Chipotle Sofritas (Spicy Adobo Braised Shredded Tofu)

I loved tofu sofritas served at chipotle. The best thing happened to us Vegetarians. I looked around the web to find the perfect Sofrita recipe and here's my twist on the sofritas. It's even more flavorful and healthier option for meat lovers!

Firm tofu is pan-fried, then shredded and braised in a rich, spicy, and savory adobo sauce. Skip the lines and make your own vegan burrito bowls at home!

Ingredients (Total Yield 4 servings)

• 16 oz extra-firm tofu

• 2 tbsp any vegetable oil (I used peanut oil- you can opt for olive oil too)

For the spice blend

• 1 and 1/4 tsp cumin seeds lightly toasted

• 1 tsp coriander seeds lightly toasted

• 1/4 tsp black peppercorns lightly toasted

• 1/2 tbsp dried oregano

For the spicy adobo sauce

• 2 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or one whole chipotle pepper in adobo sauce)

• 3 cloves garlic minced

• 1 and 1/2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth

• 1/4 tsp salt plus more to taste

Instructions Prep the tofu

1. Press the tofu using a heavy object & towels, or your tofu press, for at least 5 minutes to remove any excess moisture. Slice the tofu into about 8 slices.

2. In a skillet, add 1 tbsp. of oil over medium-high heat. Add as many slices of tofu as you can fit without crowding.

3. Cook the tofu for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until evenly browned all the way around the outside. Remove from the heat and repeat with remaining slices of tofu. Set aside.

4. Once the tofu has cooled, chop it into very small pieces, or to the size desired.

Prep the spice blend

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and peppercorns just until they start to smell fragrant. Add them to a spice grinder or mortar & pestle, along with the oregano. Grind into a fine powder.

Prep the sauce and braise the sofritas

1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, water, garlic, tomato paste, and lemon juice. Process until completely smooth.

2. Add the sauce to a large skillet or saucepan along with the chopped, fried tofu. Bring to a gentle boil and then reduce the heat to medium.

3. Cover the pan, and cook for 5-7 minutes.

4. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and/or more of the spice blend as desired. Stir, cover again, and cook for about 5 more minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.

5. Enjoy in a burrito bowl, or anywhere else with Mexican-inspired flavors!

Notes

This recipe is definitely spicy.

Pair the sofritas with things like refried beans or guacamole/avocado to help balance out the heat.

What does Sofritas mean?

Sofritas comes from sofrito, a Spanish word meaning, “gently fried.” In Spanish and Latin American cooking, sofrito is an aromatic combination of sautéed garlic, peppers, onions, and tomatoes often used as a base for stews, rice and beans, and meat dishes.

Store leftover sofritas in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezer for up to 2 months. It is best to reheat in a nonstick skillet to achieve the best texture.