Chipotle Tofu Recipe

This spicy, crispy Chipotle Tofu Recipe is made with extra firm tofu, chipotle peppers in adobo, and oregano, ready in 35 minutes. Searing the marinated tofu in a hot pan creates a beautifully charred crust while keeping the inside tender. I make this every Tuesday for our weekly burrito bowls.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to spend way too much ordering the sofritas at my local burrito shop. The texture was always a gamble, sometimes too mushy or heavily saturated in oil.

Making it at home taught me the importance of pressing the tofu properly. Controlling the adobo sauce ratio means I get the exact level of heat my family prefers.

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Chipotle Tofu Recipe Ingredients

• 1 block (14 oz) extra firm tofu
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste

How To Make Chipotle Tofu Recipe

1. Press Tofu: Wrap the tofu block in paper towels and press with a heavy pan for 15 minutes to remove excess water.
2. Crumble Tofu: Break the pressed tofu into bite-sized pieces or crumbles using your hands or a fork.
3. Mix Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, garlic, soy sauce, and tomato paste.
4. Coat Tofu: Add the crumbled tofu to the bowl and gently toss until all pieces are completely coated in the marinade.
5. Cook Tofu: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear and Crisp: Add the tofu to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are crispy and charred.

Recipe Tips

• Press thoroughly: Removing moisture helps the tofu absorb the marinade and prevents a soggy texture.
• Adjust the heat: Reduce the number of chipotle peppers if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
• Use a hot skillet: Letting the pan get properly hot ensures the tofu gets a good sear instead of steaming.

What To Serve With Chipotle Tofu

Serve this over a warm bed of cilantro lime rice and black beans for a complete meal. It also works brilliantly wrapped in flour tortillas with fresh guacamole and roasted corn salsa.

How To Store

Keep leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture will become slightly chewier once thawed. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use medium firm tofu?

Extra firm or firm tofu is highly recommended. Medium tofu holds too much water and will fall apart during cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Check your adobo sauce label to ensure it contains no wheat ingredients.

Can I bake the tofu instead?

You can bake the coated tofu at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. Flip it halfway through for an even, crispy crust.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 340 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
• Protein: 12 g