Canned Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

in Chipotle peppers, Condiments, Tips

Storing leftover chipotles in adobo

I adore canned chipotles in adobo sauce. Adore them. They’re smokey and spicy and are one of those pantry staples that can make any dish better, from taquitos (ahem, flautas) to Eggs Benedict.

Chipotle Mayo

Most recipes usually call for 1-2 peppers, maybe a little sauce and then… what do you do with the extras? Wrap it in plastic wrap, stick it in the door of the fridge, and forget about it until things get all gross?

Guilty.

Avocado Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise

A super handy tip shared by reader Bianca last year helped solve the can-of-leftover-chipotles dilemma. I empty the can of chipotles into the mini-chopper, give it a whirl until mostly uniform, and then freeze the mixture in 2 Tbsp portions. The chipotle cubes store easily in a ziptop bag and I pull one out when ever a recipe calls for 1-2 peppers.

Need 3 peppers with sauce? That’s 2 cubes.

It’s really that easy!

Shrimp Tacos with Margarita Slaw and Chipotle Mayo

Looking for ideas to use up those frozen chipotle ice cubes? Check out some of these recipes:
Shrimp Tacos with Margarita Slaw & Chipotle Mayo
Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Avocado Eggs Benedict with Chipotle Hollandaise Sauce
Chipotle Burger Buns
Baked Chipotle Ranch Chicken Taquitos
Pulled Pork Empanadas with Peach-Chipotle Barbecue Sauce
Grilled Broccoli with Chipotle Lime Butter
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Chipotle Ranch Dressing

19 comments… add one
  • OHMYGOD I LOVE YOU! We don’t have easy access to these cans in Australia so we bought a case of them to tie us over for a while. We tend to make a massive pot of chili with a tin (or two) but I’ve always wanted to try the recipes you guys post that uses only a little of them. The flavour is amazing – but I’ve always had an issue with the left overs. This makes SO much sense!

    Guess what we’ll be having for breakfast on the weekend? Chipotle hollandaise over poached eggs & avocado. Cannot wait!

  • NP

    Love it – I do the same thing with freezing the chipotles! My husband is always weirded out by what is in the ice cube trays – chipotles, wine, coffee, herbs……

  • OMG! Just bought these yesterday. I only need one for the recipe I’m making and was trying to figure out what to do with the rest….thank you for solving that dilemma (and also for giving me ideas of other recipes to make!)!

  • ahh I have this same problem every time…what a great idea! Thanks!

  • I end up with the gross leftovers in the fridge EVERY time I buy a can of these. Thanks for the great tip!

  • This is excellent. No more waste (or removing spotted chipotle peppers from the fridge).

  • Wow this is such a great post! I’ve actually avoided recipes that call for chipotles in adobo – not because I don’t think they’d be delicious, but because I never knew what to do with the rest of the can before it went bad. Thank you!

  • Catherine

    This is simple but very brilliant. Thanks for sharing! I was having the exact same problem. 🙂

  • So simple but so clever! Love this idea 🙂 I love any idea that helps reduce costs and reduce waste- you’re a star!

  • Love it! I am guilty of having a plastic container of peppers in my fridge right now!

  • Seriously though…you’ve made my life so.much.easier.

  • Patti T.

    Wonderful tip. Now I can buy a can and not worry about using the whole thing before it goes bad. Thank you.

  • Debra

    Great idea.

  • I’m also guilty of letting the rest of the can go bad! Great tip!

  • Whenever I open a can of chipotle peppers, I pour the unused portion in a small freezer bag, spread the peppers out in a single layer, then seal the bag and freeze. When I need a pepper or two, I take the bag out of the freezer about 15 minutes before I need it to just barely soften the contents, bend and break off the right size portion while it’s still in the bag, then open and remove that portion. No food processor or ice cube tray to clean.

  • This is great, thanks! I never really worried about chipotles before because they are cheap and the can is small but I have a major problem with roasted red peppers getting moldy on me. I may try freezing them, too!

  • Great idea! I do something similar with leftover pesto. I ran across your blog and have been enjoying your posts. Also, I really love your design. Great colors!

  • Thank you for sharing this tip. For Thanksgiving, I enjoy making whipped sweet potatoes with a chipotle in adobe. I’ve always wondered, “now what?” in regards to the rest of the peppers left in the can. Now I know, and the shrimp tacos are first on my list!

  • I am so guilty of sticking a used can of chipotles in the fridge and then rediscovering it a month later. This is a great idea!

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