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Authentic Mexican Sopes Recipe

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  • Author: cozykitcheneats
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 sopes 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

These authentic Mexican sopes are thick corn tortillas with raised edges, pan-fried until golden, and topped with beans, meat, fresh veggies, and cheese. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer, they’re hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the sopes:
  • 2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (plus more as needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Oil, for frying
  • For the toppings (classic style):
  • 1 cup refried beans (black or pinto)
  • 1 cup cooked and shredded beef, chicken, or chorizo (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
  • Salsa (red or green), to taste

Instructions

  • Make the masa dough: In a large bowl, mix masa harina, salt, and warm water until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. Add more water if it feels dry.
  • Shape the sopes: Divide the dough into 10 equal balls. Flatten each one into a thick disc about 4 inches wide and ½ inch thick.
  • Cook the discs: Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each disc for about 1–2 minutes per side, until lightly golden and cooked through.
  • Form the edges: While the discs are still warm, pinch the edges all around to create a raised border.
  • Fry the sopes: In a skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium heat. Fry the sopes for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and slightly crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  • Assemble: Spread a layer of warm refried beans over each sope. Add meat (if using), lettuce, onion, cheese, crema, and salsa.
  • Serve: Enjoy warm, freshly made sopes with your favorite toppings!

Notes

  • You can make the sopes ahead and reheat in the oven or skillet before serving.
  • For vegetarian sopes, just skip the meat and load up on beans, veggies, and cheese.
  • Try topping with avocado, radishes, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg