Authentic Mexican Sopes Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of Maseca (corn flour)
  • 1 1/2 cup of warm water
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 pound of ground beef or shredded chicken
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of refried beans
  • 1 cup of queso fresco, crumbled
  • 1 cup of lettuce, shredded
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the Maseca, salt, and warm water. Mix until the dough is smooth and no lumps remain. If it's too dry, add a little more water.
  2. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a ball.
  3. Flatten each ball with your hands to form a small thick circle about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sopes and cook for about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Then, remove from the heat.
  5. While they are still warm, pinch the edges of the sopes to create a border. This will hold the toppings.
  6. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the sopes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
  7. In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then add the ground beef or shredded chicken, onion, and garlic. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent.
  8. Spread a layer of refried beans on each sope. Then, add the meat mixture, followed by the lettuce, tomatoes, queso fresco, salsa, and sour cream.
  9. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade sopes!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of Maseca for a healthier option.
  • Replace ground beef or shredded chicken with cooked black beans for a vegetarian variation.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos to the meat mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Top the sopes with guacamole or sliced avocado for a creamy and fresh twist.
  • Try using different types of cheese such as queso fresco, cheddar, or Monterey Jack.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  • Experiment with different salsas or hot sauces to personalize the spice level.
  • For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of making the dough from Maseca.
  • Instead of frying the sopes, bake them in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Recipe overview

Sopes are a traditional Mexican dish that are both hearty and flavorful. They consist of a thick tortilla made from Maseca, or corn flour, which is fried and then topped with refried beans, your choice of meat, and a variety of fresh and delicious toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, queso fresco, salsa, and sour cream. Sopes can be enjoyed as a main dish or a snack and are a sure crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Making sopes at home takes a little bit of time and effort, but the result is definitely worth it. The crispy fried base contrasts wonderfully with the soft dough inside, and the combination of toppings is simply mouthwatering. Our recipe is detailed and easy to follow, ensuring that you'll have a successful cooking experience. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy these tasty homemade sopes!

Common questions

  1. Can I use regular flour instead of Maseca? No, Maseca is a specially prepared corn flour that gives sopes their unique flavor and texture. Regular flour will not work as a substitute.
  2. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can use either ground beef or shredded chicken for this recipe. Choose your preference or try both!
  3. Do I have to fry the sopes? Frying the sopes gives them a crispy texture and enhances their flavor. However, if you prefer a healthier option, you can skip frying and simply cook them on a non-stick pan.
  4. Can I make the sopes ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sopes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When ready to serve, you can reheat them in the oven or on a hot skillet.
  5. What other toppings can I use? The toppings listed in the recipe are traditional, but you can get creative and add your favorite toppings such as guacamole, diced onions, cilantro, or hot sauce.
  6. Can I make the sopes gluten-free? Yes, Maseca is gluten-free, so by using Maseca and ensuring your other ingredients are gluten-free, you can make gluten-free sopes.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the Maseca, salt, and water.
  • Non-Stick Pan - Used to cook the sopes and ensure they don't stick.
  • Frying Pan - For frying the sopes and cooking the ground beef or shredded chicken.
  • Paper Towels - To drain the fried sopes and remove excess oil.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping the sopes while cooking.
  • Knife - To chop the onion, garlic, and tomatoes.
  • Grater - Optional for grating the queso fresco.

Origin stories

Sopes have been a culinary staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Originated in the central and southern parts of Mexico, these delicious and satisfying antojitos (little cravings) are the epitome of traditional Mexican street food. The unique thing about sopes is that they’re not just a dish, they’re a canvas. A canvas for chefs and home cooks alike to fill with a wealth of flavors, textures, and ingredients typical of the richly diverse regions of Mexico. From the Yucatan to Oaxaca, from Veracruz to Jalisco, each region embarks on a creative journey to layer sopes with distinct local ingredients, making each bite a delightful celebration of Mexico's culinary diversity.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.