Sauce, Condiment | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free Low Fat

Adobo Sauce

N/A (sauce) Allergen-Free
adobo sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Solanaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Mexican
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Chipotle peppers, vinegar, tomatoes

The Forktionary Angle

"The Tangy Embrace of Tradition"

Definition

A tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy Mexican sauce typically made from dried chipotle peppers, vinegar, tomatoes, and various spices.

Sensory Profile

TasteSmoky, Tangy, Spicy, Savory, Slightly sweet
TextureThick, Smooth, Viscous
AromaSmoky, Chili, Vinegar, Earthy
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Global Variants

Many regional variations (e.g., Mexican, Filipino)

Preservation Method

Acidity acts as a natural preservative

Primary Ingredient

Vinegar (acetic acid)

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 tbsp (30g)
Calories70 kcal
Total Fat1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein2 g
Total Carbohydrate12 g
Dietary Fiber4 g
Total Sugars6 g
Calcium50 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium250 mg

Chef’s Secret

Freeze leftover adobo sauce in ice cube trays for convenient portioning when you only need a small amount to add smoky depth to a dish.

Substitutions

Best Match

Canned chipotle peppers + tomato paste + vinegar

1:1 (approx.)

Best for replicating flavor and texture; blend chipotles with a little tomato paste and vinegar.

Smoked paprika + a pinch of cayenne + vinegar

To taste

Mimics smoky and spicy notes, but lacks the depth and texture of chipotles.

Ancho chili powder + tomato paste + lime juice

To taste

Ancho provides a similar earthy, smoky flavor; use lime for acidity.

Liquid smoke + hot sauce + tomato paste

To taste

Quick fix for smoky heat, but flavor will be less complex and fresh.

Buying Guide

Often found in cans as Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce." Look for brands with natural ingredients."

Flavor Pairings

Pork chicken beef beans rice eggs tacos enchiladas marinades.

Recipes Using Adobo Sauce

4 Fun Salsa's In One image 160
Sweet Easy Technique Cuisine

4 Fun Salsa's In One

Dive into a fiesta of flavor with this recipe featuring four incredible salsas: a classic tomato salsa, a smoky chipotle salsa, a vibrant spiked fruity salsa, and a creamy guacamole salsa! Created by a collaborative culinary crew, this recipe is bursting with fresh ingredients and exciting flavor combinations. Perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight dinner, these salsas are versatile enough to enhance any dish.

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Alton Brown's Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes image 163
Vegetables 5 Ingredients Or Less Easy Beginner Cook

Alton Brown's Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Elevate your side dish game with this smoky and savory Chipotle Smashed Sweet Potato recipe, inspired by Alton Brown's Good Eats! We've tweaked the original for even more deliciousness – perfectly tender sweet potatoes mashed with chipotle peppers, butter, and a hint of adobo sauce for a fantastic complement to steak, chicken, or your favorite protein. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie image 163
Preparation Course 4 Hours Or Less Time To Make

Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie

Skip the fuss, keep the flavor! This Authentic Mexican Tamale Pie is a delicious shortcut to your favorite tamale experience. A comforting casserole combining the best of two classic recipes (inspired by #191472 and #168006), this dish features a creamy cornmeal topping and a hearty chili filling. Made with finely ground cornmeal (or masa harina!), it's topped with a vibrant cilantro cream sauce (recipe #171578) for the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's easy to make and impossible to resist!

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Baked French Fries With Chile Peppers Cilantro image 194
American North American Cuisine Preparation

Baked French Fries With Chile Peppers Cilantro

Crispy baked french fries tossed with spicy jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and a zesty kick! Served with a creamy chipotle-lime yogurt dipping sauce that's simply irresistible. This recipe is perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a delicious game-day snack. Get ready for flavor explosions!

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Baked Ham Glazed With Pineapple And Chipotle Peppers image 261
Holiday Event Oven Main Ingredient Southwestern United States

Baked Ham Glazed With Pineapple And Chipotle Peppers

Sweet, smoky, and spicy baked ham recipe! This incredible glaze combines juicy pineapple with smoky chipotle peppers for a flavor explosion. Leave the chipotle seeds in for extra heat! Perfect for holiday gatherings or a special weeknight dinner. Impress your guests with this easy-to-follow recipe.

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Firewalker T Bone Steak image
Served Hot Superbowl Beef Main Dish

Firewalker T Bone Steak

Ignite your taste buds with this unforgettable Firewalker T-Bone Steak recipe! Inspired by Marlboro's legendary outdoor cooking, this recipe delivers a flavor explosion that's perfect for a cozy winter night or a sizzling summer cookout. Unlike your typical salt-and-pepper steak, this recipe adds a bold twist (recipe details below) that's sure to impress. Perfect for a solo practice run before wowing your guests, this recipe is also ideal for camping adventures. Marinate overnight, then sear your T-bone to perfection over high heat – the result is a juicy, flavorful steak that defies expectations. Don't let the cold stop you – fire up the grill and experience the thrill of winter grilling! #TboneSteak #GrillRecipe #OutdoorCooking #WinterGrilling #SummerGrilling #MarlboroRecipe #SteakRecipe

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Shrimp With Chipotle Sauce image 175
North American Appetizers North American Shellfish

Shrimp With Chipotle Sauce

Elevate your appetizer game with this fiery Shrimp with Chipotle Sauce recipe! Inspired by Surreal Gourmet, this recipe lets you control the heat with customizable chipotle pepper and adobo sauce. Succulent shrimp are tossed in a zesty dry rub, then pan-seared to perfection. Serve this delightful dish over a vibrant mesclun mix for a restaurant-quality experience. Perfect for parties or a quick weeknight meal!

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