Adobo sauce

Adobo sauce is a rich, tangy, and smoky Mexican sauce made from a blend of dried chili peppers (like ancho, guajillo, or chipotle), vinegar, garlic, and warm spices such as cumin and oregano. It's used as both a marinade and a cooking sauce, deeply flavoring meats, poultry, and vegetables. The sauce originates from Mexico, with roots in both pre-Hispanic and Spanish culinary traditions.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Adobo sauce is typically low in carbohydrates and protein but can be moderate in fat, depending on the specific recipe and any added oil. It's a good source of antioxidants and vitamins (like vitamin A and C) from the chili peppers, and a single tablespoon serving usually contains around 10-20 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	25 kcal
Protein	1 g
Carbs	4 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	1.5 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	480 mg
Potassium	150 mg
Vitamin A	450 IU
Vitamin C	3 mg
Iron	0.8 mg
Calcium	20 mg
Magnesium	10 mg
Phosphorus	25 mg
Manganese	0.2 mg

Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

The name 'adobo' comes from the Spanish word for 'marinade,' reflecting its historical use as a preserving and flavoring agent brought to Mexico during the colonial era. Nutritionally, the capsaicin in the chili peppers is known for its metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.