Sofritas is a flavorful and spicy shredded tofu dish inspired by Mexican cuisine. It’s packed with smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, making it a fantastic plant-based protein for tacos, burrito bowls, or salads. This homemade version is easy to prepare and tastes even better than the restaurant version!
Ingredients:
For the Tofu:
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sofritas Sauce:
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or 2 for extra heat)
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lime juice
- ¼ cup vegetable broth or water
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object (like a pan) on top. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Crumble the tofu: Using your hands or a fork, crumble the tofu into small pieces that resemble ground meat.
Step 2: Make the Sofritas Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, tomato, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, vinegar (or lime juice), and vegetable broth.
- Blend until you get a smooth sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Cook the Sofritas
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the crumbled tofu and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing it to get slightly crispy.
- Pour the sofritas sauce over the tofu and stir well to coat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the mixture looks too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve your spicy sofritas tofu in tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or salads.
- Top with avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and pickled onions for extra flavor.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra crispiness, pan-fry the crumbled tofu in oil before adding the sauce.
- Mild version? Use less chipotle or skip the adobo sauce.
- Want it smoky? Add a pinch of liquid smoke for a deeper flavor.
This Spicy Sofritas Tofu is bold, delicious, and perfect for adding a plant-based protein to any meal! 🌮🔥