A can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is a versatile ingredient that can add smoky, spicy flavor to many dishes. The chipotle peppers are smoked jalapeños that are packed in a flavorful, creamy adobo sauce. This canned product is commonly found in the international aisle of grocery stores and can be used to make tacos, chili, soups, stews, sauces, and more.
Some quick answers to common questions about chipotle peppers in adobo sauce:
– What are chipotle peppers? Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers. They have a deep reddish-brown color and are moderately spicy.
– What is adobo sauce? Adobo sauce is a blend of ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, vinegar, and spices. It’s used to marinate and flavor the smoked chipotle peppers.
– Are canned chipotles spicy? Yes, chipotle peppers add a distinct spiciness along with smoky flavor. The level of spice can vary from can to can.
– How should I store an opened can? Transfer any unused chipotles and sauce to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
– Can I freeze leftover chipotles? Yes, freeze chipotle peppers and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Ways to Use Canned Chipotle Peppers
There are many creative ways to use canned chipotle peppers to add smoky spiciness to dishes:
Make Sauce
One of the most common uses for canned chipotle peppers is to make sauce. Try blending chipotles with some of the adobo sauce into tomato sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, or butter. Use the sauce to top meats, sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and more. Start with 2-3 peppers and adjust spice level as desired.
Spice Up Chili
Add 1-2 chopped chipotle peppers plus 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce to chili. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes to infuse the rich smokiness. The chipotles add nice heat and flavor to beef, turkey, or vegetarian chilis.
Marinate Meat
Chipotles make an excellent meat marinade. Combine 3-4 chopped peppers with 1/4 cup adobo sauce and pour over chicken, pork, or steak. Let marinate 30 minutes to overnight before grilling. The chipotle-adobo marinade adds delicious flavor.
Flavor Soups & Stews
For a smoky kick, add 1-2 chopped chipotles and a spoonful of adobo sauce to soups and stews. Try it in chicken tortilla soup, vegetable soup, beef stew, bean stew, and more. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Spice Up Eggs
To make spicy breakfast eggs, add some diced chipotle pepper and adobo sauce to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos. The chipotle will give the eggs a tasty heat. Be careful not to overdo it.
Jazz Up Rice
Stir some minced chipotle pepper and a teaspoon of adobo sauce into rice before cooking for vibrant flavor. Spanish rice, Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, and coconut rice are all excellent candidates for this spicy addition.
Perk Up Beans
Add smokiness to beans by stirring in 1-2 minced chipotles and adobo sauce near the end of cooking. Black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, and white beans pair well with the chipotle flavor.
Flavor Roasted Veggies
Roast cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or other veggies with dried chipotle powder or minced chipotles for a spicy, smoky flavor. The chipotle pairs nicely with the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Give Guacamole a Kick
Mix some spicy flair into your guacamole by adding 1 minced chipotle pepper plus 1 teaspoon adobo sauce. Fold it into the avocado along with desired seasonings. The chipotle will provide a tasty, moderately spicy undertone.
Perk Up Hummus
Hummus is the perfect dip for incorporating chipotles. Blend in 1-2 chopped chipotles and 1 teaspoon adobo sauce for a flavorful, Southwestern-inspired hummus dip or spread. Serve with pita or veggie dippers.
Spice up Salsa
Stir a spoonful of minced chipotle and adobo sauce into fresh tomato salsa. Add more or less to suit your spice tolerance. You can also add chipotle salsa to cheese dips.
Chipotle Adobo Sauce Uses
The chipotle peppers are packed in a thick, tangy adobo sauce that also has many uses on its own:
Use as Condiment
Use the adobo sauce as a condiment for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and more. The creamy, moderately spicy sauce has great flavor.
Make Salad Dressing
Whisk together adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, and salt for a tasty Southwestern-style salad dressing. Drizzle over greens, grains, beans, and veggies.
Spread on Veggie Wraps
Use the adobo sauce as a flavorful, spicy spread inside wraps made with tortillas, lettuce leaves, or collard greens. Load up with roasted veggies, beans, rice, cheese, etc.
Marinate and Season Meat
The adobo sauce makes a tasty marinade for chicken, pork, or beef. It can also be used as a sauce or dry rub seasoning on meats before cooking.
Simmer into Rice
For extra flavor, stir a spoon or two of adobo sauce into rice as it cooks. Try it with Spanish rice, cilantro-lime rice, or coconut rice.
Blend into Dips
For a quick, spicy dip, blend adobo sauce into sour cream, Greek yogurt, or mayonnaise. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or other dippers.
Enhance Soups & Stews
Add big flavor fast by stirring a tablespoon or two of adobo sauce into soups and stews right at the end. It pairs well with tomato-based and Mexican-style soups.
Make Hot Sauce
For a customized hot sauce, blend adobo sauce with extra chipotle peppers and seasoning like garlic, cumin, oregano, vinegar, etc. Adjust heat to your liking.
Use on Breakfast
Wake up taste buds by drizzling adobo sauce over eggs, potatoes, pancakes, French toast, and other breakfast fare. A little goes a long way.
Add to Veggie Dishes
Adobo sauce can perk up mild veggies like roasted zucchini, squash, potatoes, cauliflower, and more. Toss or drizzle it on near the end for maximum flavor.
How Much to Use
Wondering how much chipotle pepper or adobo sauce to use in any given recipe? Here are some general guidelines:
Mild Spice Level
– 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon minced chipotle pepper
– 1 teaspoon adobo sauce
Medium Spice Level
– 1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder
– 1 to 2 teaspoons minced chipotle pepper
– 1 to 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
High Spice Level
– 1 to 2 teaspoons dried chipotle powder
– 2 to 3 teaspoons minced chipotle pepper
– 2 to 3 teaspoons adobo sauce
Start on the lower end of the range, taste, and add morechipotle or adobo to achieve your desired spiciness. Keep in mind you can always add more but you can’t take it away.
What to Make with Leftover Chipotles
Only need 1 or 2 chipotles for a recipe? Here are ideas for using up the rest of the opened can:
Chipotle Mayonnaise
Blend some of the peppers and adobo sauce into mayo. Use as spread, dip, sauce, etc.
Smoky BBQ Sauce
Puree into your favorite bbq sauce for extra smokiness and heat.
Chipotle Ranch
Mix adobo sauce into ranch dressing for a creamy, spicy dip or veggie topper.
Spiced Nuts
Toss chopped nuts in adobo sauce or chipotle powder. Roast until crispy for snacking.
Chipotle Butter
Blend chipotles and adobo into softened butter. Chill and slice to top meats, veggies, baked potatoes, and more.
Spicy Salsa
Add diced chipotle and adobo to your favorite tomato salsa recipe.
Smoky Potato Salad
Fold diced chipotle and adobo sauce into potato salad for a BBQ twist.
Spicy Honey
Mix some adobo sauce into honey for a sweet heat condiment.
Chipotle Pasta Sauce
Simmer chopped chipotle and adobo into your favorite pasta sauce.
Hot Sauce
Blend chipotles and adobo into vinegar for a custom hot sauce.
Storage Tips
Here are some tips for storing canned chipotle peppers to maximize freshness and shelf life:
Unopened Can
An unopened can of chipotles in adobo sauce will keep for 2-3 years stored in a cool, dry pantry. The key is to keep it at a stable room temperature away from direct light and heat. Avoid temperature extremes.
After Opening
Once opened, transfer any unused chipotles and sauce to an airtight glass or plastic container. Store in the fridge for 5-7 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the peppers and sauce for up to 3 months. Use freezer bags, jars, or airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Reheating
To gently reheat remaining sauce, place the container in a pan of simmering water until warmed through. Avoid boiling or microwaving to prevent separating.
Signs of Spoilage
Discard the peppers if you see any mold, excessive liquid, off odors, or other signs of spoilage. Opened chipotle peppers have a relatively short fridge life.
Packaging
Keep unused chipotles packaged in adobo sauce at all times. Don’t rinse or strain the peppers as they need the sauce to stay moist.
Proper storage helps canned chipotles stay fresh and flavorful. Use within a week or two of opening, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce:
Are canned chipotles already cooked?
Yes, the canned chipotles are already fully cooked and ready to use. They just need to be incorporated into recipes. No pre-cooking required!
What’s the difference between diced and whole?
Canned chipotles are sold either whole or pre-diced into smaller pieces. Whole peppers are more versatile but dicing is more convenient.
Can I substitute dried chipotle powder?
Yes, but keep in mind dried and canned chipotles have different flavor profiles. Start with half the amount of powder and adjust from there.
Is the sauce gluten free?
Most brands of adobo sauce contain only chipotle peppers, vinegar, spices, and water. Always check the label to be sure, but it is typically gluten free.
How long does an opened can last?
Once opened, the chipotles and adobo sauce will last about 1 week refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use just the adobo sauce?
Absolutely! The richly flavored adobo sauce has many uses beyond the peppers themselves. Use as a marinade, sauce, spread, dressing, etc.
Is the sauce spicy?
The sauce does have a moderate kick from the chipotle peppers. Adjust the amount to suit your taste and tolerance for spice.
What meat pairs best with chipotle?
Chipotles pair especially well with chicken and pork. The smokiness complements the lighter meats. But they also go nicely with beef, fish, veggies and more!
Conclusion
Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a flavor punch to many types of cuisine. Their versatility makes them a handy pantry staple for the spice lover. A little goes a long way, so start with small amounts and adjust upward. Use chipotles and the sauce to liven up meats, veggies, eggs, rice, beans, dips, dressings, and more. Feel free to get creative with new ways to use this smoky, spicy ingredient! Proper storage will help chipotles last for a while after opening.