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    Home » Gluten Free » What to do with Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

    What to do with Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

    Jun 10, 2025 by Julia Maz · This post may contain affiliate links

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    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.

    frozen Chipotles in Adobo Sauce cubes

    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.

    Chipotles in Adobo Sauce in a can

    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.

    blending the chipotles in food processor

    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.

    freezing the chipotle paste

    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.

    Baked Portobello Mushrooms

    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.

    Lentil Chili

    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!

    Sofritas

    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.

    Healthy Vegan Stew

    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.

    Chipotles in Adobo Sauce on a spoon

    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

    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.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Seasoning
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Freezing Time: 2 hours hours
    Total Time: 2 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 11kcal
    Author: Julia Maz

    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.

    Video Tutorial

    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.

    My favorite recipes using Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

    Check above!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Sodium: 209mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 825IU | Iron: 1mg

    More Gluten Free Recipes

    • Smashed Pickled Cucumbers
    • 🌿Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks
    • Smashed Pickled Radishes
    • 🥬 Balsamic Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruth says

      January 20, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        January 21, 2023 at 5:57 pm

        Hi Ruth! Yes, they would make a great addition. I would put about 1/2 tsp. of this paste per one can. Happy cooking!

        Reply
    2. Mary says

      June 15, 2022 at 10:42 pm

      very good recipes

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        June 16, 2022 at 6:33 pm

        Thank you so much, Mary!

        Reply
    3. Zima says

      December 14, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great idea! I kept throwing away the leftovers.

      Reply
      • Tania Sheff says

        December 14, 2021 at 10:47 pm

        Haha! I am happy to help!

        Reply

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