Have you ever wondered what to do with leftover Chipotles in Adobo Sauce? This delicious ingredient can be used in lots of recipes, and I'll show you how to store it until you need it.
Chipotles in Adobo Sauce is one of my favorite ingredients to add to my recipes because it brings a complex mix of flavors that always takes a meal from good to amazing. Sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy, there are not a lot of dishes that won't benefit from adding these chiles and sauce. But since it packs a lot of punch, there's usually quite a bit leftover in the container once the cooking is done. So what do you do with all those leftover Chipotles in Adobo Sauce? I'll show you.
Video Tutorial
What are Chipotles in Adobo
The chipotle chiles are dried, smoked jalapenos that have been rehydrated and marinated. They have a smoky heat that adds a fiery flavor to vegetables and stews. The adobo sauce they're soaked in is slightly sweet and tangy, a mix of garlic, vinegar, and spices in a tomato puree. Together, this is an addictive flavor combo. Adding Chipotles in Adobo Sauce to your recipes gives them so much more depth, as this one ingredient can cover a lot of bases.
What to do with leftover Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
1. Place all of the contents of the can in a food processor and puree until it looks like a paste.
2. Add a spoonful into each section of an ice cube tray. Keep doing that until all the paste is used. Place in the freezer and freeze until solid (at least two hours). Transfer the frozen pieces into a Ziplock bag and return them to the freezer.
Where to use it
I add this as a secret ingredient to many dishes and soups! If you are making Mexican inspired dishes, the chances are that Chipotles in Adobo would make a great addition. Add them to chilis, to roasted vegetables, to tacos, enchiladas, Mexican inspired soups, sauces, salsa, marinades, and so much more!
There are few flavor profiles that Chipotles in Adobo Sauce don't complement. Try it with food that are:
- Sweet. Maple syrup and other sweeteners really enhance the sweet and spicy flavors in the adobo.
- Tangy. The vinegary adobo sauce makes the chipotles work well in sour and tangy recipes.
- Spicy. These chipotles have some heat, so they go nicely in your hotter dishes.
- Smoky. Savory-flavored dishes just get better with these smoky chiles.
My favorite recipes using Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
1) These Baked Portobello Mushrooms have so much flavor thanks to the Chipotle in Adobo sauce they're brushed with. You'll love the "meaty" texture and taste of this vegan dish.
2) This Amazing Lentil Chili is so tasty and easy to make. Hearty, flavorful, and delicious, this is perfect cold-weather food and something you'll want to make again and again.
3) This Sofritas recipe is simple, tasty, and it makes a great companion for your burritos, tacos, salads, or rice bowls! Follow my simple photo and video instructions and make this delicious treat at home!
4) This Healthy Vegan Stew is loaded with veggies and flavor, with just a hint of heat. You'll love its simple ingredients, easy prep, and delicious taste.
5). This Three Bean Chili is a delicious and filling vegan meal that will really warm you up. Made with chipotles, spices, and veggies, it has the perfect mix of flavor and heat.
6). This Vegan Walnut Taco Meat is a healthy and delicious filler for tacos, burritos, and more. Made with black beans, raw walnuts, and spices, it has the perfect crumbly texture and savory flavor.
7.) This Vegan Black Bean Burger is healthy and satisfying with a tasty texture and the perfect level of spicy zing. This makes a great lunch or dinner, and can be pan-fried or baked for the best flavor.
How long will the Chipotles in Adobo Sauce last?
You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days in an airtight container. But if you aren't using these right away, storing them in the freezer is perfect for easy use in the future. Once frozen, the Chipotles in Adobo Sauce paste will last for up to 6 months.
So if you were wondering what to do with Chipotles in Adobo Sauce when you have leftovers, you can see they are easy to store and a breeze to use when frozen. Just grab a cube or two whenever you want to add a burst of flavor to your favorite soups, stews, veggies, or tacos. There's almost no meal that won't benefit with this delicious ingredient added in.
More tasty recipes using Chipotles in Adobo Sauce:
- Vegan Chili
- Beer Braised Jackfruit Enchiladas
- Vegan Burrito Bowls with Chipotle Crema
- Chipotle Butternut Squash Chili
- Vegan Chipotle Mayo
- Homemade Adobo Guacamole
- Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower Tacos
What to do with Chipotles in Adobo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 can chipotles in Adobo Sauce
Instructions
- Place all of the contents of the can in a food processor and puree until it looks like a paste.
- Add a spoonful into each section of an ice cube tray. Keep doing that until all the paste is used. Place in the freezer and freeze until solid (at least two hours). Transfer the frozen pieces into a Ziplock bag and return them to the freezer.
Notes
Where to use it
I add this as a secret ingredient to many dishes and soups! If you are making Mexican inspired dishes, the chances are that Chipotles in Adobo would make a great addition. Add them to chilis, to roasted vegetables, to tacos, enchiladas, Mexican inspired soups, sauces, salsa, marinades, and so much more! There are few flavor profiles that Chipotles in Adobo Sauce don't complement. Try it with food that are:- Sweet. Maple syrup and other sweeteners really enhance the sweet and spicy flavors in the adobo.
- Tangy. The vinegary adobo sauce makes the chipotles work well in sour and tangy recipes.
- Spicy. These chipotles have some heat, so they go nicely in your hotter dishes.
- Smoky. Savory-flavored dishes just get better with these smoky chiles.
Hi! I want to make refried bean tacos since corn tortillas and beans make a complete protein. Would blended chipotles in Adobe sauce be good in them? And how much should I put in a can of beans? Thank you!
Ruth
Hi Ruth! Yes, they would make a great addition. I would put about 1/2 tsp. of this paste per one can. Happy cooking!
very good recipes
Thank you so much, Mary!
This is such a great idea! I kept throwing away the leftovers.
Haha! I am happy to help!