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Home » Main Dish » Mexican/Southwest

Homemade Sofritas Burrito Bowls

By Traci · Jump to Recipe

An easy to make and freezer friendly homemade tofu sofritas recipe featuring all the mouthwatering ingredients and spices we’ve come to love from Chipotle’s Sofritas! Sofritas vegetarian or vegan burrito bowls that are easy to make, and oh so crave-worthy! This recipe is vegetarian or vegan, and easily gluten free.

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Sofritas in a Burrito Bowl shared with tortillas and salsa.

Fast Food

When I’m in the mood, I have a short list (read: two) of places I seek out. One, is Chipotle. I adore their vegetarian and vegan burrito bowls. And because I love their sofritas so much, I set out to create a homemade version.

Lucky for us, Chipotle’s sofritas recipe main ingredients are listed on their web site. It’s the proportions and method that I had to play with to finally nail down this recipe. I relied on my never ending cravings for Tex-Mex and Mexican food flavors, something growing up in Texas helped me establish.

Wait, What are Sofritas?

In case you haven’t heard, It took me over two years (!!), Chipotle’s sofritas recipe are a plant based, vegan and vegetarian option in their restaurants. Sofritas are used anywhere you’d find chicken or meat in their menu lineup. And they make a fabulous vegetarian or vegan burrito bowl. 

Tofu Squares in a parchment lined sheet pan.  Delicious sofritas recipe ingredients. Cutting poblano on a cutting board. Cutting green bell pepper on a wooden board with other ingredients at the side  Baked Tofu Squares on a sheet pan.

What is Sofritas Meat?

Chipotle’s sofritas is a combination of tofu with peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic and spices. The tofu is cooked in these ingredients so that the tofu takes on all the flavors of the sauce. And it’s SO mouthwateringly delicious! I find these sofritas even make meat eaters happy (nudge the meat eater in your life to give these a go!).

Don’t Fear the Tofu

Tofu is fabulous. Say it with me! Tofu is fabulous! It’s a meat free option that’s versatile and takes on any flavor you braise or marinate it in. Its texture can go from silky smooth to spongy to chewy. It all depends on type of tofu and how it’s prepared. The following two essential steps in preparing tofu make all the difference in its final texture and while it may sound like a lot to manage, it really takes no hands on time at all:

FREEZE YOUR TOFU: When you bring that tofu home from the store, toss it in the freezer. Freezing ultimately improves its texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

PRESS THE TOFU: Since tofu is packaged in water, we need press the water out of it to make room for flavor (marinade)! To press thawed tofu, place the tofu between tea towels or paper towels or use a tofu press. Place the towel under and on top of the tofu. Set it on a plate. Place something heavy on top, like a cutting board, another plate or a not-so-full box of wine to press the water out, but without squishing it. Move the tea towel a few times to a dryer area of the towel so it can absorb more water. Press for about 20-30 minutes, up to an hour if you have time.

Sauteeing Bell Pepper Poblano and Onions    Sautéing poblano and onions; almost finished. Tofu, tomatoes and spices in a pan with peppers and onions.     Tofu-tomato mixture in the work bowl of a food processor.

Ingredients for this Sofritas Recipe

Below you’ll find the ingredients for this recipe. I’ve also included everything else you’ll need to make an epic burrito bowl in the recipe card and links to other components to take you to burrito bowl bliss! So, here’s what you need to make the sofritas tofu:

  • Firm Tofu – I like sprouted
  • Olive Oil
  • Poblano Pepper
  • Green Bell Pepper
  • Onion
  • Fire Roasted Tomatoes
  • Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce
  • Cumin + Chili Powder
  • Garlic
  • Veggie Broth
  • Lime

How to Make Sofritas

After pressing the tofu, it needs to be dried out further before braising and processing. So it will spend a short time in the oven. Use this time to chop all the veggies and get em’ going in the saute pan. You’ll need a food processor and your largest saute pan. Here’s how to make the recipe:

  • First, press the tofu, then cut it into cubes. Bake the tofu for about 20 minutes. This will help dry the tofu out – ready to take on all those spices/ingredients coming up!
  • Second, in a bit of oil, saute’ the peppers and onion – charring is good! Toss in the spices and garlic. Stir to coat the veggies.
  • Third, stir in the tomatoes, broth, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce.
  • Fourth, stir in the baked tofu. Lid and braise for about 15 minutes.
  • Next, add all the ingredients to a food processor, give it a good squeeze of lime and process until desired consistency… chunky or more chopped. Taste for salt adjustment.
  • Last, return to pan and keep warm or cook on low further if the mixture seems wet. Excess moisture will steam off. 

The sofritas tofu can be made up to three days in advance or up to several weeks if frozen. You’re going to love having this sofritas recipe leftovers tucked away for those nights when thinking about dinner just isn’t going to happen. 

Sofritas Tofu in a pan.

Are Sofritas Vegan?

Sofritas are vegan. But when building a burrito bowl or tacos, to keep it vegan, omit cheese and sour cream.

A Few Sofritas Recipe Notes

  • Ground or Chunkier Sofritas? I prefer my tofu ground a bit more as seen in the pictures. If you like chunkier sofritas, pulse the food processor only a few times to bring the ingredients together.
  • Freezer Friendly? Yes please! This recipe freezes with ease. Freeze in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • Spicier Sofritas? I’m in! This recipe as written is about a medium spicy. To take the heat up, add a whole or even 1 1/2 chipotle peppers to your tomato mix.

Vegan Burrito Bowl with Sofritas, beans, rice, corn and peppers.

Let’s Make an Epic Burrito Bowl Recipe!

Sofritas are fabulous for vegetarian or vegan burrito bowls. But they can be stuffed into burritos, tacos, even enchiladas! There are so many options! Here are all the components to make an epic vegetarian or vegan burrito bowl:

  • Cilantro Lime Brown Rice
  • Chili-Lime Pepita Crema
  • Mexican Black Beans – or Pinto Beans
  • Sautéed Onion and Bell Peppers (see recipe card)
  • Chili Lime Corn Salsa
  • Chopped Romaine Lettuce
  • Easy Chipotle Salsa
  • Chili Lime Slaw 
  • Pepper Jack Cheese – optional
  • Sour Cream – optional 
  • Guacamole or Sliced Fresh Avocado
  • Pickled Jalapeños
Sofritas Recipe Tofu in a pan
Print Recipe

the recipe

Homemade Sofritas Burrito Bowls

Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Servings:8 , 1/2 C Servings (without sauteed veggies)
Calories:135kcal
Author:Traci York | Vanilla And Bean
An easy to make homemade tofu Sofritas recipe featuring all the mouthwatering ingredients and spices we've come to love from Chipotle's Sofritas!  Easy to make, freezer friendly and oh so crave-worthy! vegetarian + vegan + easily gluten free | This recipe yields 4 C (915g) Sofritas | *SEE BLOG POST for links to build an Epic Burrito Bowl!

Ingredients

For the Sofritas:

  • 1 block (200g) Firm Tofu* (see notes) drained, pressed and cut into bite size pieces (about) 1" (2.5cm) cubes
  • 1 Tbs Vegetable Oil like olive or coconut
  • 1 C (110g) Poblano Pepper medium dice, about one large poblano
  • 1 C (110g) Green Bell Pepper medium dice, about one large bell pepper
  • 1 C (150g) Red or Yellow Onion medium dice, about 1/2 large onion
  • 1 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 Tbs Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 2 tsp Minced Garlic or 1/2 tsp garlic granuals
  • 2 Tbs Tomato Paste
  • 2 Tbs Adobo Sauce*** see note, reduce to 1 Tbs for less heat. Look for gluten free if needed.
  • 1 Chipotle Chili (optional) chopped fine, to take the spicy up!! Look for gluten free if needed.
  • 1 Can (411g) Fire Roasted Tomatoes
  • 1/2 C (110g) Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 Lime juiced, plus more for serving

For the Peppers/Onion (optional):

  • 1 1/2 Tbs Vegetable Oil like olive or coconut, divided
  • 2 (430g) Bell Peppers large, one red, one green, sliced in long thin strips
  • 1 150g Red Onion large, sliced in 1/2 moons

Instructions

  • Prepare the Tofu:
    Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Slice the pressed/drained tofu into (about) 1" (2.5cm) cubes and place on a parchment or silpat lined sheet pan. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the tofu is lightly golden. Some crispy edges is ok. This will dry the tofu out.
  • Make the Sofritas:
    In a large saute pan, add the oil and heat on high heat until it shimmers. Keeping the heat on high and adjusting as needed, add the poblano, bell pepper and onion. Saute, stirring/tossing/flipping only occasionally for about 8-9 minutes. Charring is good!
  • To the veggie mixture add the cumin, chili powder, and garlic. Stir to coat the veggies, then add the tomato paste, adobo sauce, chipotle chili (if using), fire roasted tomatoes, vegetable broth, and baked tofu. Stir and bring to a simmer. Stir, lid and simmer on medium-low for about 12-15 minutes.
  • Once the sofritas are done braising, spoon them into a food processor and either pulse for chunky sofrias, or process with longer pulses until the sofritas are of the desired consistency, stopping a few times to scrape the bowl down.
  • Transfer the sofritas back to the pan, squeeze in the lime juice, stir and taste for salt adjustment. Either cook on low a bit longer, lid off, to reduce the liquid further, or simply lid to keep warm.
  • Saute the Peppers/Onions (optional):
    **In your largest saute' skillet (I use nonsick), and working in two batches if needed, add the oil and heat on high until it shimmers (use only 3/4 Tbs of oil at a time if cooking in two batches). Add the onion/pepper mixture, a pinch of salt and saute' on high heat stirring occasionally for about 8-9 minutes. Charring is good and encouraged! The veggies should be tender crisp when done.
    Remove from pan as soon as they're done cooking, and place them in a bowl. The longer they set, the softer they get, so if possible, enjoy right away.
  • To Build an Epic Burrito Bowl:
    Spoon the sofritas and pepper/onion mixture into a serving bowl along with any or all of the following: cilantro-lime brown rice, Mexican black beans, Mexican corn salsa, guacamole or avocado slices, chopped romaine lettuce or chili lime slaw, chopped cilantro, salsa, shredded cheddar and/or sour cream, lime wedges. A handful of crushed corn chips is really nice too - for the crunch.
  • Storage:
    Store sofritas and peppers/onion mixture in lidded containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. They both freeze beautifully too for up to two weeks. Gently rewarm on stovetop with a splash of water.

Notes

*TOFU: Look for organic and sprouted tofu. If time permits, freeze the tofu when you bring it home from the store. Something magical happens in the freezer. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, before use. Since tofu is packaged in water, we need press the water out of it to make room for flavor! To press thawed tofu, use a tea towel and place it under and on top of the tofu. Set it on a plate. Place something heavy on top, like a cutting board, another plate or a not-so-full box of wine to press the water out. We don't want it too heavy or it will squash the tofu. Move the tea towel a few times to a dryer area of the towel so it can absorb more water. Press for about 20-30 minutes, up to an hour if you have time.
**PEPPERS/ONION: The goal is to quickly cook the veggies so that they are tender-crisp, but not mushy. To many in the pan means the mixture will steam rather than saute. So, if cooking in a pan smaller than 12", cook the pepper/onion mixture in two batches. They need a bit of room to cook properly. 
***Find Chipotle Chilis in Adobo sauce in the Mexican food isle at your grocery. Look for gluten free if needed. Leftovers can stay fresh in a lidded container in the fridge for several weeks or months in the freezer. 
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1244mg | Potassium: 302mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2212IU | Vitamin C: 105mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 2mg
Made It? Be sure to leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!
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  1. Alaina

    November 12, 2019 at 12:38 am

    I’ve never tried freezing my tofu, I can’t wait to try that! Oh and my kid’s love EVERYTHING Chipotle, especially the sofritas, so this is going on my meal list for next week.

    Reply
    • Traci

      November 12, 2019 at 7:21 am

      So happy to hear Alaina! LMK what you think about freezing the tofu (I jus pulled a block out of the freezer this morning :D ). I hope y’all enjoy the recipe!

      Reply
  2. [email protected]

    September 25, 2019 at 5:41 am

    Yep, Chipotle is our son Nick’s favorite too! I shudder to think how much he probably ate there during college! He’d be in to this! And so would I!

    Reply
  3. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen

    September 23, 2019 at 4:12 pm

    Chipotle is our son Casey’s favorite Traci! I love their guac! I’m repeating after you…tofu is fabulous. This just looks too fabulous not to try! Beautiful bowl!

    Reply
  4. sheenam @ thetwincookingproject

    September 23, 2019 at 10:25 am

    So yummy!!!! Totally trying this.

    Reply
  5. Jean

    September 21, 2019 at 5:10 pm

    Always so glad we get to reap the tasty benefits of your recipe developments. Two years shows lots of dedication to getting it right! I’m enjoying tofu so much more in my diet lately and it’s the perfect ingredient to capture all of the Mexican flavors in this dish. Also love that I can prepare extra to freeze for a future meal. Mexican food is a big hit in my house. Thanks, Traci!

    Reply
  6. Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen

    September 21, 2019 at 1:10 pm

    I love this series that you’ve been doing for the last two weeks, Traci! Big fan of Chipotle – it’s great. I’ve been eating a lot more tofu lately – mostly breakfast scrambles – so looking forward to trying this sofritas recipe. Burrito bowls are such a great filling lunch – yum – Pinning!

    Reply
  7. Liz @ Floating Kitchen

    September 21, 2019 at 3:51 am

    OMG I’m embarrassed to say I don’t think I ever stopped to ever think what Sofritas was before! Now I know! These look scrumptious. I too am a big fan of chipotle when I’m on the go!

    Reply

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