How to Make Easy 2-Minute Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

What Is Chipotle in Adobo Sauce?

Canned chipotles in adobo sauce are jalapeño peppers that have been smoked, dried, and reconstituted in a sauce of tomato, vinegar, garlic, and spices. This Mexican pantry staple adds incredible heat, tang, and smokiness to any dish you use it in.

The adobo sauce itself is a rich, tangy, slightly sweet sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, and a blend of spices. It's the perfect vehicle for smoky chipotle peppers, adding depth to everything from marinades to soups.

And a little goes a long way, which is why most people end up with almost a full can of leftovers they never use.

This is what makes this recipe so genius! You make only what you need by using just 4 ingredients: Chipotle powder, garlic powder, tomato paste, and red wine vinegar.

Why You'll Love This DIY Chipotles in Adobo Sauce Recipe

• You're never left with an almost full can of leftovers going bad in the back of the fridge
• It uses just 3 basic pantry staples (4 if you want to be fancy and add garlic powder)
• It adds the perfect amount of smoky, tangy, spicy heat to all kinds of dishes
• It takes just 2 minutes to make
• You can adjust the heat level to your preference

Canned Chipotle in Adobo Sauce Substitute Ingredients

I have to give a big shout-out and thanks to Cooks Illustrated for saving my skin with their recipe, which I tweaked just a little by adding only one extra ingredient. I found it when I was making leftover turkey tinga tacos and was out of canned chipotles in adobo, and it worked like a charm!

• Chipotle powder - The star of the show! This is made from dried, smoked jalapeños and brings all the signature heat and smoky flavor.
• Garlic powder - Adds depth and savory notes that complement the smokiness.
• Red wine vinegar - Provides the tangy acidity that balances the heat.
• Tomato paste - Creates the saucy base and adds subtle sweetness.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce Substitute

Making a substitute for chipotles in adobo sauce is as easy as mixing together chipotle powder, garlic powder, tomato paste, and red wine vinegar (see recipe below). If you want to make a little more than the recipe calls for, just seal it up in a jar and place it in the fridge until ready to use.

For each 1 whole chili in adobo sauce called for in a recipe, use the following ratio:

• ¾ teaspoon chipotle powder (2g)
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder (0.33g)
• ¼ teaspoon red wine vinegar (1.25g)
• ¼ teaspoon tomato paste (1.25g)

For every teaspoon of adobo sauce called for in a recipe, use the following ratio:

• ⅛ teaspoon chipotle powder (0.33g)
• pinch of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red wine vinegar (2.5g)
• ½ teaspoon tomato paste (2.5g)

Find detailed instructions in recipe card.

Is Adobo Sauce Spicy?

Yes, adobo sauce has a moderate level of heat, but it's more about flavor than fire. Chipotle peppers typically measure between 2,500-8,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), which is similar to a jalapeño pepper but with a deeper, smokier kick.

The heat level in canned chipotles in adobo can vary by brand. La Costeña tends to have a smoky, tangy flavor with a moderate to high, spicy kick! While San Marcos tends to be milder and sweeter than La Costena.

While Embasa can pack can be a bit smoother, milder and sweeter than La Costena. With this homemade version, you control the heat by adjusting the brand and amount of chipotle powder you use.

To reduce heat: Use less chipotle powder and more tomato paste to dilute the spiciness.

To increase heat: Add more chipotle powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Adobo Sauce Substitutes

If you don't have chipotle powder on hand, here are some alternatives to create a similar flavor profile:

• Smoked paprika + cayenne: Use 1 teaspoon smoked paprika + ¼ teaspoon cayenne for every ¾ teaspoon chipotle powder. Won't be as hot or as deeply smoky, but close enough in a real pinch.
• Ancho chile powder: Use a 1:1 swap for chipotle powder. Ancho is milder and sweeter, so add a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat.
• Dried chipotle peppers: Grind dried chipotle peppers in a spice grinder to make your own chipotle powder.

Best Ways to Use This Homemade Chipotle in Adobo Sauce

Now that you know how to make DIY chipotles in adobo sauce, there are a ton of different ways you can use it to add tang, spice, and heat to any dish. Here are a few ways we like to use it:

• Chipotle crema: Mix with sour cream for tacos al Pastor or taco topper
• Chipotle mayo or aioli: Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, and dipping fries
• Spicy ketchup: Stir into ketchup for an upgraded condiment
• Marinades: Add to chicken, pork, or beef marinades for smoky depth
• Barbacoa and braised meats: Essential for authentic Mexican-style braised dishes
• Oven-roasted ribs: Add extra smoke to oven-roasted ribs
• Soups and stews: Stir into chili, tortilla soup, or black bean soup
• Veggie tacos: Spice up your favorite veggie taco blend

How to Store Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce

One of the best things about this homemade version is you only make what you need. But if you do have leftovers:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Spoon the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Once solid, pop them out and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This way, you always have perfectly portioned Chipotle in adobo ready to go!

For leftover canned chipotles: Transfer the peppers and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2-3 weeks, or freeze using the ice cube tray method.

Canned Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: Brand Comparison

If you do decide to buy canned chipotles in adobo sauce, here's how the popular brands compare:

• La Costeña: The most widely available brand. Smoky, tangy flavor with a moderate to high spicy kick!
• San Marcos: Milder and sweeter than La Costeña. A good choice if you prefer less heat.
• Embasa: Smoother, milder, and sweeter than La Costeña. Great for those who want flavor without too much fire.
• Goya: Another widely available option with balanced flavor and medium heat.

You can find canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce at most grocery stores in the international or Mexican food aisle. They're also available at Walmart, Target, and online.