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Slow Cooker Copycat Chipotle Sofritos is a rich delicious braised tofu in a full flavored vegan sauce that’s easily made in the crock pot. It’s great in tacos, burritos, on nachos, or just eaten with chips.
This recipe makes a party sized amount, but is easily deceased for smaller potions.
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Please let me know if you have any questions about this recipe. I read all the comments myself and I try to help as soon as I can. I have readers from all levels of comfort and experience in the kitchen on my site, and I’ve tried to answer some of your questions already in the post. But if I’ve missed anything, please feel free to leave a comment and ask.
Recipe creation
I decided to try my hand at making a Copycat Chipotle restaurant Sofritos. I started at the source for inspiration. Chipotle gives all kinds of info on their Sofritos on their website.
I took a couple of liberties, like I used red bell pepper instead of green because we like the flavor better. But I also used poblanos for a little spicy kick and a bit of that green color.
And, mine is made in a crock pot or slow cooker. That makes it really easy to serve at a party – football party, tailgate, pool party, whatever – and you can have something tasty, vegan, and healthy at a party! Win win!
Party Food
We decided to make this recipe to take to a party, and I’m so glad we made it! It was delicious! My version makes quite a bit because it’s for a large gathering, but it’s pretty easy to cut the recipe in half if you’d like. Also, I made mine on the less spicy/heat side.
If you want more heat in yours, simply increase the amount of chipotle paste. I could even see going up to a tablespoon of chipotle paste for a nice spicy heat. But, increase the amount by a teaspoon each time and taste after stirring so that you don’t go too hot. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
How to serve
Serve this tofu crockpot recipe is great with all your favorite taco fixings! Guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped cabbage, sour cream, cheese, whatever you like!
These are also great for a party because they’re made in the crock pot or slow cooker. It stays nice and warm while you’re off having fun!
The Chipotle Paste is something I always keep around in my kitchen. It’s really easy to make it yourself, and it’s a great time saver once it’s made. Find the instructions here.
Roast the poblanos and the red peppers. I like to roast mine on the grill, outside. But I have detailed instructions here on how to do them on the stove top and in the oven as well.
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Recipe
Copycat Chipotle Sofritos in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 (14 ounce packages) extra firm tofu, water drained, and tofu cut in half lengthwise
- 2 poblanos
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 sweet onion coarsely chopped
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chipotle paste or more if you’d like it spicier
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
- Layer your cutting board with a clean cotton towel and three layers of paper towels. Place tofu slices on top of the towels. Place a layer of three more paper towels on top of tofu, and cover with another cotton towel. Carefully place another cutting board or cookie sheet on top of the towels. Stack something heavy on top of the board, like a cast iron skillet, a large can of beans, heavy bowl or other weight to press down on tofu. Let sit for at least fifteen minutes, and up to one hour.
- While the tofu is pressed, roast the poblanos and the red peppers, until well charred and blackened. Allow to cool, peel, and remove seeds and membranes. Roughly chop all four peppers, setting one chopped red pepper aside and place the remaining 3 peppers in the bowl of a blender.
- Add the chopped onion, tomato paste, water, spices, salt, and chipotle paste to the bowl of the blender. Process until smooth. Pour the sauce into a crock pot.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet. Working in batches, fry the tofu slices until golden brown. Cut tofu into cubes, and press of some of the cubes to shred the tofu.
- Add cooked tofu and the reserved chopped red pepper to the crock pot and stir to coat the tofu in the sauce.
- Cook tofu on low for 2-4 hours. Serve Copycat Chipotle Sofritos in tacos, burritos, bowls, tostadas, any way you like!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations, and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
Elizabeth
This looks like the ultimate comfort food, here! I wish this was on my plate right now! 🙂
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade
This looks like my kind of dish! Ultimate slow cooked comfort food 😉
Platter Talk
Love your idea using tofu. I can’t wait to give it a try! Thanks.
Noel Lizotte
I love slow cooker recipes! I love Mexican food! You’ve hit a homerun with this one as far as I’m concerned!! This will be going on next week’s menu for certain.
efwalt
This is pure genius!!! My OH is veggie and I’m always looking for interesting dishes to make him 🙂 this looks fab 😀
Tina Jui | The Worktop
Invite me to your next gathering so I can try this!
Dahn @savor the Best
looks incredible, I love that you used red pepper, I like the flavor better as well.
Everyday Sarah Jane
I love any and every slow cooker meal, I love Chipotle, and while I’ve never had Tofu before, I’m completely intrigued to try this and have a feeling I will love this too!!
Kaitie
My family loved this! And the slow cooker definitely means that this is great on a weeknight!
Jen
This looks yummy! I will try this.
swayam
Wow!! That is something completely new to me and I love how you made it. Tofu is tough to flavor but when done right, is a great item to add to your meals. This would be awesome for a quick weeknight dinner.
Anyonita
My husband loves tofu, but I’m so inexperienced with making it, I never treat him to it. He has to wait until we’re at a restaurant! I think I’ll be changing that with this recipe! And I can do it in the slow cooker?! Double win!
Platter Talk
I posted on this last week but need to let you know that we tried this over the weekend and it was wonderful. Felt good in the tummy using tofu. As an added kick, we used some freshly cut corn from the cob that we had purchased at the farmers market. YUMMMMM! Thanks.
Debra C.
I love tofu and chipotle sofritos are a real favorite. This recipe looks delicious!
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish
Great flavors here! I can eat this all day!
Elizabeth
I can’t wait to try this! Chipotle sofrita bowls are one of my favorite things but I’m trying to cut down on expenses this year. Do you think this would freeze well broken down into smaller portions? I’d love to cook a big batch ahead of time and save some for later use. Thanks!
Debi
Elizabeth, I’ve frozen tofu before and it works fine. It changes the texture a little and some extra water comes out when it’s defrosted, but you could drain off a little of the water if you need to. Otherwise, I think it’ll be great after thawing. Mine isn’t quite as spicy as theirs, so you may want to add a little more heat. Sofritos bowls are one of my favs too! Thanks for stopping by!
Elizabeth
Sounds great! I’ll give it a try. Thanks, Debi.