Chipotle Marinade Recipe

2022-11-07

By Maria Gonzalez

Mexican Cuisine

Marinade

Add a spicy and smoky kick to your meats with this traditional Mexican chipotle marinade recipe. 

Mexico´s Southern Treasure

A type of Mexican marinade that originated in the central and southern regions of Mexico. Specifically, chipotle peppers are commonly used in the cuisines of the states of Oaxaca, Puebla, and Chipotle.

Smoke and Spice 

Chipotle peppers are made by drying and smoking jalapeno peppers, giving them a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. 

  Ingredients Traditionally Marinated

This flavor profile is often incorporated into marinades using a combination of other ingredients like garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, vinegar, and orange juice. The marinade is often used with pork, beef, and chicken and is applied before grilling or roasting. 

Smoky, Spicy, Earthy and Tangy

The marinade gives the meat a distinct smoky flavor that is characteristic of chipotle peppers. In addition, the sweet and spicy notes of the marinade complement the savory flavor of meat.

Pitfalls on Chipotle Marinade

 Achieving the right smoky flavor: Chipotle peppers are known for their smoky flavor. To ensure this flavor comes through in the marinade, it's important to use chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. You can find these canned in most grocery stores. Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers used based on your desired level of spiciness.

 Balancing the heat: Chipotle peppers can pack some heat, so be cautious with the amount used in your marinade. To balance the heat, you can add a touch of sweetness by incorporating a teaspoon of honey or a tablespoon of brown sugar.

 Enhancing the depth of flavor: Chipotle Marinade benefits from additional spices and ingredients, such as cumin, paprika, garlic, and lime juice. Balance and adjust these flavors according to your preference, ensuring that each ingredient complements the others without overpowering.

 Marinating time: Chipotle Marinade infuses flavor relatively quickly, so be mindful of the marinating time. Marinating boneless chicken or pork cuts for 1-2 hours usually results in a good flavor. Avoid marinating for too long as the potent flavors can overwhelm the meat.

 Consistency and thickness: Achieving the right consistency is important for an even coating of the marinade. Chipotle Marinade should be a smooth paste, thin enough to brush or pour onto the meat without being too runny. Add some water or extra lime juice if needed to adjust the thickness.

 Experimenting: Chipotle Marinade is incredibly versatile and can be used with various proteins, from chicken and pork to tofu and vegetables. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and adjust spice levels to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 3 dried chipotle chiles

• 2 garlic cloves

• 1/2 onion

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Remove the stems of the dried chipotle chiles. Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, until they are soft.

2. Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender or food processor. Add the garlic cloves, onion, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, honey, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until everything is well combined.

3. Use the chipotle marinade to marinate chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp for at least 2 hours or even overnight, before grilling or roasting. This marinade is also great as a dipping sauce for chips or as a topping for tacos and burritos.

4. Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Preparation Time 10 min

Cook Time 10 min

Total time 20 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 115

Fat: 9 g

Saturated Fat: 1 g

Carbohydrates: 9 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 7 g

Protein: 1 g

Try this spicy and smoky traditional Mexican chipotle marinade recipe and enhance your meats for grilling and roasting. Share your flavorful dishes on your socials with the following hashtags #hivercipes #chipotlemarinade #Mexicancuisine #grilling #roasting #spicymeats #smokyflavors