As a home cook and lover of spicy food, I’ve always kept a jar of chipotle paste in my pantry. This versatile ingredient adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to my marinades, Asian sauces, and soups. However, I understand that not everyone has access to chipotle paste or may want to try a different flavor profile.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best chipotle paste substitutes that you can easily find in your local grocery store. Two great alternatives I’ll be going over for adding a smoky flavor to your dish include smoked paprika and ancho chili powder. Both have a subtle smokiness, with paprika having a hint of sweetness and ancho having a uniquely rich, earthy flavor.
Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore alternatives to chipotle paste that promise to elevate your dishes with captivating flavors. Let’s discover new taste sensations together, but before we hop into any of that, let’s learn about what this paste really is.
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What Is Chipotle Paste?
Chipotle paste is a thick, concentrated paste made from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers, also known as chipotle peppers. The paste is typically mixed with vinegar, salt, and other spices to create a flavorful and adaptable ingredient.
Its smoky and slightly sweet taste can complement meat, seafood, vegetable dishes, and even dips and spreads. It can also be used as a rub for grilling or roasting or mixed with olive oil for a flavorful salad dressing. Its moderate spiciness can also add a subtle depth to your cooking without overpowering the other flavors.
What Type of Cuisine Is It Most Common In?
Chipotle paste is predominantly used in Latin American and Mexican cuisines like chicken and shrimp, where it’s used as a marinade or a sauce to add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.
In Latin American cuisine, chipotle paste is typically used in stews and soups, such as the Colombian soup ajiaco or the Peruvian dish rocoto relleno, which features stuffed peppers topped with a creamy sauce made with chipotle paste and cheese.
Best Chipotle Paste Substitute
Make Your Own Chipotle Paste
One of the best alternatives to chipotle paste is to make your own. This’ll give you a low-cost and convenient supply to add to your homemade recipes. To make homemade chipotle paste, you need dried chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and vinegar.
Soak the peppers in hot water, blend with the other ingredients until smooth, and store in a jar for further use.
Generic Chili Paste
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1 tablespoon of generic chili paste
Using generic chili paste as a substitute for chipotle paste can be a great option for those in a pinch. While the two pastes have distinct flavors, they both offer a smoky and spicy kick to dishes.
Generic chili paste is typically made from a blend of chili peppers, vinegar, and salt, whereas chipotle paste is made specifically from smoked and dried jalapeño peppers.
The level of spiciness can also vary. Some chili pastes may be hotter than others, so it’s advisable to begin with a small quantity and adjust according to your preference.
However, if you’re looking to replicate the smoky flavor of chipotle paste, you can try adding a small amount of liquid smoke to your recipe and adjust as needed.
Ancho Chili Powder
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 2 tablespoons of ancho chili powder
Ancho chili powder is an excellent alternative to chipotle paste made from ground-dried poblano peppers that have a rich, earthy taste that’ll deliver a rich taste to your recipes. Although it doesn’t have the same smokiness as chipotle paste, it can still provide a satisfying level of heat and depth.
Though their consistency varies quite a bit, as ancho chili powder is a dry, powdery substance. If you want to achieve a similar consistency to chipotle paste, you can mix the ancho chili powder with a small amount of oil or water to create a paste. It’s also less spicy, so it’s important to adjust the quantity you use to reach the heat you want.
Red Chili Flakes
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1 tablespoon of red chili flakes
Red chili flakes are a fiery ingredient made from crushed and dried red peppers commonly used as a seasoning in many cuisines, including Italian, Mexican, and Asian.
You can sprinkle them on top of pizza, pasta, and salads for some extra heat or add them to soups, stews, and marinades for a spicy flavor boost. Red chili flakes can also be used in rubs for grilling or roasting or mixed with olive oil and garlic for a zesty dipping sauce.
Smoked Paprika
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 2 tablespoons of smoked paprika
Smoked paprika is a flavorful spice infused with a smoky that comes from smoked and dried red peppers. It’s a staple in Spanish and Hungarian cuisine and is used to season roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or carrots for a flavorful side dish. It can also be added to scrambled eggs or omelets for a smoky twist on breakfast.
This powder is perfect for use as a rub for grilled or roasted chicken, pork, or beef or added to meatballs or burgers for a unique taste. You can even mix it into hummus or guacamole for a smoky dip.
Chili Garlic Paste
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1 tablespoon of chili garlic paste
Chili garlic paste is another popular condiment made from a blend of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and other spices. It’s often used in Asian cuisine, but it can also be a great addition to other dishes.
You can use chili garlic paste to add heat to grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables or mix it into salad dressings and dips for a zesty kick. It can also be used as a marinade for chicken or tofu or added to scrambled eggs or omelets for a spicy breakfast. Chili garlic paste can even be added as a topping for pizza or mixed into mashed potatoes for a unique twist.
Southwestern Sauce
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1 tablespoon of Southwestern sauce
Southwestern sauce is a popular condiment made from a blend of spices, herbs, and other ingredients, giving it a unique and bold flavor profile. It is often used to add a little bit of heat and smokiness to dishes, making it a perfect alternative to chipotle paste.
This sauce is also available in most retail stores and online shops and is often less expensive, so you don’t have to go out of your way to find chipotle paste, which can sometimes be difficult to locate.
Chipotle in Adobo Sauce
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1 tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce
Chipotle in adobo sauce is a delicious ingredient that’s used as a substitute for chipotle paste in quite a few dishes. This ingredient is made by smoking and drying jalapeño peppers, which are then canned in a sauce made from tomato, vinegar, garlic, and other spices. It offers a chunkier texture thanks to the tomato and garlic pieces in the sauce that’ll add a satisfying bite and create a complex mouthfeel. It’s also a more convenient option that can be stored in the fridge and used in small amounts as needed.
Chipotle Powder
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1 tablespoon of chipotle powder
Chipotle powder is another versatile spice made by grinding dried and smoked jalapeño peppers into a fine powder, which gives it a smoky and slightly sweet flavor. It’s often used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine, but it can also be used to add flavor to other dishes.
You can use chipotle powder to season popcorn, roasted nuts, or even dark chocolate for a delicious and unexpected twist. It can also be added to homemade BBQ sauce or ketchup for a smoky flavor boost. Chipotle powder can even be used as a seasoning for roasted chickpeas, corn on the cob, or even mac and cheese for a spicy kick.
Gochujang
1 tablespoon of chipotle paste = 1/2 tablespoon of gochujang
Gochujang is a Korean condiment that can be used instead of chipotle paste in tons of dishes. This condiment is made from fermented soybean paste, chili powder, and other ingredients, which gives it a unique spicy and savory flavor profile.
It also offers a more intense spiciness with a slightly sweet and tangy taste, meaning you can use gochujang to add some heat and flavor to roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even mashed potatoes. It can also be used to create a flavorful dipping sauce or mixed into salad dressings for a zesty and healthy twist, as it contains probiotics that promote gut health and are lower in fat and calories.