Gochujang Ground Beef with Roasted Garlic & Green Pepper
This spicy-sweet gochujang ground beef is packed with roasted garlic, green pepper, and scallions. Fast, bold, and endlessly versatile—serve it in lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or tacos.
Chipotle Adobo Marinade – Smoky, Spicy, and Meal-Prep Friendly
Smoky, spicy, and endlessly useful
Every once in a while I stumble into a prep-ahead flavor shortcut that instantly becomes part of my rotation — and this smoky chipotle adobo marinade is one of them. It started with sweet potatoes. I wanted something bold, smoky, and spicy, but not fussy. I threw the whole can of chipotle peppers into a blender with a few pantry staples and bam — pure magic.
The roasted sweet potatoes were so good I started using the marinade on everything: grilled chicken, grain bowls, roasted cauliflower, spread onto sandwiches. It keeps in the fridge for about a week or you can freeze it into cubes like I do with my Hatch chile flavor bombs. I always keep a stash.
This is what I love about cooking at home. One small batch of something spicy and homemade — one can of chipotles and a blender — and I’m set up for multiple meals that feel thoughtful without taking all night.
🔥 Chipotle Adobo Marinade
Ingredients:
- 1 (7 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo (use the whole thing)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp lime juice (or vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Optional: splash of water to thin for blending
Instructions:
- Blend everything until smooth.
- Store in a jar in the fridge for 5–7 days, or freeze in tablespoon-size cubes.
- Use straight from the jar or thawed — no reheating required.
🍠 How to Use It
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Toss cubes of sweet potato with the marinade and roast at 425°F until tender and caramelized. Finish with lime zest or cotija.
- Grilled Chicken or Pork
Marinate meat for at least 1 hour before grilling or roasting. The sugar and acid help tenderize.
- Taco Drizzle or Spread
Thin with water, olive oil, or Greek yogurt. Use it over tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches, or bowls.
- Soup Starter
Sauté it with onions and garlic before adding beans, broth, or tomatoes to build serious flavor.
- Veggie Glow-Up
Toss with cauliflower, mushrooms, carrots, or even cabbage before roasting.
🌶️ Why I Love This
Because it’s simple. Because it’s smoky. Because it makes me feel like I’ve got something up my sleeve when dinner feels like a chore. I like knowing I have flavor ready to go. It’s one more little way I take care of myself — and my people.
One can of chipotles, ten meals better than they were before.
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