dairy or oil

Why choose McCormick’s Flavor of the Year version?

McCormick’s Flavor Forecast identifies emerging global tastes; this aji amarillo blend is a chef-tested formulation aimed at consistent, reliable flavor delivery. The 24 oz size is practical for busy kitchens and serious home cooks wanting to experiment with trending ingredients.

• Chef-formulated blend for repeatable results
• Large 24 oz package suited to frequent use or commercial kitchens
• Part of McCormick’s Flavor Forecast heritage—curated for trend-forward cooking
• Ready-to-use mix reduces prep time while expanding flavor range

Who is this for? Home cooks exploring global flavors, professional kitchens updating seasonal menus, and foodservice operators looking to introduce a trending Peruvian chile profile will find McCormick Aji Amarillo Seasoning useful. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a fruity, smoky seasoning with medium heat that can be sprinkled, mixed, or blended into a wide range of dishes—from quick weeknight dinners to plated entrees and creative cocktails.

Ingredients

GARLIC, SEA SALT, ONION, AJI AMARILLO CHILI PEPPER, DEMERARA SUGAR, HERBS AND SPICES (INCLUDING PARSLEY, PAPRIKA, TURMERIC), TOMATO POWDER, MANGO POWDER, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR (INCLUDING OAK SMOKE) & EXTRACTIVES OF CAPSICUM.