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Home » Tips » Substitutions

The Best Adobo Sauce Substitute

Published: May 4, 2022 · Modified: Aug 9, 2023 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Adobo sauce is an aromatic and delicious Mexican cooking condiment. Even though it’s nowhere near as popular as salsa and guacamole, Adobo sauce is a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine. Here are the Best Adobo Sauce Substitute cooking options for your recipes.

nine photos of different sauces and peppers that can be used as a substitute for adobo.
Adobo Sauce Substitutes
Contents hide
1 What Is Adobo Sauce?
2 Overview
3 Adobo Sauce Substitutes
4 Other Substitutes
5 Recipes With Adobo Sauce
6 FAQs
7 In Conclusion
8 More Substitute Options for Your Pantry
9 Homemade Adobo Sauce

In most grocery stores, you can find Adobo sauce either next to the tomato sauce or in the international aisle. It’s often sold in tin cans as a preservative for chipotle chili peppers, which can be disappointing if you only want the sauce.

Luckily, if you don’t have the sauce or can’t find it, there are a few similar sauces that can serve as satisfactory Adobo sauce substitutes.

In this post, we’ll lay out the top Adobo sauce replacements, so sit tight!

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What Is Adobo Sauce?

Adobo sauce is a blend of tangy, salty, and spicy flavors with a subtle hint of sweetness. It was originally used to flavor and preserve meats, but it’s now best known for its association with chipotle peppers.

The word “Adobo” literally means marinade, sauce, or seasoning in Spanish. Still, it has vastly different meanings across Hispanic cuisine.

In the Philippines, Adobo refers to a cooking method and a popular dish. However, in Mexican and Caribbean cuisines, Adobo is a condiment used to flavor food.

While Adobo refers to a sauce in Mexican cuisine, Caribbean Adobo refers to a seasoning mix with the same components as the Mexican sauce but without the liquid ingredients.

It can be used as a condiment, dipping sauce, cooking sauce, and in marinades for chicken, pork, and other types of meat.

The main ingredients of Mexican Adobo are tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, oregano, vinegar, and salt.

Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the best alternatives to Adobo sauce:

SubstituteRatio (Substitute: Adobo Sauce)Notes
Adobo Seasoning1:1Mix Adobo seasoning with water until it forms a paste to use as a substitute.
Chili Garlic Sauce1:1Mix 1 part chili garlic sauce with 2 parts soy sauce to use as a substitute.
Ranchero Sauce1:1Optional: add a pinch of chipotle powder, ancho, or guajillo chili powder + a dash of soy sauce or vinegar.
Chipotle In Adobo Sauce1:1This substitute can make your dish too peppery.
Tabasco Chipotle Hot Sauce1:1–
Ancho Chile Paste1:1Add some water, soy sauce, and vinegar to ancho chile paste for a closer taste profile.
Cajun Seasoning1:1Taste the dish before adding more salt.
Achiote Paste2:1
Hoisin Sauce1:1Taste the dish before adding more salt.
Greek Seasoning1:1For a liquid substitute, mix with a tomato-based sauce.
Homemade Adobo Sauce1:1–
Mustard Seed Substitute Conversion Chart

Adobo Sauce Substitutes

Adobo sauce’s earthy, tangy, and savory flavor blend can be hard to recreate. Luckily, the following handful of substitutes are the closest sauces in flavor to the Mexican condiment.

You can use each one to fill different flavor voids in recipes that call for Adobo sauce. You can also adjust them to accurately emulate the flavor profile.

Adobo Seasoning

A staple condiment in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, Adobo seasoning is smoky and pungent. It works particularly well for dry rubs and marinades.

To make an adobo sauce substitute, you’ll need to mix adobo seasoning with water until it turns into a paste. Then, use a 1:1 ratio to replace adobo sauce in your dishes.

Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili Garlic sauce in a blue and white bowl with peppers and garlic cloves on the table.
Chili Garlic Sauce

Chili garlic sauce refers to a group of sauces rather than a single product, but they all share a baseline of ingredients and flavors.

A standard sauce combines the spiciness of chili peppers, the savory flavor of garlic, the sourness of vinegar, and the sweetness of sugar.

Admittedly, this sauce isn’t a perfect stand-in for Adobo, but it remains one of the most common substitutes due to its similar flavor profile.

To bridge the gap between both flavor profiles, mix the chili garlic sauce with soy sauce at a ratio of 1:2 respectively.

Ultimately, should you use this sauce as an alternative, you should go for the standard ones and steer clear of Asian varieties.

Chili peppers used in those sauces are often distinctly different from those used in American-style chili garlic sauce. They also contain flavors associated with Asian cuisines, such as ginger and fish sauce.

Ranchero Sauce

top down view of ranchero sauce in a wooden bowl on a counter.
Ranchero Sauce

Ranchero is a tomato-based sauce that’s loaded with seasonings like oregano, chili peppers, garlic, onion, and olive oil, among other ingredients.

It has a zesty, smoky, subtly spicy, and salty flavor, but it’s milder than Adobo sauce’s flavor profile.

It’s ideal for recipes that don’t need the bitter tang or sweetness of the Adobo sauce, such as dips and dressings.

However, if you want a one-for-one swap-out sauce, you can add a pinch of chipotle powder, ancho, or guajillo chili powder to the ranchero sauce, and it’ll be indistinguishable.

You can also add a dash of soy sauce or vinegar to give the ranchero a more pronounced flavor.

Keep in mind that ranchero sauce is salty, so taste as you go to ensure you’re not over-seasoning your dish.

Chipotle In Adobo Sauce

chipotle in adobo in a green bowl.
Canned Chipotle in Adobo

If you can’t find any Adobo sauce, you can look for canned chipotle. Chipotles are Mexican dried and smoked jalapeño chili peppers that are often sold canned in Adobo sauce.

You can either drain the sauce from the chilis or blend them for a more intense smoky flavor.

Just keep in mind that Adobo sauce from canned chipotle, with or without the chilis, has a slightly more fiery heat than regular Adobo sauce. So, if you don’t want to cook a hot dish, don’t use this as a substitute.

Tabasco Chipotle Hot Sauce

Two bottles of Tabasco sauce next to burritos.
Tabasco Chipotle sauce will add some heat to your dishes!

Sweet smokey chilis combined with spices create a distinct smokiness flavor from combing the arbor and piquin peppers that will make your recipe sing.

I always add some Tabasco to my air fryer crab cakes since the extra heat works so well for this recipe. It’s also a key ingredient in this creamy horseradish sauce that pairs wonderfully with steak!

It’s not an exact match but the flavor of Tabasco Chipotle hot sauce makes a pretty close replacement for adobo sauce. Even though this says “hot sauce” the heat is more than mild but lower than medium heat.

The ingredients for Tabasco Chipotle sauce are very similar to those used in Adobo sauce: chipotle peppers, distilled vinegar, salt, sugar, spices, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Tabasco is runnier than adobo sauce but the texture compromise is worth it. It will add the spicy, smoky flavor you’re looking for even if the heat won’t be as intense.

When substituting adobo sauce with Tabasco Chipotle hot sauce use a 1:1 ratio.

Ancho Chile Paste

ancho chili and a jar of the paste.
Ancho Chili Paste

These dried poblano chilis are rehydrated and made into a paste that has a mild to medium heat for your recipes.

This one is often used to spice up grilled meats, soups, or stews as the ingredients include vinegar, lime juice, soybeans, sage, onion, and garlic.

You have two options for using ancho chile paste as an Adobo sauce replacement: as it is, in a 1:1 ratio or mixed with water, soy sauce, and vinegar for a closer flavor match.

Cajun Seasoning

This spice blend contains cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano.

It works with so many types of dishes such as grilled meat, roasted potatoes, soups, vegetables, stir-fries, sauces, hummus, and others.

It can be used interchangeably with adobo sauce although be mindful of how much salt you add. Cajun seasoning is usually pretty salty so do a quick taste test before adding more.


Other Substitutes

Achiote Paste

achiote and a box of the paste on a white background.
Achiote Paste

This is made by grinding the annatto seeds followed by adding in vinegar, cumin, cloves, cinnamon and other spices to create a paste that has a nutty, sweet and earthy taste to it.

The taste is mild so this is a favorite when trying to keep the heat to a minimum. In fact, I recommend you use twice as much achiote paste when replacing adobo sauce.

Hoisin Sauce

hoisin sauce on white bowl with chicken and greens behind it.
Thick and delicious!

Hoisin sauce is a thick and very flavorful sauce made from fermented soybeans, chili peppers, vinegar, sesame oil, salt, sugar, garlic, fennel, and five-spice powder.

It lacks the smokiness of Adobo sauce and contains more salt so it delivers a strong umami flavor. You might need to reduce the salt if using hoisin sauce as a 1:1 substitute.

Another option is to thin it out with some water, lemon juice, or vinegar.

Greek Seasoning

Greek seasoning is a Mediterranean spice blend that typically contains basil, oregano, thyme, dill, marjoram, onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

The flavor is not the same as Adobo sauce but it tends to go well with the dishes that call for it.

This is not a liquid condiment so it won’t work as a dipping sauce. However, it’s great as a rub, in marinades, or sprinkled into dishes.

Use Greek seasoning to replace Adobo sauce in a 1:1 ratio. If you need a liquid substitute you can combine a tomato-based sauce or tomato paste with Greek seasoning.


Homemade Adobo Sauce

Our final Adobo sauce substitute option is to make a homemade sauce. Surprisingly, you can replicate the classic Mexican flavors of Adobo sauce with a few pantry staples.

You’ll need the following ingredients to make about two cups of homemade Adobo sauce:

  • 1/2 cup chili powder, preferably dark chili powder
  • 2 tomatoes with juices, diced
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1-1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin, ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, Mexican if possible
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano, Mexican if possible
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cooking Steps

Step One: Add the chili powder to a food processor and pour one cup of boiling water over it. Stir the contents and let them steep while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step Two: Heat the olive oil in a medium pan and cook down the onion for about four to five minutes. Once it’s softened, add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds to a minute.

When the garlic becomes fragrant, add the tomatoes with their juices, vinegar, salt, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, black pepper, and cloves.

Step Three: Stir for a minute, then stir in 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for five minutes on medium to low heat.

Step Four: Lastly, add the cooked mixture to the chili powder in the food processor, and pulse it all together until the mixture reaches the consistency of ketchup. Season with salt and sugar to taste, and if the mixture is too thick, you can add a few teaspoons of water.

Keep in mind that you may need to go through a few trials and errors before you get the flavor just right. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers instead of using chili powder.

Having said that, this homemade sauce is the closest substitute to having instant access to Adobo sauce.

Recipes With Adobo Sauce

Enchiladas – This popular Mexican dish makes great use of Adobo flavors. Even better, you can use ranchero sauce because it dials down on the vinegary taste.

Birria – This slow-food recipe allows you to cook beef meat in a delicious Adobo stew. You can use other Adobo sauce substitutes to introduce new and interesting flavors to the dish.

Chicken Adobo – This delectable comfort dish is enhanced by an Adobo sauce turned gravy, which you can make at home.

Adobo Vinaigrette – This warm dressing goes well with any salad, and you can use the Adobo sauce in canned chipotle for an extra kick.

FAQs

Is Filipino Adobo the same as Mexican Adobo?

Aside from their names and the use of vinegar in both, Mexican Adobo and Filipino Adobo have nothing in common.

To begin, Mexican Adobo is a thick, red sauce made from crushed chilies, tomatoes, spices, and vinegar. It’s often used as a marinade or a sauce in which to simmer meats.

Filipino Adobo, on the other hand, is a popular Filipino dish and cooking method. The term “Adobo” refers to a cooking process that involves marinating various types of meat, vegetables, and any other ingredient in a mixture of vinegar and soy sauce.

Other herbs and spices in this marinade include garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns.

Is Adobo sauce the same as chipotle sauce?

No, Adobo and chipotle sauces aren’t the same thing. However, Adobo sauce is a common ingredient in most chipotle sauces.

Some people may think that those two sauces are interchangeable because chipotle peppers are often canned in Adobo sauce.

How spicy is Adobo sauce?

The heat level of each Adobo sauce varies depending on the chili pepper used in the recipe. Adobo sauces are typically mild to medium in spiciness, but using too much of it can make any dish quite hot.

What’s more, if you use canned chipotle Adobo sauce, you can expect a level of heat ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 Scoville units, which can be on the spicy side for some people.

In Conclusion

Adobo sauce’s tangy, slightly sweet flavor profile, which complements most savory dishes, is what has contributed to its growing popularity.

That said, it can be difficult to find in your local grocery store, which is why fans of the condiment look for substitutes to use.

While most replacements may add a distinct flavor to your dishes, they all have flavor profiles that are similar to Adobo.

If you want a perfect replacement, these alternatives can become indistinguishable from the original condiment with a few minor tweaks here and there.

Still, if none of the options appeal to you, you can make your own Adobo sauce, which is easy and quick to prepare. You can even make any adjustments your palate and dish require.

More Substitute Options for Your Pantry

Five Spice Substitute
Garlic Powder Substitute
Parsley Substitute
Green Chilis Substitute
Italian Seasoning Substitute
Mustard Seed Substitute
Cojita Cheese Substitute

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Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

nine photos of different substitutes for adobo sauce with a large text box noting the same.

Homemade Adobo Sauce

This homemade sauce is the closest substitute to having instant access to Adobo sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Hispanic
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
Author: Ginny

Equipment

  • Food Processor
  • Median Sized Saute Pan
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chili powder
  • 2 tomatoes with juices, diced
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cup water
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves chopped
  • ½ small onion chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  • First, add the chili powder to a food processor and pour one cup of boiling water over it. Stir the contents and let them steep while you prepare the other ingredients.
  • Next, heat the olive oil in a medium pan and cook down the onion for about four to five minutes. Once it’s softened, add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds to a minute.
  • When the garlic becomes fragrant, add the tomatoes with their juices, vinegar, salt, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, black pepper, and cloves.
  • Stir for a minute, then stir in 1/4 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for five minutes on medium to low heat.
  • Lastly, add the cooked mixture to the chili powder in the food processor, and pulse it all together until the mixture reaches the consistency of ketchup. Season with salt and sugar to taste, and if the mixture is too thick, you can add a few teaspoons of water.
  • Keep in mind that you may need to go through a few trials and errors before you get the flavor just right. You can also experiment with different types of chili peppers instead of using chili powder.
    Having said that, this homemade sauce is the closest substitute to having instant access to Adobo sauce.

Notes

YIELD: This recipe will yield just about 2.5 cups. 
Storage: Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1 week. 
Tried this recipe?Mention @savorandsavvy or tag #savorandsavvy!
Ginny
Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

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About Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

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Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

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