Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a versatile Mexican ingredient that can add smoky, spicy flavor to many dishes. The chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers that are then cooked in a sauce made of tomato puree, vinegar, garlic, onion, oregano, and spices. The adobo sauce infuses the peppers with tangy, savory flavor. While the canned chipotle peppers are probably the most convenient and commonly used form, you can also find chipotle peppers and adobo sauce sold separately in jars or packets. So what are some of the many uses for canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?
Add Smoky Spice to Salsas, Sauces, and Guacamole
One of the most popular uses for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce is adding them to salsas, chilis, marinades, and other Mexican sauces and dips. The smoky heat pairs perfectly with the bright flavors of tomatoes, lime, cilantro, and other typical ingredients in Mexican recipes. Simply add a spoonful of the chopped peppers and blend or stir to distribute the flavor evenly. You can make the dish as mild or spicy as preferred by adjusting the amount of chipotles you add. Here are some recipe ideas:
- Chipotle tomato salsa
- Creamy chipotle guacamole
- Chipotle lime vinaigrette
- Chipotle chili sauce
- Chipotle barbecue sauce
Try adding a small amount to your favorite enchilada sauce, taco sauce, or fajita marinade recipe for extra depth of flavor.
Give Chili and Stew a Smoky Kick
The rich, deep flavor of chipotle peppers in adobo makes them an ideal ingredient for imparting smoky spice to hearty chilis and stews. When cooking a pot of beef chili, white chicken chili, or vegetable chili, stir in a spoonful of chopped chipotles. You can also puree them with a bit of the cooking liquid.
For stews, curries, and chowders that need a flavor boost, the chipotles can provide just the right amount of heat and smokiness. Some ideas include:
- Beef and bean chili
- Smoky white chicken chili
- Vegetable chili with chipotle
- Chipotle beef stew
- Chipotle black bean soup
- Chipotle curry with chicken
Give Meats a Spicy Kick
Chipotle peppers in adobo can transform bland meats into flavorful entrees with just a spoonful of the sauce. You can use them as a rub, marinade ingredient, or sauce topping for proteins. The sweet adobo sauce caramelizes beautifully on meats when grilled or roasted. A small amount packs a lot of flavor without overpowering other ingredients. Ideas include:
| Meat | Recipe Ideas |
|---|---|
| Chicken |
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| Pork |
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| Beef |
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| Seafood |
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Liven Up Vegetables
In addition to meats, chipotle peppers can transform the flavor of vegetables. A small amount of smokiness enhances roasted veggies beautifully. Or blend the peppers into a creamy dip or sauce for fresh vegetables. Try these recipes:
- Chipotle roasted Brussels sprouts
- Chipotle sweet potatoes
- Chipotle parsnips
- Chipotle carrot dip
- Chipotle hummus
The possibilities are endless for sneaking some chipotle flavor into vegetable side dishes.
Bake with Chipotle
Don’t limit chipotles just to savory dishes – they can add intrigue to baked goods as well. A tiny amount of chipotle pepper and adobo transforms chocolate from ordinary to extraordinary. The combination of sweet chocolate and smoky chipotle may seem unusual, but it’s a famous flavor pairing in Mexico. Try recipes like:
- Chipotle chocolate cake
- Chipotle chocolate cookies
- Chipotle brownies
- Chipotle chocolate chili truffles
Beyond chocolate, a touch of chipotle also enhances spice cookies, fruit muffins, and coffee cakes. Feeling creative? Come up with your own ways to incorporate the peppers into desserts and baked goods.
Make a Custom Sauce
For the ultimate control over spiciness and flavor, make your own custom chipotle pepper sauce. Simply blend together ingredients like:
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- Garlic
- Onion
- Tomato paste or canned tomatoes
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Chicken or vegetable broth
Adjust the proportions to achieve your desired consistency and level of spice. A homemade chipotle sauce will taste so much better than store-bought versions. Use it anytime you want to add instant Southwestern flavor to tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, grilled meats, eggs, pizza, and more.
Other Creative Uses for Chipotle Peppers
Once you have a jar of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in your pantry, you’ll find endless ways to put them to use. Here are some other creative recipe ideas:
- Chipotle deviled eggs
- Chipotle mac and cheese
- Chipotle potato salad
- Chipotle coleslaw
- Chipotle turkey or ham sandwiches
- Chipotle tuna or chicken salad
- Chipotle pizza with adobo sauce
- Chipotle meatballs
- Chipotle chicken salad wraps
- Chipotle egg breakfast burritos
Don’t be afraid to experiment by adding a small amount of chopped chipotles or adobo sauce to any savory dish that could use a smoky flavor boost.
How to Use Canned Chipotle Peppers
Using canned chipotle peppers is easy. Here are some tips:
- Chop or puree – Remove peppers from the can and chop finely, or puree in a food processor or blender for a smooth sauce.
- Adjust spice level – Add a little at a time, taste, and adjust heat level. Start with 1/4 pepper.
- Use adobo sauce – The sauce in the can has great flavor. Spoon it into recipes along with the peppers.
- Store leftovers – Refrigerate unused chopped peppers and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for longer storage – Freeze extra chipotles and sauce for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
With their complex smoky-sweet flavor and just the right amount of heat, it’s no wonder chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are a hugely popular ingredient in Mexican cooking. They can transform salsas, chilis, meats, vegetables, and even desserts and baked goods. A small jar in the pantry makes it easy to add deep, wood-smoked flavor to all kinds of dishes. Try using chipotles in adobo in your favorite recipes to give them a delicious flavor boost.