Sopes
Authentic Mexican sopes are delicious, thick corn masa bases with slightly pinched edges, designed to hold a generous amount of toppings like refried beans, seasoned meat, fresh cheese, and vibrant salsa. They are a quintessential 'antojito' or Mexican street food snack.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Masa harina(Specifically masa harina for tamales or tortillas, not cornmeal.)
- 1.5 cups Warm water(Adjust as needed; the dough should be soft and pliable, not sticky.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil(For the masa dough.)
- 1 cup Refried beans(Warm and slightly thinned with a little water or milk if too thick.)
- 200 g Carne asada(Cooked and finely chopped or shredded.)
- 120 ml Mexican crema or sour cream
- 100 g Queso fresco(Crumbled.)
- for topping Salsa(Your favorite salsa, like salsa roja or salsa verde.)
- for topping Shredded lettuce
- for frying Vegetable oil(About 1/2 inch deep in a skillet.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the masa dough: In a large bowl, combine the masa harina and salt. Gradually add the warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, mixing with your hands until a soft, cohesive dough forms. It should feel smooth and not sticky. If it's too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time. If too sticky, add a tiny bit more masa harina.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Form the sopes: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a disc about 1/2 inch thick and 3-4 inches in diameter. You can use a tortilla press lined with plastic wrap for uniform thickness, or flatten by hand.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Cook the masa discs on a comal or griddle: Heat a dry comal or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (around 200°C / 400°F). Cook the masa discs for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they puff slightly and are cooked through. They should sound hollow when tapped. Remove from the comal.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Shape the edges: While the masa discs are still warm and pliable, carefully pinch the edges upwards with your fingers to create a small rim, about 1/4 inch high. This rim will hold the toppings. Be gentle to avoid cracking.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Fry the sopes: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (around 180°C / 350°F). Carefully place 2-3 sopes into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crisp. Drain on paper towels.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Assemble the sopes: Spread a generous layer of warm refried beans over each fried sope, covering the base. Top with the chopped carne asada. Drizzle with Mexican crema, sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco, add shredded lettuce, and finish with your favorite salsa.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Pinch the edges while the masa discs are still warm from the comal; they are more flexible then.
- ✓Ensure the rim is well-formed; it's crucial for holding the toppings.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to ensure even crisping.
- ✓Sopes are best served immediately after assembly for optimal texture.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Top with tinga (shredded chicken in a smoky chipotle sauce).
- Use crumbled chorizo instead of carne asada.
- Add sliced avocado or pickled red onions for extra flavor and texture.