13 Ways to Use Up that Can of Chipotle Chiles in Adobo
Many recipes call for just one chile, but chipotles are sold in packs of 10+—here’s how to use the rest of ’em
A staple of Mexican and Mexican-American cuisine, chipotle chiles are smoky, spicy, and for a vegetarian ingredient, loaded with umami flavor. That's why many recipes call for just one or two—that's all you really need to pack a punch. But that leads to a can mostly full of leftovers. What to do with them? From one of our favorite tacos to the heartiest of chicken stews here are the very best ways to use up your leftover chipotle chiles.
This appetizer is loaded with spicy chorizo, assorted chiles, and hearty black beans. Get the recipe for Black Bean Nachos with Red Chile Beef »
Avocado is an unlikely but delicious pairing for smoked whitefish, and this guacamole is a smokier, creamier spin on classic whitefish salad. Get the recipe for Whitefish Guacamole »
Mussels Tostada with Russian Salad and Chipotle Mayonnaise
Mussels Tostada with Russian Salad and Chipotle Mayonnaise
When it comes to sustainable seafood, it's hard to go wrong. At his Manhattan restaurant Cosme, chef Enrique Olvera serves mussels marinated in a tangy escabeche and piled onto crunchy tostadas with a spicy vegetable salad. Get the recipe for Mussels Tostada with Russian Salad and Chipotle Mayonnaise »
Hearty and filling, this easy chicken stew gets its signature smoky flavor from chipotles in adobo. Get the recipe for Chicken and Potato Stew (Guisada al Pollo) »
Skirt steak, a flavorful, juicy cut, is an excellent choice for carne asada, from Mexico's El Bajío region. This one is marinated with lime and spices before grilling. Get the recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos (Tacos de Carne Asada) »
This recipe from cookbook author Diana Kennedy is a comforting casserole dense with thin fideo noodles bathed in chile sauce. Serve it with a salad or pickled chiles on the side. Get the recipe for Mexican Noodle Casserole (Sopa Seca) »
Don't be afraid of the yellow-green tomalley: Rodney Dunn of Agrarian Kitchen adds the muddy-looking lobster liver sauce to drawn butter for extra lobster flavor. Get the recipe for Grilled Lobster with Chipotle Garlic Seaweed Butter »
Onions, mushrooms, sweet corn, and chiles in adobo add hearty, smoky flavor to these vegetarian tacos. Get the recipe for Chipotle Swiss-Chard Tacos »
Found in most supermarkets and Mexican grocers, canned chipotles in adobo make a smoky, fiery sauce for chicken wings. Serve them with avocado crema. Get the recipe for Chipotle Wings »
Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aïoli and Pineapple Salsa
Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aïoli and Pineapple Salsa
Puréed scallops and whipped egg whites lend heft and creamy texture to these crab cakes from Ocean Bleu @ Gino's restaurant in Newport, Oregon. Get the recipe for Crab Cakes with Chipotle Aïoli and Pineapple Salsa »
Pan-Fried Crabs in Chipotle Sauce (Jaibas Enchipotladas)
Pan-Fried Crabs in Chipotle Sauce (Jaibas Enchipotladas)
To simplify this recipe from Tabasco state for pan-fried crabs in a smoky chipotle sauce, ask your fishmonger to clean and cut the live crabs in half for you. Get the recipe for Pan-Fried Crabs in Chipotle Sauce (Jaibas Enchipotladas)
Shredded Beef with Lime and Avocado
Slow-cooked, extra-tender beef brisket is tossed with lime, chiles, herbs, and cheese, then topped with avocado slices for an incredible taco filling.
Slow-cooked, extra-tender beef brisket is tossed with lime, chiles, herbs, and cheese, then topped with avocado slices for an incredible taco filling. Get the recipe for Shredded Beef with Lime and Avocado »
Roasted garlic, chili peppers in adobo, and lemon juice seriously kicks up a standard mayonnaise. Get the recipe for Roasted Garlic Chipotle Mayonnaise »
Related: How to Make Homemade Mayo
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