Name: Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 poblano pepper; 1-3 individual chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce (use 1 for mild/medium heat, 3 for very spicy); 2 tablespoons adobo sauce; 2-3 cloves garlic; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika; 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 14-ounce package extra firm tofu

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 82 reviews

If you’re craving a bold and smoky plant-based meal that packs a punch, you’re going to absolutely love this Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want something comforting yet exciting enough to keep me coming back. This recipe transforms humble tofu into tender, flavorful sofritas that your whole family will rave about — seriously, my crew goes crazy for it! Keep reading, and I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail this spicy, smoky delight right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoky, Spicy Flavor: The chipotles and roasted poblano create a rich heat that’s perfectly balanced and addictive.
Tofu Made Exciting: This isn’t your basic tofu scramble — it soaks up the sauce beautifully for Max flavor.
Versatile & Easy: Use it for tacos, burritos, or even bowls — it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy enough for weeknights.
Family Favorite: It’s a crowd pleaser that even tofu skeptics end up loving.

A close-up image of a large black skillet filled with cooked ground meat seasoned with spices, showing a mixture of small to medium chunky pieces in warm brown and reddish tones. A wooden spatula rests inside the skillet, partially lifting some of the cooked meat. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface covered with a soft white and gray striped cloth. The image is bright with natural light highlighting the textures of the meat and the wooden spatula photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Sofritas Tofu, smoky tofu dishes, vegan tofu recipes, spicy plant-based meals, easy tofu stir-fry

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star of this Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe is definitely the blend of smoky roasted poblanos and chipotle peppers, which create that unforgettable flavor. You’ll want fresh, firm tofu to get the best texture, and simple pantry staples make it all come together perfectly.

Flat lay of one fresh dark green poblano pepper, three deep reddish-brown dried chipotle peppers, a small white ceramic bowl with rich dark red adobo sauce, three whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl of ground cumin powder in warm brown, a small white bowl of bright reddish chili powder, a small white bowl filled with chunky red salsa, a small white bowl with golden canola oil, one block of extra firm tofu with a smooth white surface, a small white bowl of coarse salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically around the center, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Spicy Sofritas Tofu, smoky tofu dishes, vegan tofu recipes, spicy plant-based meals, easy tofu stir-fry

Poblano Pepper: Roasting it brings out a deep, smoky flavor that’s essential here.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These provide both heat and that rich, smoky complexity; adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Adobo Sauce: Adds extra depth and spice to the sofritas sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic gives a punchy background note.
Cumin: Warm and earthy, it complements the peppers perfectly.
Chili Powder or Smoked Paprika: I like smoked paprika for a gentler smokiness, but chili powder amps up the heat.
Salsa: This adds tang and a bit of sauciness; use your favorite kind – fresh or jarred works well.
Canola Oil: For sautéing — neutral oil that won’t overpower flavors.
Salt: Enhances all those lovely layers of taste.
Extra Firm Tofu: Press well for the best texture; it soaks up the sauce beautifully.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how this recipe invites creativity, and I encourage you to make it your own. Whether you want it milder, packed with extra veggies, or even completely gluten-free, there’s a way to do it!

Mild Sofritas: When I first tried cutting the heat, I used only one chipotle pepper instead of three, and my husband (who’s spice-sensitive) loved it.
Added Beans: Sometimes I toss in black beans for extra texture and protein; it’s a heartier twist.
Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or corn to bulk it up and add contrast.
Smoky Sweet Sofritas: A dash of maple syrup added to the sauce balances the spicy heat beautifully, especially if you’re serving kids.

How to Make Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Poblano Pepper

First things first — the poblano pepper sets the tone for that signature smoky flavor. I like holding mine directly over a gas burner flame for a few minutes, turning it until the skin blisters and blackens. If you don’t have a gas stove, no worries: just broil it in the oven, lightly oiled, on a baking sheet for about 15 minutes per side until it’s soft and charred. Once roasted, pop it into a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam for about 10 minutes, then peel off the charred skin, removing seeds or the stem if you like. Don’t skip this step; it makes a huge difference!

Step 2: Blend the Sofritas Sauce

Next, throw the roasted poblano, your chipotle peppers, garlic cloves, cumin, chili powder or smoked paprika, salsa, and adobo sauce into a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a mostly smooth, luscious paste. This sauce is the star of the show — I learned the hard way that blending it well is worth the extra time because it clings beautifully to the tofu.

Step 3: Prepare and Cook the Tofu

Drain and press your extra firm tofu using a clean kitchen towel or a tofu press for at least 15 minutes — this is key! The drier it is, the better it absorbs the sauce later. After pressing, crumble the tofu into small bits with your hands or a spatula. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the tofu. Scramble it gently until it starts to get a little golden — this adds texture and flavor. Then pour in your sofritas sauce along with about half a cup of water to loosen it up. Let everything simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tofu has soaked up the flavors. Add more water if it looks too dry, and adjust salt to taste. I like a little squeeze of lime juice at this stage too — it brightens the whole dish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this spicy sofritas tofu in warm tortillas for tacos, wrap it up in burritos, or pile it on top of a big bowl of rice with beans and your favorite veggies. Trust me, you’ll find this recipe so easy and versatile that it quickly becomes a weeknight staple.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe

Press Your Tofu Thoroughly: I used to skip this, but squeezing out as much moisture as possible is the secret to a firmer texture that really soaks up the sauce.
Control the Heat: Start with fewer chipotle peppers, then add more if you want to turn up the spice factor—you can always add, but you can’t take it away!
Brown the Tofu: Letting the tofu get a bit golden before adding sauce adds deeper flavor and prevents it from turning mushy.
Adjust Consistency Carefully: If the sauce thickens too much, add water in small amounts rather than all at once to keep the texture perfect.

How to Serve Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with cooked small pieces of tofu mixed with reddish-brown sauce and spices, showing a textured and crumbly look. A wooden spoon rests in the pan, partially stirring the tofu chunks, with some pieces on the spoon showing browner edges. The pan sits on a white and navy striped cloth, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Sofritas Tofu, smoky tofu dishes, vegan tofu recipes, spicy plant-based meals, easy tofu stir-fry

Garnishes

I always top my sofritas with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime — it brightens every bite and adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky heat. A sprinkle of diced white onions or pickled jalapeños jazzes things up nicely too, especially if you’re serving tacos.

Side Dishes

This sofritas pairs beautifully with Mexican-style rice, refried or black beans, and a simple cabbage slaw for crunch. On weekends, I like serving it alongside grilled corn with chili lime butter — it’s a complete fiesta!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve layered the sofritas tofu in a big burrito bowl bar with all the fixings — cheeses, salsas, guacamole, and crunchy tortilla chips. You can also stuff it into crispy tostadas or serve on warm naan for a fusion twist that’s surprisingly good.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover sofritas tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, so if you can, make extra to enjoy leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen portions of sofritas tofu when meal prepping. Just cool it completely, place in freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce back up. Microwave works too, but I find stovetop gives a better texture.

FAQs

What can I substitute for chipotle peppers if I don’t have them?

If you don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika combined with a bit of cayenne pepper can imitate the smoky heat. You can also use regular chili powder but the flavor won’t be quite the same. If you want more heat without the smokiness, try adding a bit of hot sauce or fresh jalapeño.
Can I use silken tofu instead of extra firm tofu?

Extra firm tofu is best here because it holds its shape and soaks up the sauce without turning mushy. Silken tofu is too delicate and will break apart into a custardy texture, which isn’t ideal for the sofritas style.
How spicy is this Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe?

The heat level is totally adjustable based on how many chipotle peppers you use. One chipotle gives a moderate spicy kick, while three chipotles crank it up to very spicy. Start low if you’re sensitive, and you can always add more sauce or hot peppers later!
Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Definitely! You can sauté the tofu in a little vegetable broth instead of oil, though it won’t brown quite as much. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the sofritas sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sofritas Tofu Recipe has become such a staple in my kitchen because it’s flavorful, simple, and flexible — just the kind of recipe you want at your fingertips for busy nights or casual gatherings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and tweaks it to fit your taste perfectly. When you do, it’s like bringing a little fiesta to your table every time!