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Sofritas

Sofritas

The ultimate comfort food, Sofritas brings vibrant flavors and a spicy kick to your table. This easy weeknight dinner is packed with protein and perfect for meal prep. Try it tonight to satisfy your cravings!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
  • ½ tablespoon neutral oil I recommend avocado oil.
  • 1 poblano pepper
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup You can substitute with honey if not vegan.
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic Optional.
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ cup water Add more if needed.
  • 1 small lime

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Food Processor
  • Saucepan
  • Oven
  • Blender
  • Skillet
  • Peeler
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. Wrap the 16 ounce block extra-firm tofu in paper towels. Place a heavy skillet on top of the wrapped tofu. Let the tofu press for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can do this the night before preparing Sofritas and leave the tofu pressing in the refrigerator.
  2. Once the tofu is pressed, crumble or tear each slice into small pieces, about ½ inch each.
  3. While the tofu is pressing, char the 1 poblano pepper. On a gas stove or grill, turn the heat to high. Place the poblano pepper directly over the flame. Allow the skin to blacken and bubble up, flipping to char each side. Alternatively, you can char the pepper under your oven broiler, turning it every few minutes. Place the charred pepper in a plastic bag and seal. In about 5-10 minutes, take the pepper out of the bag and the skin will peel right off. Discard the skin and roughly chop the pepper.
  4. Place the 1 chipotle pepper in adobo, 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, ½ cup salsa, 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ cup water into a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
  5. Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add in ½ tablespoon neutral oil and let heat until shimmering. Add the tofu to the skillet and sauté until browned, stirring often.
  6. Add in the sauce and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, adding up to an additional ¼ cup of water if needed. Finish with the juice of 1 small lime and taste to adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Serve in burrito bowls, burritos, tacos, or as desired.

Notes

  • Oil: I recommend a neutral oil, such as canola or avocado oil for this recipe. The tofu will absorb some of the flavors of the oil, this is why I don't recommend olive oil, which has a distinct flavor.
  • Poblano Pepper: You can save time by skipping the step of adding the poblano pepper. The pepper adds a great smoky, authentic flavor, but can be omitted if desired.
  • Chipotle Peppers: Freeze extra chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to use in future recipes.
  • Sweetener: If you are not vegan, feel free to use honey in place of the maple syrup.
  • Storage: Leftover Sofritas meat can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days and can also be frozen for up to 1 month. Defrost the Sofritas in the refrigerator and reheat in a nonstick skillet over high heat until just heated through and crispy.