What is chipotle's Sofritas made of?

Sofritas is Chipotle's answer to plant-based protein. It's a fabulous taco, burrito, or quesadilla filling made from crumbled tofu that's been simmered in an aromatic sauce made from poblano peppers, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and spices .

Are Sofritas healthy?

Yes, sofritas are healthy . This low-calorie and low-fat tofu-based dish is an excellent alternative to meat.

Does Sofritas taste like ground beef?

The tofu flavoring was pretty spicy but the guacamole tempered the heat. The tofu was firm and granular, resembling ground beef . In fact, in a blind taste test, I might have thought I was eating ground beef chili. Zeveloff and Lutz agreed that the dish has a surprising burst of flavor.

Is Chipotle chicken or sofritas healthier?

“ Both are lower in saturated fat than red meat ,” says Sofia Norton, RD at Kiss My Keto. Sofritas clock in at 150 calories, 8 grams of protein, and 1.5 grams of saturated fat per serving. The chicken option has 180 calories and 3 grams of saturated fat, but a whopping 32 grams of protein per serving.

What does sofritas mean in english?

“Sofrito” means “ to lightly fry ” in Spanish but it's used to reference a basic aromatic vegetable preparation found in a variety of cuisines around the world. In Latin American cuisines, it usually contains garlic, onion, and peppers cooked in oil.

Is sofritas good for weight loss?

Like other fillings, sofritas can be added to burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads with other ingredients, and at 145 calories and 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 4-ounce serving, they sound pretty good for you.

Did chipotle invent sofritas?

According to this article, they originated as a collaboration between Chipotle and Hodo Foods , a company that makes really awesome tofu in Oakland, California.

What is Chipotle's meat substitute?

What is the meat substitute at Chipotle? Our Sofritas is made with organic soy protein, and braised with fresh peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and spices . We partner with farmers in the Midwestern U.S. to buy non-GMO, organic soybeans that turn into the most delicious and creamiest artisanal tofu.

Can vegans eat sofritas?

Chipotle's vegan option is Sofritas , which is seasoned tofu that's really tasty and just a little bit spicy. Or you can always opt to do just veggies if you don't want tofu.

Is sofritas the same as chorizo?

Chipotle's other vegan meat option, Sofritas, has a much softer texture. If you are searching for something a little heartier with a deeper flavor, I would recommend the plant-based chorizo over the Sofritas option.

Are Chipotle Sofritas vegan?

Our Sofritas is vegan and vegetarian approved . Vegans should avoid our meats, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, queso, sour cream, and chipotle-honey vinaigrette. Our tortillas, vegetables, rice, beans, salsas, chips and guacamole, are vegetarian and vegan.

What is chipotle's plant-based meat made of?

Chipotle's plant-based version features chipotle peppers, ripe tomato paste, crushed garlic, Spanish smoked paprika and extra-virgin olive oil combined with natural pea protein .

Does Chipotle sofritas have added sugar?

In short the answer is no. Unlike salt, we don't have a dedicated sugar supply that we use to add to our foods. In fact, none of the food on our menu has added sugar . The only thing we have that has any amount of sugar is the vinaigrette which has honey.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (2024)

RecipeVideoPrintComments

Bring the vibrant flavors of Chipotle to your own kitchen with this copycat sofritas recipe! The only difference is that this version is even better than the original. Meaty tofu is simmered in a smoky, tangy, and bold salsa made from chile peppers and aromatic spices. Use it for tacos, burrito bowls, and so much more!

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (1)

Table of Contents

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

Authentic flavors: This recipe captures all the best aspects of Chipotle’s sofritas, giving you a genuine taste of the restaurant classic.
Easy-to-find ingredients: Don’t worry about looking for exotic ingredients! Everything in our ingredient list can be sourced from your local grocery store.
Versatile serving options: This Chipotle sofritas recipe will be the star of your tacos, burritos, or salad bowls. The possibilities are virtually endless!
Perfect for everyone: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something plant-based, sofritas are the perfect place to start!

If you love this sofritas recipe and want more Chipotle copycats, you should check out our Chipotle fajitas veggies and roasted chili corn salsa.

🌶️ The best sofritas

These meaty (but meat-free) sofritas are our answer to the popular vegan protein option at Chipotle Mexican Grill. But, this copycat recipe actually tastes better because it’s made with the freshest ingredients (okay maybe we’re biased, but you be the judge)!

Fire-roasted poblano peppers, smoky chipotles, and bold spices are combined for a mouthwatering sauce to bathe the crispy tofu in. The tofu absorbs the marinade like a sponge, creating a filling that’s perfect for burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, and anything else you can think of.

It’s smoky, spicy, tangy, and downright addicting! You can take our word for it, too. Over the past few weeks, we’ve spent time tweaking and perfecting it, making sure it’s rich in flavor and emulates the texture you’d find at Chipotle.

The preparation requires a bit of patience, especially to press and brown the tofu, but the result is undeniably worth it! We can’t wait for you to try!

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (2)

🌱 Are sofritas vegan?

Yes! Chipotle introduced sofritas as a vegan-friendly option instead of meat for their burritos and bowls. So, you can rest assured that the sofritas they make in-house along with this recipe are both plant-based.

You may encounter cross-contamination at the restaurant, so it’s important to ask if that is important to you.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (3)

🛒 Ingredients & substitutions

Tofu: Extra-firm tofu works best for sofritas, but firm tofu will work in a pinch. Just press it for longer. If tofu isn’t your thing, try using tempeh instead!
Poblano pepper: Imparts a mild heat and a unique charred flavor. Poblanos are usually available at any grocery store, but you can also use a green bell pepper with a pinch of chile flakes if you can’t find any.
Olive oil: To sauté the aromatics, offering a rich flavor. We prefer extra-virgin olive oil, but avocado, sunflower, canola, or safflower oil will all work.
Onion & garlic: These two form the foundational flavors for many savory dishes! Fresh white or yellow onion and garlic are best for this recipe.
Spices: We use a blend of smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and ancho chile powder to provide deep, smoky, and authentic Chipotle flavors. While each spice has its unique profile, you can experiment with others based on your taste.
Tomato paste & tomatoes: Add acidity, sweetness, and an umami undertone. Fresh tomatoes can be replaced with canned, and paste can be swapped for purée.
Chipotles in adobo: Adds a smoky heat and moisture. Again, chipotles in adobo can be found in the Mexican food aisle of most grocery stores. If you can’t find any, try a combination of smoked paprika and chili powder.
Vegetable broth: Provides savory depth of flavor and helps bring the sauce together. You can also use mushroom broth or water with a bouillon cube.
Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity. Fresh lemon juice or vinegar will also work if limes aren’t available.

For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to our recipe card.

📝 How to make Chipotle sofritas

Step 1: Press the tofu

The tofu needs to be as dry as possible to soak up the marinade. By taking the time to press the tofu, you’re ensuring maximum flavor absorption.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (4)

If you don’t have a tofu press, get creative with a heavy cast-iron skillet or even books! Once it’s pressed, crumble the tofu into small pieces.

Step 2: Roast the poblano

Roasting poblano peppers is pivotal to achieving that charred flavor! You can roast it over a gas flame, in a cast-iron skillet, or in the oven until blackened on all sides. Find more information on our dedicated poblano peppers guide.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (5)

Once blackened, add it to a freezer bag or a bowl with plastic wrap overtop to steam. This helps loosen the skin, making peeling much easier.

Step 3: Peel the poblano

Remove the blistered skin by rubbing the pepper gently, then cut off the stem end, but don’t worry about removing all of the seeds unless you’re sensitive to spice. You can rip or slice the poblano into strips to make blending easier.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (6)

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (7)

Step 4: Prepare the aromatics

This is where the magic begins! Heat some of the olive oil in a skillet over medium. Once hot, add the diced onions and sauté them until translucent. Mix in the garlic, then add smoked paprika, cumin, Mexican oregano, and ancho chile powder.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (8)

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (9)

Mix in the tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and adobo. Then, add the chopped tomato and cook the mixture until the tomatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend the salsa

Transfer the tomato mixture to a food processor. Deglaze the pan with the vegetable broth, scraping up all the little bits left behind. This adds so much flavor, so don’t skip it!

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (11)

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (12)

Add the vegetable broth mixture to the food processor, along with salt, pepper, and the poblano strips. Blend or pulse the mixture until it’s fairly smooth with a few chunks remaining. You can also blend it until it’s fully smooth if you prefer.

Step 6: Cook the tofu

Heat the rest of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Cook the crumbled tofu in a single layer, stirring occasionally, until each side is browned.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (14)

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (15)

Step 7: Assembly

Pour in the sofritas sauce, then cook the mixture until the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust the seasonings and add a squeeze of lime to finish your Chipotle sofritas recipe off. Happy eating!

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (16)

If you have questions about this Chipotle sofritas recipe, check out our FAQs or leave a comment down below!

🌯 How to use sofritas

Sofritas are as versatile as they are delicious! You can use them in tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls. Fill a flour tortilla or corn tortilla, then add some vegan Spanish rice and toppings like these:

Vegan sour cream or vegan Mexican crema
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Shredded lettuce
Salsa verde or salsa roja
Pico de gallo
Pickled onions or pickled jalapeños
Refried beans or black beans
Vegan queso fresco or vegan cotija

🌡️ Storage & reheating

Maximize the shelf life and flavor of your sofritas by using the right storage and reheating methods! Here’s what to do:

♻️ Variations

Spicier: Add more chipotles in adobo or a few rehydrated arbol chiles.
Sweet and spicy: If you’d like some contrasting flavors to balance the heat, try mixing in a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar.
Mushroom sofritas: Substitute half the tofu with finely chopped mushrooms.
Corn: Add in roasted corn kernels for texture and bursts of sweetness.
Cheesy: Sprinkle in some nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for an umami punch.

🧑‍🍳 Top tips

Press the tofu: Give yourself time to press the tofu for optimal flavor absorption. If you have a tofu press, you can even press it in the fridge overnight.
Char on all sides: Blacken the poblano uniformly for a consistent charred flavor. This also makes peeling the tough, chewy skin much easier.
Use fresh spices: Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Better yet, buy whole chiles and spices, then grind them yourself.
Consistent pieces: Break the tofu into consistent sizes for even browning. We like to have them around the size of a chickpea.
Brown the tofu: It’s essential to cook the tofu slowly and ensure it browns on every side. This will help remove more moisture and add a perfectly chewy texture.
Blend to preference: Choose your preferred sauce consistency when blending. We like ours a bit on the chunky side, but you can also fully blend the sauce.
Rest before serving: Let the dish sit for a few minutes off the heat to settle the flavors and thicken the sauce a little more.

Easy Sofritas Recipe (That's Better Than Chipotle) (18)

💬 FAQ

Why is my sofritas sauce too runny?

Your sauce may be runny if there’s too much moisture in the tofu or if you have added too much broth or water. Remember to press the tofu well and measure your liquids accurately. To remove more moisture, reduce the recipe on the stovetop longer.

Can I use a different type of tofu?

We recommend extra-firm tofu for the best texture in sofritas because it crumbles well and maintains a meaty consistency. However, if you just can’t find it, there are ways to work with other types of tofu to achieve the desired texture.

For firmer results using softer varieties, like firm or medium tofu, try freezing the tofu first. Freezing tofu changes its texture, making it more porous and spongy, which can mimic the graininess of extra-firm tofu once crumbled. Here’s a simple method:

Freezing: Place the whole block of tofu (still in its packaging) in the freezer for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw completely either in the fridge or on the countertop.

Pressing: Once thawed, open the package and drain the excess water. Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel, place it on a plate, and set something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet or a couple of cans. Allow it to press for about 20-30 minutes. This will squeeze out any extra moisture, making the tofu crumble easily and absorb marinades better.

Remember, the key to a great sofritas dish is the absorption of flavors. By freezing and then pressing the tofu, even softer varieties can become flavor-packed powerhouses that work beautifully in the recipe.

Do you have to remove the skin or seeds from the poblano?

We recommend that you at least remove the skin from the poblano pepper. Once blistered, the outer skin becomes tough, papery, and gritty, which is unpleasant to eat. Some people complain about the seeds being a bit bitter, but we’ve never had an issue with it. You can remove them if you’d like.

🍴 More Mexican recipes

If you’re a Mexican food lover like us, check out some more of our most popular Mexican-inspired recipes like these:

Vegan Enchiladas Verdes: Fresh corn tortillas, creamy bayo beans, and melty cheese served with tangy green enchilada sauce.
Vegan Tacos Al Pastor: Traditional vegan tacos al pastor flavors with a vegan twist!
Jackfruit Carnitas: Mind-blowing carnitas made with fresh jackfruit!
Walnut Meat: Meaty, savory, and textured ground “beef” perfect for tacos.
Vegan Chorizo: A spicy, meaty, and savory recipe that tastes unbelievably similar to traditional Mexican chorizo.