Chipotle In Adobo Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Enjoy

Updated On: October 8, 2025

If you’ve been searching for a way to add a smoky, spicy kick to your vegetarian dishes, look no further than chipotle in adobo. This rich, flavorful sauce made from smoked jalapeños soaked in a tangy tomato-based marinade is a pantry staple that transforms simple meals into unforgettable culinary experiences.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to explore new flavors, chipotle in adobo recipes vegetarian style offer a versatile and delicious way to spice up your meals without meat.

From hearty stews and creamy dips to zesty tacos and vibrant grain bowls, chipotle in adobo brings depth and warmth that satisfy both the palate and the soul. In this post, I’ll share several mouthwatering vegetarian recipes featuring chipotle in adobo, complete with tips and variations to make them your own.

Plus, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, equipment, and nutrition info so you can cook with confidence and delight your taste buds every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chipotle in adobo is a game-changer for vegetarian cooking because it adds complexity and smoky heat without overwhelming the natural flavors of your ingredients. It’s incredibly versatile — you can incorporate it into sauces, marinades, dressings, and even snacks.

These recipes provide balanced heat levels and vibrant tastes that are perfect for anyone avoiding meat but craving bold flavors.

Besides its taste, chipotle in adobo is easy to use and stores well, making it an excellent pantry ingredient to have on hand. Once you try these recipes, you’ll find yourself reaching for that smoky chipotle sauce again and again.

Plus, these dishes are nutritious, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (adjust based on heat preference)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Optional: shredded cheese or vegan cheese
  • Tortillas or tortilla chips for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Can opener
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Mince the garlic cloves.
  2. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onions until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and peppers: Stir in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  4. Incorporate zucchini and corn: Add the zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
  5. Mix in spices and chipotle: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Chop 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo finely and add them along with a tablespoon of the adobo sauce. Adjust amount based on your desired heat level.
  6. Add black beans and quinoa: Fold in the rinsed black beans and cooked quinoa or brown rice. Stir well to combine and heat through, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
  8. Serve: Serve warm with tortillas, tortilla chips, or as a filling for burritos or tacos. Optionally, top with shredded cheese or vegan cheese.

Tips & Variations

“For a creamier texture, try stirring in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of coconut milk just before serving.”

  • Add extra veggies: Feel free to include mushrooms, spinach, or kale to boost nutrition and flavor.
  • Use different beans: Pinto beans or kidney beans work beautifully if you want to swap out black beans.
  • Make it a chili: Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to turn this into a smoky chipotle chili.
  • Spice level: Adjust the number of chipotle peppers and amount of adobo sauce based on your heat tolerance.
  • Make it vegan: Omit cheese or use dairy-free alternatives for a fully plant-based meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320
Protein 12g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 10g
Fat 7g
Sodium 450mg
Vitamin C 25% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This chipotle in adobo vegetarian mixture works wonderfully as a filling or topping. Try these serving ideas:

  • Tacos: Spoon the mixture into warm corn or flour tortillas and garnish with avocado slices and fresh salsa.
  • Burrito bowls: Serve over a bed of lettuce and top with guacamole, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Stuffed peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the chipotle quinoa mixture. Bake until peppers are tender.
  • Dip: Blend the mixture slightly and serve with tortilla chips for a smoky, spicy dip.
  • Salad topper: Add a scoop over mixed greens for a protein-packed salad.

More Delicious Chipotle in Adobo Recipes Vegetarian Style

Ready to expand your chipotle repertoire? Here are three more fantastic vegetarian recipes that use chipotle in adobo to elevate your meals:

Chipotle Black Bean Soup

A hearty and warming soup packed with black beans, vegetables, and that unmistakable smoky heat from chipotle in adobo. Perfect for chilly evenings.

Chipotle Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes tossed in a chipotle-adobo marinade and roasted until caramelized. Serve as a side dish or over grain bowls for a satisfying meal.

Chipotle Vegan Tacos with Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower florets coated in chipotle sauce, then piled into soft tortillas with fresh toppings like cabbage slaw and avocado crema.

Curious? Check out the full recipes for these dishes and more on our site for a well-rounded vegetarian chipotle adventure!

For more creative vegetarian dishes, you might enjoy Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or if you’re looking to explore desserts after your savory meal, try our Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe. To add a tangy crunch to your side dishes, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is a must-try.

Conclusion

Chipotle in adobo is a fantastic ingredient to incorporate into vegetarian cooking, offering bold smoky flavors and gentle heat that enhance a wide variety of dishes. These recipes prove that vegetarian meals can be just as exciting and satisfying as their meaty counterparts.

Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing for a casual get-together, chipotle in adobo adds a layer of depth that’s hard to beat.

By experimenting with different vegetables, grains, and serving methods, you can create personalized dishes that cater to your taste and dietary preferences. Plus, these recipes are packed with nutrients, easy to prepare, and perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.

So keep a can of chipotle peppers in adobo handy, and get ready to spice up your vegetarian meals in the most delicious way possible!

📖 Recipe Card: Chipotle in Adobo Vegetarian Tacos

Description: A smoky and spicy vegetarian taco recipe using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in black beans, corn, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, and paprika.
  4. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
  6. Fill tortillas with the bean mixture and top with cheese and cilantro.
  7. Serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 42 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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