Easy Homemade Sofritas {vegan, high in protein, and full of flavor! }

Have you ever wished you could have Chipotle’s sofritas at home? This recipe, made with spicy crumbled tofu simmered in a tangy tomato-chipotle sauce, tastes just like the original (maybe better). This is one of my go-to plant-based meals on busy nights and my whole family devoured it without realizing it was tofu.

Made with pantry staples, these sofritas are ready in under 30 minutes and are the ultimate filling for tacos, burrito bowls, salads, and more. Plus, they store and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.

What is sofrita?

Sofritas are Chipotle’s plant-based protein option, made with crumbled tofu simmered in a smoky spicy tomato sauce. The name comes from “sofrito,” a Spanish word meaning lightly fried aromatics such as onions, garlic, and chili peppers.

This version is completely vegan, gluten-free, and packed with bold flavor. It mimics the texture of ground meat and is a delicious alternative to almost any Mexican-style dish.

before starting

Want foolproof sofritas every time? Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare like a pro:

• Always press tofu. For best results, you want to squeeze the tofu to remove as much excess water as possible. To do this, wrap the tofu in a kitchen towel or paper towel. Then place something heavy on top (like a pan or wooden cutting board).
• If possible, use two pans. Cooking the sauce and tofu separately gives you the perfect texture of both.
• Turn up the flavor. Taste the sauce before adding it to the tofu. Feel free to add a squeeze of lime juice, extra adobo, or a pinch of salt.
• Spice smart. Want to be gentle? Use a jalapeño. Want to be bold? Use two or more.

2 Main Ingredients for Homemade Sofritas

Here’s what you need to bring Chipotle-style sofritas to life:

• Extra firm tofu: Look for “extra firm” tofu in the refrigerated section near other plant-based proteins. It holds its shape well and has a satisfying chewy texture similar to ground meat.
• Jalapeños in Adobo: You can find it in small jars in the international food or Latin food aisle of most grocery stores. Use chili peppers and a few spoonfuls of packaged adobo sauce.

How to Make Sofritta

You won’t believe how easy it is. Here’s a quick overview:

1. Pressed tofu

Wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to release moisture.

2. Make the sauce

Sauté onions in oil until soft. Add garlic, jalapeños, and adobo sauce. Cook until fragrant, then add tomato paste, vinegar and spices. Cook for 5 minutes.

3. Boil tofu

Roughly chop the tofu and sauté until browned and crumbly.

4. Cook together

Pour the sauce over the tofu and let everything cook together for 10-15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Here are some of my top tips and tricks to help you make the best sofritas you’ve ever tried:

• Vary your spices. While this recipe calls for Mexican oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes, feel free to get creative. You can use taco seasoning, chili powder, ancho chili powder, or whatever you like.
• Add more vegetables. Want to use up some veggies you have on hand? Go forward! My top picks include mushrooms, bell peppers, poblano peppers, and spinach.
• Want a smoother sauce? Simply place the sauce in a blender or food processor and blend. Then add the tofu and cook it in the smooth sauce.

How to Serve Sofritas

This recipe is the perfect healthy vegan main dish to add to your favorite Mexican dishes. If you need some ideas, here are some of my favorite ways to serve sofritas:

• Tacos. Vegan for taco night? Yes please! Add some veggies, sofritas, salsa, and guacamole to a tortilla or taco shell for an easy and delicious healthy lunch or dinner. They’re also great for taco bowls.
• Enchiladas. Get ready for the best vegan enchiladas you’ve ever had, guaranteed.
• Burrito Bowl. These are sure to rival Chipotle bowls. Pair this dish with slow cooker Mexican rice, black beans, mixed vegetables, and your favorite taco bowl toppings for a super satisfying meal.
• salad. Why not add a little pizzazz to your salad? Try adding a few spoonfuls of sofritas to your favorite salad for an instant upgrade.
• Nachos. When paired with your choice of plant-based cheeses and pico de gallo, you really can’t go wrong.

How to store and reheat

To store leftover sofritas, simply wait for them to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in one of two ways:

• Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Stores in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Reheat the sofritas in the microwave, on a hot griddle or even on a baking sheet in the oven for a more crumbly texture.