Are you a fan of mole sauce but always end up with leftovers? Don’t let that delicious sauce go to waste!
There are plenty of creative ways to use up that extra mole sauce in your fridge. From enchiladas to nachos, and even as a marinade for fish or meat, the possibilities are endless.
In this article, we’ll explore some tasty and easy ideas for what to make with leftover mole sauce. So, grab that jar of mole sauce and let’s get cooking!
What To Make With Leftover Mole Sauce?
1. Chicken Mole Enchiladas: One of the most popular ways to use leftover mole sauce is to make chicken mole enchiladas. Simply stuff lightly fried corn tortillas with shredded chicken, roll them up, and smother them in rich mole sauce. This classic Mexican-inspired dish is a family favorite and can be made quickly and easily.
2. Nachos: Mole sauce makes a great topping for nachos. Once the nachos are baked, the melted cheese and toppings really make this dish unforgettable. It’s perfect for a family movie night or a casual get-together with friends.
3. Marinade for Fish or Meat: Mole sauce can also be used as a marinade for fish or meat. Simply heat up the mole sauce until it’s bubbling softly, add shrimp or pieces of fish (you can use fish or chicken broth when preparing the mole), and turn off the heat after 2 minutes so it continues cooking with residual heat. You can also use it to marinate firm fish or make enchiladas.
4. Deviled Eggs: For a unique twist on deviled eggs, use mole sauce instead of mayonnaise and sprinkle with a little bit of chipotle chili powder where you might use paprika in the common version.
5. Chicken Enchilada Mole Casserole: This easy-to-make casserole is made with layers of corn tortillas, chicken breast strips, enchilada and mole sauce, onions, and cheese. It’s ready in just 35 minutes and is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly.
Mole Enchiladas
Mole enchiladas are a classic dish that is perfect for using up leftover mole sauce. Start by lightly frying some corn tortillas and stuffing them with shredded chicken. Roll them up and place them in a baking dish. Next, smother the enchiladas with rich mole sauce and bake them until they’re hot and bubbly. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors in the mole sauce makes this dish truly special and represents a special occasion in Mexican culture. Mole enchiladas are perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. If you don’t want to make homemade mole sauce, you can use a shortcut recipe that doctors up store-bought mole.
Mole Nachos
Mole nachos are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover mole sauce. To make these nachos, start by heating up the mole sauce until it’s bubbling softly. Then, add shredded chicken and mix well. Next, place tortilla chips on a plate and top them with the chicken and mole mixture. Pour nacho cheese on top and garnish with jalapeño, avocado, or any other tasty topping you want. Broil the nachos for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once the nachos are baked, the melted cheese and toppings really make this dish unforgettable. It’s perfect for a family movie night or a casual get-together with friends. Smoky nachos with mole sauce are also a great pre-dinner appetizer to share with the whole family. Simply top them with shredded chicken and a whole bag of mole sauce, drizzle it all over it or mix the chicken with the sauce then add it. Add onion slices and any cheese that melts in this step. Top with cilantro, sour cream, queso fresco, pickled red onions, avocado or some of your favorite nacho toppings!
Mole Quesadillas
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use up leftover mole sauce, try making mole quesadillas. Simply spread a thin layer of mole sauce on a tortilla, top it with shredded cheese, and fold it in half. Cook the quesadilla on a griddle or in a pan until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. You can also add in leftover chicken or vegetables to make it a heartier meal. Serve the quesadillas with some sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping. The rich and complex flavors of the mole sauce pair perfectly with the gooey melted cheese and crispy tortilla. This is a great option for a quick lunch or snack, or even as a party appetizer.
Mole-Marinated Meat Or Fish
Mole sauce can add a unique depth of flavor to meats and fish when used as a marinade. To make a mole marinade, simply combine equal parts of mole sauce and oil. This mixture can then be poured over the meats and left to marinate for at least one hour. The mole sauce will infuse the meat with its rich and complex flavor profile.
For firm fish, you can use any leftover mole sauce to marinate it, make enchiladas, or even cook the fish directly in the mole. Heat the mole until it’s bubbling softly, add the fish or shrimp (you can use fish or chicken broth when preparing the mole), and turn off the heat after 2 minutes so it continues cooking with residual heat. This will give the fish a deliciously unique flavor.
Mole-marinated chicken is also a popular option. Anything you can do to a boneless, skinless chicken breast can be easily adapted to pork chops or fillets of sturdy white-fleshed fish. This widens the playing field by oodles of options for easy, weeknight dinners. You can also use mole sauce as a glaze for chicken, beef, or pork. To make a mole glaze, combine equal parts of mole sauce and a liquid such as water or chicken broth and mix until combined. This mixture can then be brushed onto meats before grilling, roasting, or baking for added richness and complexity.
Mole Tacos
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use leftover mole sauce, try making mole tacos! Start by heating up the leftover mole sauce in a pan. Then, add cooked shredded chicken and stir until the chicken is coated in the sauce. Warm up some tortillas and fill them with the chicken mole mixture. Top with your favorite taco toppings such as fresh onions, cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. These tacos are packed with flavor and are perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. You can also switch out the chicken for pork chops or fillets of sturdy white-fleshed fish for more variety. Mole sauce is so versatile and can be used in many different ways, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Mole Rice Bowls
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, try making mole rice bowls with your leftover mole sauce. Start by cooking rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, heat up the mole sauce in a small pot until it’s hot and bubbly. Next, sauté some vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in a separate pan. Once the veggies are cooked, add in some shredded chicken or beef and heat it up in the same pan. Once everything is ready, simply assemble your mole rice bowls by placing a serving of rice at the bottom of a bowl, followed by the sautéed veggies and meat, and then topping it all off with a generous spoonful of mole sauce. You can also add some sliced avocado or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
