Sofritas

If you enjoy Mexican flavors, you have to try these homemade sofritas. This sofritas recipe is so delicious with chunks of tofu in a spicy sauce. The recipe is super easy to make, packed with flavors, and ready in under 30 minutes! 

Sofritas make a perfect vegetarian/vegan protein packed, healthy, and flavorful food. This dish goes very well with burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and many more. The main ingredient in the sofritas is Tofu which is simmered in spicy chipotle peppers sauce. 

I simply love the sofritas from Chipotle Mexican Grill. I thought of making it at home as it is a very nutritious, super satisfying, and tasty recipe to include in our home menu.  

To keep it simple, I have used canned chipotle peppers in adobo but you can use dried chillies and soak them in warm water to make the sauce. Sometimes I like to roast some poblano peppers and add them into my sauce. 

I have tried it so many times to achieve a perfect taste to the dish. Of course my version is not exactly as Chipotle’s for sure but it is definitely awesome tasting. Hope you will give it a try with my easy recipe and enjoy 🙂 

What Is Sofritas?

Sofritas is a plant based protein/crumbled and lightly fried tofu in a spicy chipotle peppers sauce. It was introduced by the Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant chain in 2014 in the USA.

Tofu is sautéed in a spicy and flavorful sauce made from chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a few spices. 

Ingredients

• Tofu – Extra firm 
• Cornstarch 
• Onions
• Garlic
• Tomato paste
• Cilantro
• Chipotle peppers in adobo 
• Coriander powder
• Cumin powder
• Black pepper 
• Oregano
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Olive oil

Sofritas Step By Step Recipe

Pressing Tofu 

Take one block of tofu and wrap it in a paper towel or a kitchen towel and sandwich it between two plates, keep some heavy object on the top for 20 minutes – I have used an iron skillet and a heavy food packet.

Keep it aside for a few minutes. Remove as much water as possible by pressing the tofu and slice into 12 pieces. 

Sautéed Tofu

Coat the tofu with some cornstarch and a pinch of salt. It adds some crunchiness to the tofu but it’s totally optional.

Drizzle 1 tsp oil over the skillet and place the tofu pieces on medium high heat. 

Flip the tofu pieces after 5 minutes and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown from both sides. 

Once the tofu is warm, roughly chop, and set it aside. 

Making Sauce

In a blending jar or mini chopper, add the chipotle peppers, adobo, tomato paste, black pepper, oregano, salt, and 3 tbsp water to blend into the smooth paste. 

Heat some oil in the skillet on medium heat, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, transfer the sauce and cook it for 3-4 minutes. You can add 2-3 tbsp water.

Transfer the tofu, mix it well, and let it cook further for another 5 minutes stirring frequently. You can break the tofu with a wooden spatula into smaller pieces.

Garnish with some cilantro and serve. 

Tips For Making Sofritas

• Pressing the tofu very well and sprinkling some cornstarch makes a big difference if you like a little crunchiness in the tofu. 
• You can adjust the spice level of the sauce depending on your likings. Use 2 chipotle peppers for medium heat. 
• I like to transfer the crisped tofu in the sauce to keep its crunchiness. You may add it right after sautéing the onion. Later, add the prepared sauce and simmer the tofu in it for 10-12 minutes. For this you will need to add some more water and adjust the spice level. 

Variations

• Skip sprinkling the cornstarch over the pressed tofu and cook over the skillet or in the oven. 
• You can soak 3-4 dried chipotle peppers/dried smoked jalapeño peppers in some warm water for 15-20 minutes. In a blender, add peppers, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp tomato ketchup, some spices, and blend them into a smooth consistency if canned chipotle in adobo is not available. 
• Make some extra sauce if you like to drizzle over the dish. I always do so as my family absolutely loves the sauce. Adjust the spices accordingly. 
• You can roast 1-2 poblano peppers and add them while making the sauce as well. 

How To Store Sofritas?

Store the leftover sofritas in an airtight container for 4 days in the refrigerator. 

You can store the sofritas in the freezer for 2 months in a freezer safe container or bag. 

The texture will change slightly with freezing and thawing. 

Reheat the sofritas in a covered skillet on medium heat and serve. 

How To Serve Sofritas?

Serve the sofritas with a burrito bowl consisting of lime rice, guacamole, fajitas, beans, and many more. 

Incorporate the sofritas in your tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or wraps. 

Enjoy the dish with some Mexican rice, Cauliflower rice, or Mexican vegetarian casserole.

DID YOU LIKE THIS RECIPE? 

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I will love to hear from you! 

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