Fitness / June 1, 2023

Copycat Chipotle Sofritas

This Copycat Chipotle Sofritas recipe is sure to be a favorite weeknight meal for your family. It brings high protein and great flavor with quick and easy preparation!

Table of Contents

Why You Will Love This Recipe?

There is plenty to be said for the convenience that Chipotle brings us! Fast, healthy, and customizable options are the perfect solution to a busy weeknight with hungry mouths to feed.

Thankfully, this Copycat Chipotle Sofritas recipe provides the same convenience and satisfaction, in the comfort of your own home! With protein-packed tofu, warm and savory spices, and minimal chopping, these Sofritas will feed and please the group while holding true to vegetarian, plant-based, and vegan values.

The cozy, smoky flavors are lovely on their own, or fully customizable to the taste of the spice-lovers in your home with the addition of more peppers or chili powder. This dish is gluten-free, high protein, low-calorie, and low-fat. What’s not to love?

If you crave Mexican food, you can also try my one pan vegan Mexican quinoa casserole, always an absolute hit with Mr FFF!

Ingredients

For Base:

1 12-16 oz package extra firm tofu, drained and pressed (do not use medium or soft/silken tofus for this recipe)
1 – 2 Tbsp olive oil (or grapeseed, canola, avocado oil)
½ Medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 Tbsp tamari, liquid aminos, or soy sauce
4 Cloves garlic, minced

For Spice Mix:

1 Tsp ground cumin
½ Tsp sea salt
1 Tsp dried oregano
1 Tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika
1 Tsp chili powder (depends on heat preference)

For Chipotle Adobo Sauce:

1 Green bell pepper
3-4 Small chipotle peppers, canned in adobo sauce (depends on heat preference)
2-3 Tbsp chipotle adobo sauce
¼ – ½ cup water or low-sodium vegetable broth, or ¼ – ½ cup warm water with 1/2 Bouillon cube
3 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar, either doesn’t matter, just don’t use balsamic

How to Make

For the tofu base:

Drain the tofu and press between a tofu press for 20-30 minutes (or overnight) OR wrap in paper towels/ dish towel with a heavy object on top (such as a filled kettle, heavy pan) to remove excess liquid
Cut tofu into large cubes and add to a food processor. Pulse to break apart the tofu until crumbled (think tofu scramble texture here!)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and let cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the tofu, liquid aminos, and spices and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Make the chipotle sauce:

Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tomato paste, sugar, salt, vinegar, and 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth together in a high-speed blender, stand mixer, or food processor.
If the adobo sauce is too thick, add and blend another 1/4 cup water to thin it out.

Mix it up!

Pour sauce into the pan with the tofu.

Mix tofu and sauce together until the sauce and tofu are fully mixed – 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes – this allows the Sofritas to braise for maximum flavor!
Remove from heat and serve immediately!

Tips & Tricks

This Copycat Chipotle Sofritas recipe is an excellent option for a copycat Chipotle-style burrito or burrito bowl with rice, beans, corn, cilantro, and avocado or guacamole. It will also pair beautifully with fajitas, tacos, salads, nachos, and any dish that boasts Mexican-inspired spices and flavors.
Use only firm or extra-firm tofu for this copycat Chipotle Sofritas recipe. The softer tofus are more water dense and will not hold the same texture as firm tofus. Firm tofu also tends to brown better in the pan, and better maintains its form.
Not a fan of spicy foods? No worries! Just add one less chipotle pepper into the adobo sauce (or even half!) and start with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder. Customize it to suit your taste!
Looking to replace the tofu? If you would prefer a legume alternative to soy-based tofu, you can try canned chickpeas, cooked lentils, canned jackfruit, TVP (textured vegetable protein), or seitan. Note that these swaps may alter the texture of the dish.
If you do not have a tofu press, you can wrap the block of tofu in a kitchen or paper towels and place it onto a rimmed plate to catch the water. Add a heavy cast iron skillet on top of the wrapped tofu or even a filled kettle to weigh it down. (You can even stack books on top, if needed). Let that sit for 15-30 minutes!
Be careful if you use the food processor for the tofu. Over-mixing can lead to a pasty and gluey dish! Aim for a texture similar to scrambled eggs.

FAQ

What do Chipotle Sofritas taste like?

Braised in a broth with a blend of spices, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, tomatoes, onions, and garlic, Chipotle Sofritas have a smokey flavor! Depending on personal preferences, the dish can be made spicier with additional chili powder and chipotle peppers.

Are Sofritas healthy?

Absolutely! This entirely plant-based dish that happens to be gluten-free is a high protein, low-calorie, and low-fat alternative to meat

Are sofritas dairy free?

Yes! Sofritas are a dairy-free option, as long as you don’t top them with cheese, queso, or sour cream.

Can I sub for chipotle peppers in adobo sauce?

Substitute any pepper that your heart desires! Bell peppers are an affordable, mild alternative, and if you want to boost the spice, you might opt for serranos or habaneros instead.

What can I eat sofritas with?

Sofritas are excellent alongside cauliflower rice, black beans (regular or mashed), or a classic pico de gallo. You can also enjoy Sofritas on top of a salad, or even on their own!

More Delicious Vegan Recipes

Crock Pot Sweet Potato

Creamy Chickpea Curry

Roasted Leeks