Sopes
Sopes are traditional Mexican corn cakes topped with various ingredients, creating a delicious and hearty dish perfect for any meal. This recipe guides you through making crispy sopes from scratch, topped with seasoned beans, meat, and fresh cheese.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, water, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- 2
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and flatten each into a thick disc about 1/4 inch thick.
- 3
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook each disc for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 4
Using your fingers, pinch the edges of each cooked disc to create a raised border around the sides. This will hold the toppings in place.
- 5
In the same skillet, warm the refried beans over low heat. Spread a spoonful of the warm refried beans onto each sope.
- 6
Next, add the cooked ground beef on top of the beans, distributing it evenly among all sopes.
- 7
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco over the meat.
- 8
Top with chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes for freshness.
- 9
Season with black pepper and additional salt if desired. Enjoy your delicious sopes!
- 10
Before serving, check that the finished dish includes 1/4 cup diced tomato so the recipe matches the ingredient list.
Cook notes
Tips
For added flavor, you can sauté your ground beef with onions and garlic prior to adding it to the sopes.
Ensure the masa dough is moist but not sticky for best results in shaping the sopes.
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Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover sopes without toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pre-make the sopes and freeze them for later use; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Substitutions
- Use black beans instead of refried beans for a vegetarian option.
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter variation.
What to Serve With
- Mexican rice
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Common Mistakes
- Not pinching the edges properly may cause the toppings to spill out.
- Overcooking the masa discs can lead to a tough texture; aim for golden brown instead.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use store-bought tortillas instead of making sopes?
While sopes are traditionally made from masa harina, you could use thick store-bought tortillas in a pinch, but the texture will differ.
What meat can I use for the topping?
You can use shredded chicken, pork, or ground beef for the topping, based on your preference.
How long will the sopes keep in the fridge?
Cooked sopes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
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