If you’re craving the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of Chipotle Mexican Grill but want to keep things vegan and homemade, this Chipotle Vegan Sofritas recipe is your new go-to meal. Sofritas, traditionally made with shredded pork braised in a spicy chipotle-tomato sauce, get an amazing vegan makeover here using crumbled tofu.
The tofu soaks up the rich, smoky, and slightly tangy sauce, making every bite bursting with flavor and perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or salads.
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with plant-based protein and wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, flexitarian, or just exploring new tastes, this sofritas dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant favorite from the comfort of your kitchen.
Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for meal prep. Let’s dive in and make some fiery, flavorful sofritas that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan sofritas recipe strikes the perfect balance between smoky, spicy, and savory. Using tofu as the base makes it incredibly versatile and protein-packed, while the homemade chipotle sauce gives it that iconic Chipotle flavor without any artificial additives.
It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and free from common allergens like dairy and gluten. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to get creative with Mexican-inspired meals at home.
Whether you’re making burritos, tacos, or bowls, this sofritas will elevate your dishes to the next level.
Best of all, it stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. If you love dishes like this, you might also want to check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for more wholesome meals.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Medium non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Medium mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Tofu press or heavy object for pressing tofu
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap your tofu block in a clean kitchen towel and press out excess water using a tofu press or a heavy pan for at least 20 minutes. This step is crucial for a firmer texture that soaks up the sauce well.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the chipotle peppers, tomato sauce, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, apple cider vinegar, and vegetable broth. Blend or whisk until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the tofu: Crumble the pressed tofu into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir frequently, letting the tofu brown slightly, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the sauce: Pour the chipotle-tomato sauce over the tofu mixture. Stir well to coat all the tofu. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Season and finish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you want it spicier, add more cayenne or chipotle peppers. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve: Enjoy your vegan sofritas in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even as a filling for stuffed peppers.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Pressing the tofu well is key to achieving the best texture. If you’re short on time, wrap the tofu in a clean dish towel and place it between two plates with a heavy object on top for at least 15 minutes.
Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas:
- Use tempeh: Crumbled tempeh works wonderfully as a slightly nuttier alternative.
- Add beans: For extra protein and fiber, stir in a can of black beans or pinto beans.
- Make it smokier: Add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
- Spice level: Adjust chipotle peppers and cayenne to your heat preference.
- Sweetness balance: A small pinch of brown sugar or maple syrup can cut through the acidity if desired.
For more creative ideas with vegan proteins, check out our Personalized Recipe Book Stand to organize your favorites!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan sofritas recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get the most out of it:
- Tacos: Serve in warm corn or flour tortillas with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burrito bowls: Layer sofritas over brown rice or cauliflower rice, black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa for a hearty bowl.
- Stuffed peppers: Mix with cooked quinoa and stuff into bell peppers, then bake until tender.
- Salads: Use as a protein-packed topping for a southwestern salad with greens, tomatoes, and avocado.
- Nachos: Spoon over tortilla chips with vegan cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole for a loaded snack.
If you enjoy exploring new flavors, don’t miss our Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to add some vibrant heat and tang to your meals.
Conclusion
Making your own Chipotle Vegan Sofritas at home is an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s an explosion of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that perfectly replicate the beloved restaurant dish with a wholesome vegan twist.
The crumbled tofu soaks up the chipotle adobo sauce beautifully, offering a rich protein source while keeping the dish light and nutritious.
This recipe is straightforward and adaptable, making it perfect for casual weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead. The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking process is quick, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime.
Whether you serve it in tacos, bowls, or salads, it’s sure to become a staple in your vegan recipe collection.
For more delicious and creative recipes, be sure to explore our other favorites like the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe or the Pecan Crackers Recipe. Happy cooking and enjoy the fiery flavors of your homemade sofritas!
📖 Recipe Card: Chipotle Vegan Sofritas
Description: A spicy and smoky vegan sofritas recipe made with tofu and chipotle peppers. Perfect as a flavorful filling for bowls, tacos, or burritos.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Stir in chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano.
- Add crumbled tofu and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and soy sauce; simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm as a filling or topping.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 8 g
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