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Chipotles in adobo are one of those pantry staples that make everyday cooking way more exciting. Whether you’re making a batch of taquitos, a cozy pot of soup, or even a quick dressing, just a spoonful of this smoky chile paste brings magic. And when you blend the whole can into a paste and keep it in your fridge or freezer? Game-changer. Let me show you how to use, store, and fall in love with chipotles in adobo.
Why You’ll Love This
- It’s a one-ingredient flavor bomb that elevates tacos, soups, and marinades.
- Super easy to prep and store—perfect for busy home cooks.
- It’s the starting point for so many reader-favorite recipes like chipotle crema, tofu marinade, and taquitos.
- Bonus: you’ll finally use up that whole can of chipotles (no more leftovers going bad in the fridge!).
What are chipotle peppers?
Chipotles are smoked, dried ripe jalapeños, and adobo sauce is a tangy, spiced tomato-based marinade. When you buy a can of chipotles in adobo, you’re getting a bold, complex combo of smoke, heat, vinegar, and umami in one little tin—classic in Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking.
How Spicy Are They?
They sit around 2,500–8,000 Scoville units, which puts them in the same ballpark as jalapeños. But the smokiness and vinegar mellow the heat a bit. If you’re spice-sensitive, just start with ½ teaspoon of the paste and build from there.
Home cook tip: Blend the chipotles into a paste and mix it with yogurt, sour cream, or hummus to dial back the heat while keeping that bold flavor.
Chile Spiciness Calculator
How to Store or Freeze Chipotle Paste
Or portion into an ice cube tray, freeze, and transfer to a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can grab a cube whenever you need it. Blend the entire can until smooth. Transfer to a jar and store in the fridge for up to 3 months.
Where to Buy Chipotles in Adobo
- In the U.S.: Most grocery stores carry them in the Latin/Hispanic aisle. Popular brands include La Costeña and Embasa.
- Online: Amazon and Mexican grocers.
- Tip: Always keep one can in your pantry—they last for years unopened.
Quick recipes to enjoy the smoky flavor of chipotles
- Add a spoonful to your refried beans or black beans
- Mix a teaspoon with sour cream or Mexican crema to finish soups or enfrijoladas.
- They are making barbecue sauce a dream.
- Roast tomatillos and garlic and blend with a tablespoon of chipotle chile paste to make a fast salsa verde for chilaquiles.
- Mix with mayo (chipotle mayo) to make sandwiches
Frequently asked questions
How to make chipotle paste?
Equipment
- Jar with a lid
Ingredients
- 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Instructions
- Open the chipotle chile can and pour the contents into a blender. Blend until smooth. You can also use a food processor.
- Then pour it into a jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will last up to three months. Even though I predict you’ll finish it before.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
- About the Author
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I’m Ale Graf, a Mexican living in Texas and the creator of AleCooks and Piloncillo&Vainilla. I share easy, family-friendly recipes—some Mexican, mostly plant-based—that can be enjoyed all day, every day. My focus is on recipes that bring people together around the table, making mealtime simple, delicious and meaningful. I’m also the co-author of Yo Cocino Latino, and my recipes have been featured in numerous online magazines and publications.
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