What is chipotle adobo sauce made of?

Chipotle adobo sauce is made from dried chipotle peppers (which are smoked jalapeños), blended into a rich base of vinegar , garlic , tomato paste , onion , and warm spices like cumin , cinnamon , and oregano . It's thick, smoky, tangy, and spicy—all in one bite. If you're following a homemade Adobo Sauce Recipe , it’s easy to make a version of this with pantry staples and dried chiles.

What is a substitute for chipotle adobo sauce?

If you’re out of chipotle adobo sauce, don’t panic. A quick substitute is a mix of smoked paprika , cayenne pepper , and a little tomato paste . Blend with garlic and a splash of vinegar for that smoky-tangy flavor. It won’t have the same depth, but it works great in a pinch, especially when you’re cooking dishes that call for a strong kick of flavor from an Adobo Sauce Recipe .

Is chipotle hot or spicy?

Yes, chipotle peppers do carry heat, but it’s more of a slow burn than a sharp sting. Since they’re smoked and dried jalapeños, their heat is mellowed out by a deep, earthy smokiness. When added to an Adobo Sauce Recipe , they balance beautifully with sweetness and acidity—resulting in flavor that’s bold but not overpowering.

Is chipotle sauce the same as adobo?

Not quite. Chipotle sauce is typically a creamy blend of chipotle peppers (often in adobo sauce) with mayo, sour cream, or yogurt—something you'd use as a topping or dip. Adobo sauce , on the other hand, is a more concentrated, vinegar-based chili sauce. In many cases, chipotle sauce is made by blending adobo into a creamy base. So while they’re connected, they’re not the same.

What is the main ingredient in adobo?

The star of any Adobo Sauce Recipe is the dried chiles . Guajillo and ancho chiles form the base, bringing sweetness and smokiness. They’re supported by garlic, onion, tomato paste, vinegar, and a well-rounded mix of spices. All of this simmers down into a bold, reddish-brown sauce with a lot of personality.

What kind of chili is chipotle?

A chipotle pepper is actually a smoked, dried jalapeño . It’s got medium heat and tons of smoky flavor, making it the perfect chili for bold dishes. When added to an Adobo Sauce Recipe , it brings that extra punch that takes the sauce from good to unforgettable.

Easy Adobo Sauce Recipe: Homemade Chipotle Adobo Sauce

Name: Easy Adobo Sauce Recipe | chipotle adobo sauce
Prep time: 22 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 guajillo chiles; 3 ancho chiles; 2 arbol chiles optional for extra heat; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds; ½ teaspoon black peppercorns; 4 whole cloves; 2 bay leaves; 2 ¼ cups boiling water; 4 teaspoons olive oil; 1 cup onion diced; 4 teaspoons garlic minced; ½ teaspoon oregano; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste; 8 dried chipotle chilies

Description

This bold and smoky Adobo Sauce Recipe is packed with the deep flavors of toasted chiles and warm spices. It’s the perfect punchy addition to grilled meats, taco fillings, or burrito bowls—bringing authentic Mexican flair to every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

Spices and Chiles:

3 guajillo chiles
3 ancho chiles
2 arbol chiles optional for extra heat
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
½ teaspoon black peppercorns
4 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
2 ¼ cups boiling water

Sauce Ingredients:

4 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup onion diced
4 teaspoons garlic minced
½ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon white vinegar
¾ teaspoon salt or to taste

To Make Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce:

8 dried chipotle chilies

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Instructions

Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles.
Toast the chiles, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, and bay leaves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant, but without letting the chiles get dark or bitter.
Transfer the toasted chiles and spices to a blender pitcher, and cover with the boiling water. Let soak for twenty minutes.
Meanwhile, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. After 90 seconds, when the oil is hot, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the oregano, cinnamon, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Cook for an additional two minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the spices.
Using a rubber spatula to get out all the good stuff, transfer the contents of the pan, along with the white vinegar, and salt into the blender that contains the soaked chiles and spices. Don't you dare get rid of the soaking water! Blend for 90 seconds on medium speed until smooth. Your adobo sauce recipe is now complete.

To make chipotle peppers in adobo sauce:

Place the dried chipotle chilies in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Let them soak until soft, approximately 30 minutes.
Once softened, pinch off the stems and add the chipotle chilies to the blended adobo sauce. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors of this adobo sauce recipe to penetrate into the chiles.
Store the chipotles in adobo in the refrigerator for up to a week, or can them in a sterilized glass jar to keep shelf stable for up to a year.

Notes

No Mr. Burns. No Weekend at Bernie's: Toasting chiles and spices adds depth to the flavor, but avoid overdoing it. If chiles get too dark, they turn bitter. Toast just until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Fully Hydrate for Full Flavor: Thoroughly soak dried chiles to avoid large pieces in the sauce. Make sure they're soft and pliable before blending.
Power Up with a High-Speed Blender: A good high-speed blender (like a Blendtec) makes this adobo sauce recipe come out smooth with minimal effort.

Spice Control to Major Tom: For extra kick, add more arbol chiles or a splash of hot sauce. This adobo sauce recipe is flexible, so customize the heat to your preference.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Soaking time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Condiment, salsa
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Calories: 224kcal
Sugar: 21g
Sodium: 707mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 13g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg