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Rustic kitchen scene of adobo sauce recipe preparation, featuring toasted dried chiles, a blender with vibrant adobo sauce.

Adobo Sauce Recipe

sophia
Whip up a smoky, versatile adobo sauce in 15 minutes with pantry staples, and say goodbye to store-bought jars
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course sauce
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 about 2 cups
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 dried ancho chiles (1.5 oz: Sweet, smoky backbone.)
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles (1 oz: Earthy, mild heat.)
  • 4 garlic cloves: For pungent depth.
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar: Tangy brightness + natural preservative.
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano or Mediterranean oregano in a pinch: Citrusy herbal notes.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin: Warm nutty undertones.
  • ½ tsp cinnamon: Secret warmth trust us.
  • 2 whole cloves or ¼ tsp ground: Subtle spice complexity.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: To sauté and smooth the blend.
  • 1 cup broth chicken or vegetable: Balances acidity.

Optional

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste: For richer umami add while blending.
  • 1 tsp brown sugar or honey: To mellow heat ideal for sensitive palates.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep Those Chiles

  • Rinse dried chiles under cool water.
    Close-up of adobo sauce recipe preparation, showing dried ancho and guajillo chiles on a cutting board with stems and seeds being removed using scissors and a spoon.
  • Use kitchen shears to snip off stems.
  • Shake out seeds (leave some for extra heat if you dare!).
  • Tear chiles into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  • Pro Tip: Wear gloves if you're sensitive to spice. Trust me, your eyes will thank you later!

Step 2: Toast & Soak

  • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
  • Toast chile pieces for 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
  • Transfer to a bowl and cover with 2 cups boiling water.
    Adobo sauce recipe step showing toasted ancho and guajillo chiles soaking in a bowl of hot water, with steam rising, on a marble countertop.
  • Let soak for 20 minutes until soft and pliable.
  • Flavor Boost: Add a cinnamon stick to the soaking water for subtle warmth.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

  • In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
  • Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until golden and fragrant.
  • Add cumin, oregano, and ground cloves. Toast for 30 seconds.
    Adobo sauce recipe ingredient prep on a wooden countertop, featuring chopped garlic, drained canned tomatoes, and measured spices like cumin and Mexican oregano."
  • Aroma Check: Your kitchen should smell incredible right about now!

Step 4: Blend It Up

  • Drain softened chiles, reserving ½ cup soaking liquid.
  • Add chiles, sautéed aromatics, vinegar, and reserved liquid to a blender.
  • Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
    Adobo sauce recipe blending step, showing a blender filled with softened chiles
  • Slowly stream in 1 cup broth while blending.
  • Texture Tip: For ultra-smooth sauce, strain through a fine-mesh sieve.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

  • Return sauce to skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Sauce will thicken slightly and flavors will meld.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, vinegar, or honey for balance).
Keyword adobo sauce, adobo sauce recipe, chile sauce