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.
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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.
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❤️ 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.
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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.
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.
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.
STEP 3
In a mixing bowl, combine the marinade and the tofu crumbles. Mix them well and let them marinate for 30 minutes.
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.
💡 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.
❄️ 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) Recipe
Equipment
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
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.
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