Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls Recipe

Quick & Zesty Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls Recipe for Dinner Joy

Crafting a mind-blowing spicy sofritas veggie bowl can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Layers of vibrant vegetables and zesty protein create a magical meal experience.

Crisp, colorful ingredients dance together in a symphony of flavor.

Mexican-inspired culinary magic happens when bold spices meet fresh produce.

Protein-packed and nutrient-dense, this recipe delivers serious satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Crumbled tofu marinates in a fiery sauce that will make you crave every single bite.

You won’t believe how simple yet incredible these bowls can be.

Grab your apron and get ready to become a plant-based culinary rockstar!

What Makes Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls Special

  • Customize with Ease: Personalize this recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Master Flavorful Vegetarian Cooking: Learn a simple technique to transform tofu into a zesty, protein-packed dish that rivals meat-based alternatives with bold, smoky flavors.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Enjoy this recipe's flexibility by serving sofritas in multiple formats like rice bowls, tacos, or burritos, making it perfect for meal prep and diverse dining styles.
  • Quick Culinary Adventure: Create a restaurant-quality vegetarian meal at home using basic kitchen tools and ingredients, allowing home cooks to explore Mexican-inspired cuisine without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls

Main Protein:
  • Tofu: A versatile soy-based protein that absorbs flavors and provides a meaty texture for this plant-based dish.
Peppers and Spices:
  • Poblano Pepper, Chipotle Peppers: Fresh peppers that add a smoky and complex heat to the sofritas sauce.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Warm spices that create a deep, rich flavor profile for the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Adobo Sauce, Salsa, Garlic: Ingredients that provide moisture, tanginess, and additional layers of flavor to the sofritas.
  • Salt: A seasoning that enhances and balances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Oil: Used for cooking and helping to prevent sticking in the skillet.
  • Water: Helps to create the right sauce consistency and prevent burning during cooking.

How to Build Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls

Step 1: Char The Poblano Pepper

Hold the poblano directly over a gas stove flame, rotating until the skin blisters and turns black. If you don’t have a gas stove, brush the pepper with olive oil and place under the broiler, turning every few minutes until completely charred and soft.

Step 2: Create Zesty Sauce Blend

Toss the roasted poblano into a blender with:
  • Chipotle peppers
  • Adobo sauce
  • Minced garlic
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salsa

Pulse until the mixture becomes completely smooth and vibrant.

Step 3: Prepare Tofu Base

Drain tofu and press between kitchen towels to remove excess moisture.

Crumble into small, uneven chunks using your hands. Heat a skillet with a splash of oil over medium-high heat.

Sauté the tofu pieces until they start turning golden and develop crispy edges.

Step 4: Simmer Spicy Sofritas

Pour the zesty sauce over the tofu crumbles.

Add a splash of water and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the tofu.

Season with salt to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Assemble Veggie Bowls

Scoop the spicy sofritas over warm rice.

Top with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime. Serve in bowls, tacos, or as a hearty burrito filling.

Tips for Sofritas Bowl Greatness

  • Press tofu thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture and better sauce absorption.
  • Roast poblano pepper directly over gas flame or under broiler for smoky, charred flavor that enhances overall dish complexity.
  • Adjust spice levels by controlling chipotle peppers and adobo sauce amount, making the recipe adaptable for different heat preferences.
  • Use extra-firm tofu for best results, as it holds its shape and absorbs sofritas sauce more effectively during cooking process.
  • Consider adding fresh cilantro, lime juice, or diced avocado as optional toppings to brighten and complement the spicy sofritas flavors.

Spicy Sofritas Combos Worth Exploring

  • Quinoa Power Bowl: Replace rice with protein-packed quinoa, adding roasted sweet potatoes and black beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Bowl: Swap tofu with chickpeas, incorporate tzatziki sauce, cucumber, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Cauliflower Rice Lean Bowl: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, top with fresh avocado slices and pickled red onions for a low-carb option.
  • Smoky Southwest Bowl: Introduce grilled corn, add roasted bell peppers, sprinkle with cilantro, and drizzle with lime crema for a vibrant southwestern feel.

Satisfying Pairings for Sofritas Veggie Bowls

  • Savor Zesty Beverage Companions: Pair citrusy Mexican lager or fresh lime margarita with spicy sofritas to balance heat and enhance flavor profile.
  • Complement Cool Refreshments: Serve chilled horchata or agua fresca to neutralize the intense spiciness and provide smooth, creamy contrast.
  • Enhance Flavor Harmony: Match with crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, which cuts through the rich, spicy sauce with bright, acidic notes.
  • Elevate Dining Experience: Choose cold, light-bodied craft beer like wheat ale or pale ale to complement the robust tofu and smoky chipotle flavors.

Keeping Spicy Sofritas Fresh and Flavorful

  • Refrigerate: Store cooled sofritas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep rice and toppings separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freeze: Transfer sofritas to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place sofritas in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Stovetop Reheating: Warm sofritas in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra salsa to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through and serve immediately.

Your Spicy Sofritas Questions—Answered

  • What is sofritas made of?

Sofritas is a vegetarian protein made from tofu, blended with roasted poblano peppers, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and spices like cumin and chili powder, creating a spicy and flavorful plant-based dish.

  • Is sofritas healthy?

Sofritas is a nutritious option because it’s made from tofu, which is high in protein, low in calories, and contains essential amino acids. The recipe includes vegetables and spices that offer additional nutritional benefits.

  • How spicy are sofritas?

The spice level depends on the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce used. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing these ingredients to match your personal spice tolerance.

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Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls Recipe

Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls deliver bold flavors and plant-based protein in a colorful, nutritious meal. Crisp vegetables, zesty tofu, and aromatic spices combine for a delicious lunch or dinner you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 14-ounce package extra firm tofu
  • 1 poblano pepper
  • 13 individual chipotle peppers canned in adobo sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 23 cloves garlic

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

Instructions

  1. Char the poblano pepper directly over a gas flame, rotating until skin is evenly blistered and blackened. For electric stoves, place pepper on a baking sheet and broil at 500°F for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
  2. Transfer roasted poblano to a blender. Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, and salsa. Pulse until a smooth, vibrant sauce forms.
  3. Drain tofu and wrap in a clean kitchen towel. Press firmly to remove excess moisture, then crumble into small, uneven pieces using hands.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté crumbled tofu for 5-7 minutes until edges become golden and crispy.
  5. Pour prepared poblano sauce over tofu. Stir to coat completely, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, adding water if sauce becomes too thick. Season with salt to enhance flavor.
  6. Plate the spicy sofritas over warm rice, nestled with roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for brightness.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chipotle peppers and adding fresh jalapeños for extra spiciness.
  • Press tofu thoroughly using a tofu press or heavy plates to ensure maximum sauce absorption and crispy texture.
  • Substitute tofu with crumbled tempeh or plant-based ground meat alternatives for different protein options.
  • Meal prep friendly: Sofritas can be stored in refrigerator for 4-5 days and reheated quickly for quick weeknight meals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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