Homemade Sofritas Recipe (2024)

What is Sofritas?

"Sofritas" is a plant-based protein of shredded or crumbled tofu simmered in flavorful chipotle sauce, introduced by the Chipotle restaurant chain in 2014.

The name is similar to, but should not be confused with, sofrito, which is usually made from aromatic ingredients that are chopped and braised in oil.

Sofritas are served with rice and lots of toppings, or can be enjoyed on tortillas as vegetarian tacos or burritos.

I enjoy Chipotle sofritas, but prefer making homemade sofritas, as I can control the seasonings and salt levels, and am free to spice them up as much as I would like.

Many homemade versions include roasted poblanos, which I greatly enjoy, but my version introduces the wonderful flavors of ancho peppers and guajillo peppers, along with smoky and spicy chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

This blend of spices is truly outstanding.

Homemade Chipotle Sofritas Ingredients

• FOR THE CHIPOTLE SAUCE
• Ancho Peppers.
• Guajillo Peppers.
• Olive Oil.
• Vegetables. Jalapeno, onions and garlic.
• Seasonings. Cumin, salt and pepper.
• Chipotles in Adobo Sauce. With sofritas, chipotle flavor is the name of the game.
• Hot Sauce.
• FOR THE HOMEMADE SOFRITAS
• Tofu. Extra firm tofu for me. Use your favorite brand from the grocery store.

How to Make Homemade Chipotle Sofritas - the Recipe Method

FOR THE HOMEMADE SOFRITAS SAUCE

Dry Toast the Dried Peppers. Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Remove the seeds and stems from the dried peppers then dry toast the dried peppers a couple minutes per side, until the skins darken and puff up a bit.

This helps loosen the oils and build flavor.

Rehydrate the Dried Peppers. Set the toasted peppers into a large bowl and cover them with very hot water.

Let them steep for 20 minutes to soften. Drain and add to a food processor.

Cook the Fresh Vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the onion and jalapeno.

Cook them down for 5 minutes to soften.

Add the garlic and cook another minute, until the fragrance blooms.

Process the Sauce. Add the cooked vegetables to the food processor along with chipotles in adobo sauce, cumin and salt and pepper. Add in a few dashes (or more!) of your favorite hot sauce.

Process until smooth.

Add in a bit of fresh water or vegetable broth (1/2 to 1 cup) and process until you achieve the consistency you desire.

FOR THE HOMEMADE SOFRITAS

Press the Tofu. Slice the tofu into 8 large pieces. Wrap them in paper towels or a large towel and set a heavy weight on them, such as a cast iron pan or large skillet, to press out the moisture.

I usually do this while I am soaking the dried peppers.

Cook the Tofu. Heat the pan back to medium high heat and add more olive oil, if needed.

Add the tofu and lightly fry the pieces 2-3 minutes per side to lightly brown them.

Simmer the Homemade Sofritas. Break up the tofu with a wooden spoon, then pour in the chipotle sauce.

Stir the tofu into the chipotle sauce to completely mix it together. Like so.

Stir and simmer for 15 minutes to 20 minutes to let the shredded tofu soak up the saucy flavor. You can stir in a bit more water if you need to. Serve!

Recipe Tips & Notes

The Homemade Sofritas Sauce. A great variation is to incorporate roasted poblano peppers. You can add them in when blending, or replace the dried anchos and guajillos.

You can also use ancho and guajillo chili powder, about 1 tablespoon each.

I love the version with dried pods more, but both are tasty. Use bell peppers for a super mild version. Add a cup of water for a thinner sauce.

The Tofu. I prefer pan fried tofu for this recipe, but you can also bake them for 25 - 30 minutes on a baking sheet to achieve similar results.

Tofu sofritas are awesome.

Serving Sofritas. Serve up your homemade sofritas with rice as burrito bowls topped with all of your favorite extras, like homemade guacamole, black beans, chopped peppers and onions, chiles toreados, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, salsa verde or salsa roja, lime or lemon juice, and your favorite hot sauce!

They make great vegan burritos and tacos, too!

What Does Sofritas Taste Like?

Sofritas has a soft, crumbly texture and tastes very much of smoky chipotle. It is similar to ground pork or chicken, and soaks up all the flavors from the braising chili sauce.

What Kind of Meat is Chipotle Sofritas?

Chipotle sofritas does not include meat, but is made from tofu, which is a plant-based meat alternative.

Storage and Leftovers

You can store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy again, simply reheat in a pan with a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.

You can also freeze it in freezer containers for 3 months or longer.

Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes

• Chipotle Chili
• Chipotle Chicken
• Chicken Tinga - Chipotle Shredded Chicken
• Shrimp in Fiery Chipotle-Tequila Sauce
• Chipotle Sauce
• Carne Adovada
• Cochinita Pibil
• Beef Barbacoa
• Mapo Tofu