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    Home > Vegan Entrees

    Chipotle Sofritas

    By Nandor Barta on 03/13/2024 - May contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe Print Pin

    If you love Chipotle Sofritas but do not know how to recreate this plant-based protein dish at home, this recipe is here to help. It has that same meaty texture, smoky and slightly spicy flavor, and the convenience of making it cheaply at home.

    A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce. There is a wooden spatula with a smiley face on it placed across the sides.

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    For vegans, sofritas is such a blessing. Ever since it came out in 2014, it has become my go-to option at Chipotle, and I finally figured out how to get the right texture. The trick is to use a food processor to get the ‘ground-beef’ like texture and I will show you how in this recipe!

    Looking for other Chipotle copycat recipes? Try my copycat Chipotle veggie bowl or this copycat Chipotle veggie burrito for delicious and healthy food at home.

    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you’ll love it 
    • 🧾 Key ingredients
    • 🥘 Equipment
    • 👩‍🍳 Instructions
    • 💡 Expert tip
    • 🔄 Variations
    • 🥣 Serving ideas
    • ❄️ Storing tips
    • 🤔 FAQs
    • More copycat Chipotle recipes
    • Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) Recipe

    ❤️ Why you’ll love it 

    I absolutely love this sofritas recipe. It is a perfect Chipotle copycat and incredibly versatile. The “ground beef” texture of the tofu crumbles, paired with the spicy chili sauce, makes it a classic dish that is healthy and packed with flavor.

    This recipe has a simple list of ingredients that can be found in your local grocery store. The bell pepper, chipotle chili, and adobo sauce add a smoky and spicy flavor that is unique to this dish. The firm tofu, which is the star ingredient of this recipe, absorbs the flavors of the marinade beautifully, making it a delicious and satisfying vegan meal.

    The preparation of this recipe is also simple and straightforward. From frying the tofu slices to braising the tofu crumbles, every step is easy to follow, and the end result is a delicious dish that you can enjoy on its own, or use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos.

    A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce. There is a wooden spatula with a smiley face on it placed across the sides.
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    🧾 Key ingredients

    This sofritas recipe is a delicious and healthy dish that is packed with flavor. The best part is that the ingredients for this recipe are easy to find at your local grocery store. You probably already have most of them in your pantry.

    The ingredients of chipotle sofritas in small glass bowls including tofu, veggie broth, chili peppers, chopped red pepper, chopped tomatoes, red sauces and lots of spices.

    Firm tofu is the star of the dish. It is fried to perfection and then marinated in a delicious sauce, which gives it a meaty texture and a burst of flavor in every bite.

    Bell pepper, chopped tomatoes, and chipotle chili are the key ingredients that add a spicy twist to this dish. They are cooked with the tofu, infusing it with a smoky, spicy flavor that is characteristic of traditional sofritas.

    Garlic, onion and a blend of pantry staple spices are essential in this recipe, as they add a depth of flavor that compliments the heat of the chilies and the sweetness of the bell pepper and tomatoes.

    🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    🥘 Equipment

    From chopping the bell pepper, onion, and garlic to blending the marinade ingredients, a food processor will make the preparation process quick and easy. It will help you achieve a chunky, well-mixed marinade that will infuse your tofu crumbles with the perfect amount of flavor.

    👩‍🍳 Instructions

    Preparing the ingredients

    STEP 1
    Press the firm tofu to remove excess water. Use a paper towel to pat the tofu slices dry.

    STEP 2
    Slice the pressed tofu horizontally into 0.5-inch slices.

    STEP 3
    In a large skillet or frying pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.

    STEP 4
    Fry the tofu slices in the heated skillet or frying pan until they develop a golden brown crust. Many ways to cook tofu, but frying is the best for this recipe.

    A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow tofu slices fried until golden brown and crispy

    STEP 5
    Once the tofu slices are ready, chop them in a food processor to achieve a “ground beef”-like texture.

    Making the sofritas

    STEP 1
    Wash and chop the bell pepper, and peel and cut the onion in half. Peel the garlic cloves. Measure all other ingredients.

    STEP 2
    Add all the marinade ingredients to a food processor and blend them until they form a chunky mixture. This will be your marinade.

    A food processor from above showing a red chunky sauce

    STEP 3
    In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade and the tofu crumbles. Mix them well and let them marinate for 30 minutes.

    A glass mixing bowl with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce.

    STEP 4
    Heat a large skillet or a frying pan over medium heat.

    STEP 5
    If the marinade has become too thick during the marinating time, add a bit of vegetable broth. Start with ¼ cup.

    STEP 6
    Add the marinated tofu crumbles with the whole marinade sauce to the skillet or frying pan. Cook them for about 10 minutes. Your copycat Chipotle sofritas is ready to enjoy.

    A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce. There is a wooden spatula with a smiley face is stirring the middle.

    💡 Expert tip

    The key to achieving a meat-like texture for your sofritas is in the preparation of the tofu. After frying the tofu slices, do not skip the step of chopping them in a food processor. It is essential for preparing to tofu for this recipe. This will result in a texture resembling ground beef, which is perfect for sofritas.

    🔄 Variations

    For a different texture and added protein, consider using textured vegetable protein (TVP) instead of tofu. This will give your sofritas a unique texture and boost the protein content of the dish.

    If you enjoy your food with an extra twist, consider adding some fresh green herbs to the marinade. Cilantro and parsley are excellent choices and will add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the sofritas.

    If you prefer your food with a bit more heat, consider adding some extra chili powder or chili flakes to the marinade. This will spice up your sofritas without overpowering the other flavors.

    🥣 Serving ideas

    This versatile sofritas recipe can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are a perfect addition to your favorite Mexican dishes.

    I love to add it to burritos or tacos. It is a great way to add a delicious, plant-based protein to your meal. 

    You can also make your own salad bowl with them. Add some spicy fajita veggies, sweet potato rice, hot salsa, a drizzle of vegan nacho cheese sauce, and some tortilla chips for a delicious, satisfying meal.

    And if you love a classic veggie bowl, sofritas go great with some guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, Mexican street corn salad, chipotle corn salsa, black beans, refried beans, and even some vegan queso.

    A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado. Small bowls are scattered around with the same ingredients as well as a cast iron skillet with tofu crumbles in red chunky sauce

    ❄️ Storing tips

    Storing and reheating sofritas is easy and it does not compromise the flavor. In fact, the flavors tend to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious the next day.

    To store your leftovers, allow the sofritas to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer them into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh this way for about 3 to 4 days.

    I do not recommend freezing the sofritas, as the texture of the tofu can become quite crumbly and unappetizing upon thaw. It is best to enjoy them fresh or store them in the refrigerator for later.

    To reheat, simply place them in a pan over medium heat. Stir them occasionally to guarantee even reheating. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just remember to stir them every 30 seconds to prevent them from becoming too dry.

    🤔 FAQs

    What is sofritas?

    Sofritas is a plant-based protein dish that Chipotle introduced nationwide back in 2014. It’s made with crumbled tofu that’s simmered in an aromatic sauce full of peppers, tomatoes, and spices. It’s great as a taco, burrito, or quesadilla filling.

    Do you need adobo sauce to make sofritas?

    Yes, adobo sauce is an essential ingredient in making sofritas. It adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the dish that is characteristic of Chipotle sofritas.

    Can you skip poblano peppers to make sofritas?

    Absolutely! If you are not a fan of spicy food or do not have poblano peppers on hand, you can easily omit them. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful.

    Does chipotle sofritas taste like meat?

    Yes, the combination of tofu and the marinade made with chipotle chili and adobo sauce gives it a meaty texture and a spicy, smoky flavor that is reminiscent of traditional Mexican meat dishes.

    Are chipotle sofritas spicy?

    Yes, chipotle sofritas are spicy. The chipotle chili and adobo sauce give it a spicy kick. If you are not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce the amount of chili and adobo sauce used.

    More copycat Chipotle recipes

    If you want to recreate more copycat dishes at home, check out these 19 Chipotle copycat recipes.

    • Black cast iron skillet with slightly brown red and green bell pepper strips and red onion slices.
      Fajita Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)
    • A white frying pan with brown crispy tofu crumbles sprinkled with freshly chopped cilantro. Lime slices and a wooden spatula are added. Avocado and more spices are next to the pan.
      Chipotle Plant-Based Chorizo
    • A hand is holding one of the four rainbow coloured round-shaped rolls from above. Inside red, yellow, brown, green and white pieces.
      Copycat Chipotle Veggie Burrito
    • A large white plate in the middle with colorful ingredients like black beans, corn, shredded cheese, bell pepper strips, rice, shredded lettuce, avocado.
      Copycat Chipotle Veggie Bowl

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    A black cast iron skillet from above with yellow brown pieces in a red chunky sauce. There is a wooden spatula with a smiley face is stirring the middle.

    Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) Recipe

    Nandor Barta
    If you love Chipotle Sofritas but do not know how to recreate this plant-based protein dish at home, this recipe is here to help. It has that same meaty texture, smoky and slightly spicy flavor, and the convenience of making it cheaply at home.
    4.8 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Marinating 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Main Course
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 111kcal

    Equipment

    • Non-stick frying pan (10.5 inch / 26 cm)
    • our Cast-iron Skillet by UnoCasa
    • TofuBud (pressing tofu in 15 minutes)
    • Simple tofu press
    • Food processor

    Ingredients
     
     

    To fry the tofu slices

    • 12 oz Firm tofu
    • 1 Tbsp Olive oil

    Tofu marinade

    • 1 Bell Pepper
    • ¾ cup Chopped tomatoes canned
    • ½ cup Veggie broth
    • 1 tsp Red wine vinegar
    • 1 Chipotle chili canned in adobo sauce
    • 2 Tbsp Adobo sauce
    • ½ Onion (medium)
    • 2 cloves Garlic
    • ¼ tsp Ground coriander seeds
    • 2 tsp Ground cumin seeds
    • 2 tsp Oregano dried
    • ¼ tsp Thyme (dried)
    • ¼ tsp Hot chili powder or flakes
    • ½ tsp Sweet smoked paprika powder
    • 1 tsp Salt
    • ⅛ tsp Black pepper
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    Instructions
     

    Frying the tofu slices

    • Use a firm tofu and press it. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
    • Slice the pressed tofu horizontally into 0.5-inch slices.
    • Use a large skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium-high heat.
    • Add some oil and fry the tofu slices until they get a golden brown crust.
    • Once ready, chop the slices in a food processor to end up with a “ground beef”-like texture.

    Preparing the marinade

    • Wash and largely chop the bell pepper, peel and cut the onion in half, and peel the garlic cloves. Measure all other ingredients.
    • Add all marinade ingredients to a food processor and blend them chunky. Or rather pulse them. You don’t want a smooth purée.
    • Take a mixing bowl and mix marinade and tofu crumbles well. Leave it for 30 minutes to marinate.

    Braising the tofu crumbles

    • Use a large skillet or a frying pan and heat it over medium heat.
    • If you feel the sauce became too thick at the end of the marinating time, add a bit of veggie broth. Start with ¼ cup.
    • Add the marinated tofu scrambles with the whole marinade sauce and cook for about 10 minutes.
    Tried this recipe? Can we see it?Please share a picture with us by uploading an image to Pinterest below ours.

    Video

    [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”li6J8ZTn” upload-date=”2021-06-07T13:22:06.000Z” name=”Copycat Chipotle Sofritas” description=”Sofritas is actually fried tofu crumbles braised (aka cooked) in a spicy chili sauce. You can make Chipotle’s famous vegan protein option at home with ease if you follow this recipe step by step. If you are looking for a flavorful tofu recipe to add to burritos, tacos, or salad bowls, try this easy Sofritas recipe.” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”true”]

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) Recipe
    Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
    Calories 111 Calories from Fat 54
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 6g9%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Sodium 1352mg59%
    Potassium 155mg4%
    Carbohydrates 8g3%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 3g3%
    Protein 6g12%
    Vitamin A 842IU17%
    Vitamin C 30mg36%
    Calcium 112mg11%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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