Sofritas: Spicy Tofu Crumbles in Chipotle Adobo Sauce Recipe
This vibrant Sofritas recipe features crumbled firm tofu simmered in a smoky, spicy chipotle-tomato sauce. Perfectly seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, this dish offers a flavorful vegan protein option ideal for filling burritos, tacos, or bowls with rice and fresh toppings. The marinade is blended to a chunky salsa-like consistency, allowing the tofu to absorb bold Southwestern flavors during a quick stovetop simmer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Tofu
- 14 oz very firm tofu
Marinade
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (canned)
- 2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the canned chipotle)
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika powder
- 1 green bell pepper, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tomato, quartered
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Drain and press tofu: Wrap the very firm tofu in paper towels and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Then cut the tofu into slices.
- Brown the tofu: Heat some oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat and cook the tofu slices until nicely browned on both sides, approximately 8 minutes total.
- Prepare the marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine the chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, green bell pepper, dried oregano, tomato, salsa, salt, and tomato paste. Process into a chunky sauce resembling salsa with a few small chunks remaining.
- Crumble tofu: Using a wooden spoon, crumble the browned tofu in the pan. Aim for medium-sized crumbles, not too fine.
- Add marinade and simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the crumbled tofu and stir well to combine. Simmer on medium heat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Enjoy the sofritas as a filling for burritos, tacos, or burrito bowls alongside brown rice, lettuce, guacamole, vegan sour cream, and optional vegan cheese and nachos.
Notes
- Use very firm tofu to ensure proper crumbling and absorption of the sauce. Soft tofu will not work well.
- If tofu is not firm enough, press it for 20-30 minutes by placing a weight (such as cookbooks) on top or using a tofu press before cooking.
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce to your taste preference.
- Sofritas pairs wonderfully with brown rice, black beans, lettuce, guacamole, vegan sour cream, nachos, and vegan shredded cheese for a complete meal experience.
