A bold northern Mexican adobo paste with dried chiles, cumin, and oregano for grilling meats. This family cooking essential brings robust, smoky flavor to high protein carnivore dishes.
Remove stems and seeds from guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast the chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Add the toasted chiles to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften—this ensures a smooth paste texture.
Drain chiles and place them in a blender along with garlic, onion, vinegar, salt, cumin, oregano, and black pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth, scraping down sides for even blending.
Transfer the adobo paste to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly for 6–8 minutes, until thickened and flavors deepen. Adjust heat to prevent sticking or burning.
Cool the paste at room temperature, then use immediately for marinating meats, or store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.