If you’re like me (or like any normal person for that matter), then you love a Chipotle trip here and there. I’ve tried everything on the menu — burrito bowls, salads, burritos, tacos, the various proteins! Ok, maybe not everything since there are endless combinations.
One thing my vegan and vegetarian friends have raved about are the Sofritas. And I can tell you as a meat eater, they’re delicious.
So what are Sofritas?
Sofritas are Chipotle’s vegan protein option made from crumbled tofu that’s been cooked with a blend of spices and chilies. The result is a savory and slightly spicy mixture that packs a ton of flavor.
They go great in burritos, tacos, bowls, and salads, and they’re just as versatile as any other protein option.
Are Sofritas healthy?
Yes! Tofu is high in protein and much lower in fat compared to animal proteins like chicken or beef.
In this copycat recipe, I’ll show you how to make your own Chipotle Sofritas at home. What’s great about this recipe is most of the ingredients you likely already have in the pantry. Just make sure next time you’re at the grocery store you pick up extra-firm tofu and canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and you’ll be good to go.
Total cook time is 25 minutes. It serves four people. And it’s so delicious you can expect this one to become a staple in your rotation. Enjoy!
Pro tip: this roasted poblano salsa is a perfect pair.
Why you should try this Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) Recipe?
- It’s quick and easy!
- It’s a great alternative to meat, and it’s low-calorie and low-fat. One ½-cup serving of raw tofu contains only 94 calories! It’s also rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.
- Tofu is a complete protein, which means that it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it an excellent source of protein for vegans who may struggle to get enough from other plant-based sources. Just half a cup can contain as much as 10 grams!
- One of the benefits of tofu is that it takes on the flavor of the foods and spices it’s cooked with, making it a versatile ingredient in a range of dishes.
- Sofritas are easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings; this recipe will leave you feeling full and energized!
Ingredients
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu (14-16 oz)
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from the can of chipotle peppers)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How to make Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat) (step by step instructions)
- First, press the tofu to remove any excess water. To do this, wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place it on a plate. Then, place another plate on top of the tofu and weigh it down with a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books. Let the tofu press for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chipotle peppers. Remove the peppers from the can and chop them finely. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the adobo sauce, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Once the tofu has finished pressing, crumble it into small pieces with your hands or a fork.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu starts to brown and crisp up.
- Add the chopped chipotle peppers and the spice mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together until the tofu is well-coated with the spices.
- Pour the water into the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed by the tofu.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the lemon juice. Stir everything together one more time. Your Sofritas are now ready to be served!
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetables: Sofritas can be made even more nutritious and delicious by adding just about any veggie. My favorites are sautéed bell peppers, onions, and poblano peppers. Or consider making guacamole or pico de gallo for toppings. Or, if you’re short on time just top them with fresh veggies like lettuce, corn, or tomatoes and throw the whole thing on some greens for an extra healthy taco salad. Cook them with the tofu and sauce for a complete meal.
- Protein Substitutes: If you don’t like tofu or want to switch things up, you can use other protein substitutes such as seitan, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Spices: You can experiment with different spices to customize the flavor to your liking. For example, you can add smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, or coriander for a smoky or earthy flavor. Or add turmeric or curry powder for a more exotic taste.
- Heat Level: The level of heat in Sofritas can be adjusted by the amount of chilies or hot sauce. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use bell peppers or sweet peppers.
- Sauce: The sauce used in Sofritas can also be customized to your liking. Consider using some tomato paste if you prefer more of the tomato flavor. Or you could make a creamy sauce made from cashews, coconut milk, or tahini. You could also add herbs such as cilantro or parsley to add freshness and brightness to the dish.
- Beans: Cook up some black beans or pinto beans to make the meal as close to the real experience as possible. Plus, adding some beans introduces more fiber into the meal!
- Rice: Of course! Plan ahead and cook some white or brown rice as a base to make a Sofritas bowl.
- Storage: Sofritas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave, or on the stove, or in the oven on low.
Tips and Tricks
- Use firm or extra firm tofu: Sofritas are traditionally made with tofu, and using the right type of tofu is crucial to achieving the right texture. Firm or extra-firm tofu will hold its shape better and absorb more flavor.
- Marinate the tofu: To add more flavor to the tofu, marinate it in a mixture of spices and sauce for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
- Serve with toppings: Top the Sofritas with toppings such as avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and shredded vegan cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, or anything else that fits your desires for an extra burst of flavor.
Chipotle Sofritas (Copycat Recipe)
Sofritas are a Vegan Protein option at Chipotle made from crumbled tofu that has been cooked with a blend of spices and chiles.
Ingredients
- 1 block extra-firm tofu, (14-16 oz)
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce, (from the can of chipotle peppers)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- First, press the tofu to remove any excess water. To do this, wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and place it on a plate. Then, place another plate on top of the tofu and weigh it down with a heavy object, such as a cast-iron skillet or a stack of books. Let the tofu press for at least 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chipotle peppers. Remove the peppers from the can and chop them finely. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the adobo sauce, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Once the tofu has finished pressing, crumble it into small pieces with your hands or a fork.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu starts to brown and crisp up.
- Add the chopped chipotle peppers and the spice mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together until the tofu is well-coated with the spices.
- Pour the water into the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed by the tofu.
- Pour the water into the skillet and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the liquid has been absorbed by the tofu.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the lemon juice. Stir everything together one more time. Your Sofritas are now ready to be served!
Notes
Chef’s notes:
- If you like your Sofritas spicier, you can add more chipotle peppers or even a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Sofritas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them up in the microwave or on the stove.
Nutrition
Serving: 173gCalories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 7.3gProtein: 12.3gFat: 10.3gFiber: 1.5gSugar: 2.38g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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