SOPES
Sopes are a popular Mexican street food featuring thick, handmade masa “shells” topped with beans, meats, cheese, and fresh toppings.
Perfect for parties or casual meals, they offer a satisfying base with customizable toppings to suit any taste.
Sopes are ideal for exploring authentic Mexican flavors, providing a fun and delicious twist on traditional tacos.
Why This Recipe
This recipe offers an easy way to make traditional sopes at home with simple ingredients and customizable toppings.
With a crisp yet soft masa base, these sopes are satisfying and can be made with chicken, beef, or vegetarian options.
Each bite bursts with layers of texture and flavor, making sopes a versatile favorite for any Mexican food lover.
About This Recipe
Sopes are made with masa harina, formed into thick discs, cooked, and pinched to create a rim holding various toppings.
This recipe gives you an authentic Mexican taste, and you can top your sopes with beans, meats, cheese, and fresh vegetables for a colorful, delicious dish.
Ingredients
For the Sopes Base
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Toppings (Suggestions)
- Refried beans
- Shredded chicken, beef, or pork
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa or hot sauce
Prep Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Estimated Calories
- Serving Size: 1 sope
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 150 calories (without toppings)
Cooking Instructions
1. Make the Masa Dough
In a bowl, mix masa harina, salt, and warm water until a dough forms. Divide into small balls (about 2 inches each) and flatten into thick discs.
2. Cook the Sopes
In a hot skillet with a bit of oil, cook each disc for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden. Remove, and while still warm, pinch the edges to form a rim around each sope.
3. Add Toppings
Top each sope with refried beans, meats, cheese, lettuce, and any other desired toppings. Serve with salsa, and enjoy!
FAQs
Yes, baking sopes at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes can be a lower-fat option, though frying gives a crispier texture.
Sopes are naturally gluten-free, as they’re made with masa harina, a corn-based flour.
Place them in a low-temperature oven (200°F) to keep warm until ready to serve.
Yes! You can prepare and cook the masa shells in advance and add toppings just before serving.
Conclusion
Sopes are a tasty, authentic Mexican treat that combines a thick masa base with flavorful toppings.
This recipe provides an easy way to enjoy a classic street food dish that’s fun and delightful to make.
Customize with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends!
SOPES
Ingredients
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup cooked ground beef or chicken (optional)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup salsa (red or green)
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
- Sour cream for drizzling (optional)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix masa harina and salt. Gradually add warm water until a smooth dough forms. Divide the dough into 8 equal balls and flatten each into thick discs (about 1/4 inch thick).
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each disc for about 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- While the sopes are still warm, pinch the edges to form a raised border, creating a small rim to hold the toppings.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry each sope for about 1-2 minutes per side until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Spread a layer of refried beans on each sope, followed by ground meat if using, then top with shredded lettuce, salsa, and queso fresco. Drizzle with sour cream if desired.
