Meow Recipes: Spicy Sofritas Tofu

THIS, my friends.

This is tofu. This is sofritas. This is like homemade Chipotle sofritas at its finest.

The truth is that I am sort of 75% there on tofu, like most people, I think? but I am 200% there on sofritas tofu – like the stuff you get at Chipotle, and as of now, the stuff that you make at home.

It’s to the point where Ineedthemeveryday.

There is no burrito, rice bowl, taco, quesadilla, breakfast skillet, or nacho platter that does not benefit in some way from a heap of spicy, saucy sofritas.

First of All, What is Sofritas?

Thanks to popularization from Chipotle, I think many people now associate the term sofritas specifically with spicy shredded or ground tofu in a peppery, tomatoey sauce. At Chipotle, sofritas = tofu.

But more generally, according to our lady of the internet, Wiki: “sofrito, sofregit, soffritto, or refogado is a sauce used as a base in Latin American, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese cooking. Preparations may vary, but it typically consists of aromatic ingredients cut into small pieces and sauteed or braised in cooking oil.”

Okay So… What’s in Sofritas?

Okay, good question.

First and foremost, in this case, TOFU! Main ingredient.
Chipotle peppers.
Roasted poblanos.
Garlic.
Salsa (shortcut ingredient to get us some onions, tomatoes, and rockstar flavor)
Cilantro

All the big flavor players get pureed into a sucker punch sauce and poured all over your crumbled, browned tofu, and the whole thing gets gently simmered into flavorful yumminess.

SO MUCH YUM.

Sofritas in a bowl with rice and guacamole.

Ways To Eat Sofritas

The sofritas is the showstopper, but don’t stop there.

Bowls: with pinto beans, fresh guac, rice, and if you’re feeling fancy, maybe some tomatoes and corn, and sautéed peppers? YUM.
Tacos! with more of the same.
Burritos, like so.
Vegan Crunchwraps. YES I SAID VEGAN CRUNCHWRAPS.
In a tortilla casserole because what else?
Just chips? Also, Cotija cheese because it’s so deliciously salty and I can’t not crumble that stuff on ev-er-y-thing.

This combination is everything my heart ever wanted in the homemade vegetarian Mexican food department.

How to Make Sofritas: The Easy Version

Step 1: Make a sauce.

Step 2: Pan fry and crumble some tofu. Beans or no beans – this is a choose your own adventure here, and there is no wrong answer. Add sauce and simmer.

Step 3: Sit your sofritas on a pile of hot, fluffy rice, add a nice thwap of guacamole, and BOOM! Instant happiness in a bowl.

Other Favorite Vegetarian Mexican-Inspired Goodness:

Check out our video for how to make Sofritas:

Spicy Sofritas Tofu

★★★★★

4.7 from 52 reviews

Author: Pinch of Yum
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Print Recipe

Description

Spicy Sofritas Tofu, like homemade Chipotle! Think spicy peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro in a flavorful simmer sauce for your tofu!

Ingredients

1 poblano pepper
1–3 individual chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce (1 for mild/medium, 3 for very spicy)
2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce
2–3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup salsa (I like to use the fresh salsa that is refrigerated)
2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 14-ounce package extra firm tofu

Instructions

Roast your poblano: Hold the poblano over the flame on a gas range until it’s hot and blistery. Alternatively: turn your oven to the broil setting, coat the poblano with oil, place on a baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes at a time until it’s soft and blistered.
Make a sofritas sauce: Place everything in a blender (EXCEPT tofu). Pulse until a mostly smooth paste forms.
Make the sofritas tofu: Slice the tofu and press with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Heat a drizzle of oil over medium high heat. Scramble the tofu into small bits with a spatula or wooden spoon. Add the sofritas sauce with 1/2 cup water. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the sauce is richly colored and thickened slightly. Add more water as necessary, and season to taste with salt and lime juice.
Serve: Serve in tacos, burritos, and mega rice bowls!

Notes

Poblano thoughts: I did not remove the skins of my poblanos, but you can do it either way. If you are in a pinch for time, try subbing one or two small cans of diced green chiles for the poblano.

Category: Dinner
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: Mexican