Sofritas

Sofritas are a fantastic way to get plenty of protein in one flavor-packed, vegan-friendly meal! Chow down on these tacos with a boatload of juicy veggies and soft braised tofu.

Spicy, Saucy Sofritas

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as making your fast food favorites right at home! To make things even better, you can throw in your own preferred ingredients, play with different seasonings, and end up with a dish that’s even more delicious!

This Chipotle-inspired recipe is just a tad sweet, soft and juicy, and is at a moderate heat level. 

For more vegan-friendly dishes that’ll fill you with energy, try our vegan Buddha bowl or throw this dish on top of a warm salad! 

If you are looking for other taco recipes, look no further than our delicious Pulled Pork Tacos.

Why you will love this recipe

• An incredibly saucy, subtly spicy, and smoky homemade Chipotle sofritas recipe!
• You can control the heat level with different peppers and spices
• Extra acidity levels it all out for a deep, satisfying flavor. 
• It’s vegan-friendly yet still packed with protein and texture!
• It makes a mouthwatering vegetarian option for your family burrito and taco nights.

Sofritas Meaning

The word sofritos is Spanish in origin. It’s derived from the word sofrito, which directly translates to “gently fried.” 

Chipotle sofritas ingredients are relatively consistent, and the word itself is almost always associated with the dish we’re making here: tofu prepared with characteristic spices and cooked with flavorful, aromatic vegetables. 

How to make perfect Sofritas

Prepare the vegetables: Clean and slice the jalapenos, red bell peppers, and onion. Sauté in olive oil. Once soft, add the minced garlic and stir fry everything until the garlic becomes fragrant. 

Puree the sauce: Remove the veggies from the heat and add to the food processor. Add the remaining saue ingredients, excluding the water, and process until smooth. 

Simmer the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into a saucepan. Add the water, stir, and let simmer for 10 minutes. 

Prepare the tofu: While the sauce is cooking down, press the tofu to squeeze out any excess moisture (check out Pro Tips to learn how to make this easier). Dry with a paper towel. Break the tofu into chunks with your hands or give it a few pulses in a food processor – just to break it apart, not to pulverize it. 

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan until it shimmers. Toss the tofu in the cornstarch, coating all sides, and add it to the pan. Sauté until crisp. Tofu needs plenty of space to brown – fry in batches if necessary. 

Toss the tofu in the sauce: Finally, heat another tablespoon of oil in a large skillet and add both the tofu and sauce. Stir and simmer until well combined and coated.

Serve or Store: Serve right away in burritos or tacos. Otherwise, let the mixture come to room temperature and store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. 

Pro Tips

Pro Tip 1: This plant-based protein mix is best served as a taco or burrito filling. Serve with flour or corn tortillas to complete the meal!

Pro Tip 2: Roast the peppers and onion beforehand for extra smoky flavor.

Pro Tip 3: Frozen tofu is excellent at absorbing spices, sauces, and seasonings – it dries out and becomes more porous, opening it up to any and all flavors you’re trying to incorporate. So if you can plan ahead, definitely pre-shred the tofu, freeze, and thaw before preparing our Chipotle sofritas recipe.

Key Ingredients and Substitutions for Sofritas

Extra Firm Tofu: Tofu comes in silken, regular firm, firm, extra firm, and super firm varieties. We recommend extra or super firm tofu that will hold its shape and take on flavors best.

Jalapeno Peppers, Chipotle in Adobo, and Red Bell Pepper: The peppers you incorporate are entirely your choice! Add more of the hot ones, or swap in some banana or additional bell peppers if you prefer less heat. 

Frequently asked Questions about Our Sofritas Recipe

What are Sofritas?

This is a dish made with firm tofu that’s been braised and prepared alongside spices, chilis, and other vegetables – usually a variety of peppers, onions, and garlic. 

It’s a generally consistent dish! The biggest difference lies in the way the tofu is prepared. Sometimes it’s shredded, cut into uniform chunks, or chopped roughly in uneven pieces. 

Is sofritas tofu good for you?

In most cases, an ingredient is only as healthy as the way it’s prepared and the other ingredients it’s served with.

And in this case, you can be confident that you’re choosing one of the healthiest protein options available to you. Tofu has plenty of protein and is more heart-healthy than beef, pork, or chicken. 

What is Sofritas at Chipotle? 

It’s a vegan protein option on Chipotle’s menu containing both poblano and chipotle peppers for a lovely, fragrant spice. 

The sofritas meat alternative has been around since 2014! With the recent rollout of vegan and vegetarian options in fast food chains nationwide, this option has gained more attention and popularity in recent years.