10+ Recipes Using Sofrito for Delicious Meals

Sofrito is a flavorful sauce commonly used in many cuisines, especially in Hispanic cooking. This aromatic blend of herbs, spices, and vegetables adds depth and richness to your dishes. It’s a great way to enhance the taste of whatever you’re cooking, whether it’s meat, rice, or beans.

Using sofrito can elevate simple recipes into something special. By incorporating this versatile ingredient, you can create authentic and delicious meals that will impress your family and friends. Discover how easy it is to use sofrito in your cooking and enjoy the fantastic flavors it brings to your table.

1) Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Peas)

Arroz con Gandules is a classic Puerto Rican dish that you can make using sofrito. This dish combines rice and pigeon peas for a tasty meal. The flavors of the sofrito make it special.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will love how easy it is to prepare. The sofrito, often made with peppers, onions, and garlic, adds a rich flavor to the rice and peas.

When cooking, follow the steps carefully. Mixing in the pigeon peas with the rice and your spices will create a delicious harmony.

Ingredients

• 3 cups of medium or long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/3 cup sofrito
• 1 can (about 15 oz) pigeon peas (gandules)
• 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/3 cup diced ham or bacon (optional)
• Sazón seasoning (to taste)
• Adobo seasoning (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the sofrito and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in the ham or bacon, if using, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the water or broth.
5. Add the pigeon peas and seasonings. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then add the rice.
7. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
8. Fluff with a fork and serve. Enjoy!

2) Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice

Puerto Rican Chicken and Rice, also known as arroz con pollo, is a tasty and comforting dish. It features juicy chicken cooked with flavorful rice and rich sofrito. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or celebrations.

You start by seasoning chicken with homemade sofrito, which adds depth and delicious flavor. Then, sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown. After that, mix in the rice and let everything cook together.

The dish turns a lovely golden color thanks to annatto oil, which adds both color and a hint of nutty flavor. Once it’s done, you’ll have a hearty meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 cups rice
• 1 cup sofrito
• 1 tablespoon annatto oil
• 3 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: peas, bell peppers

Cooking Instructions

1. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Heat annatto oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Sauté the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the sofrito and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Add the rice and mix well.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until rice is tender.
8. Fluff the rice and serve hot.

3) Cuban Chicken with Sofrito

Cuban chicken with sofrito is a flavorful dish that brings together rich spices and tender chicken. You can use chicken thighs or a whole chicken, cut into pieces.

Start by heating olive oil in a pan. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides, then add sofrito sauce and your favorite spices. Let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Serve it with rice and beans for a complete meal. The flavors of the sofrito really make this dish special.

Ingredients

• 6–8 chicken thighs or legs (or a whole chicken, cut up)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 tablespoons sofrito sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: spices like cumin or oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and brown on all sides.
3. Pour in sofrito sauce and season with salt, pepper, and spices.
4. Cover and simmer on low for about 30 minutes (150°C).
5. Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving.

4) Habichuelas Guisadas (Bean Stew)

Habichuelas guisadas, or Puerto Rican bean stew, is a comforting dish you can enjoy with rice. This recipe features rich flavors from sofrito, which gives it a delicious base.

To make this dish, you will need red beans that are stewed in a tasty tomato broth. Seasoning with sofrito, country ham, and spices adds depth to the flavor.

This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredients

• 2 cups red beans (canned or cooked)
• 1 cup sofrito
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup country ham (optional)
• 2 teaspoons adobo seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add sofrito and cook for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes and mix well.
4. Add beans, ham, bay leaves, water, adobo, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Serve hot over rice. Enjoy!

5) Sofrito Ground Beef Tacos

Sofrito ground beef tacos are a delicious way to enjoy a flavorful meal. Sofrito adds a rich taste that brightens the dish. You can make this recipe quickly for an easy weeknight dinner.

For this recipe, you need ground beef, sofrito, and taco seasonings. Don’t forget your tortillas and favorite toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup sofrito
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: lettuce, cheese, salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Drain excess fat, then stir in the sofrito and taco seasoning.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, mixing well.
5. Serve the beef in tortillas with your choice of toppings.

6) Sofrito-Marinated Grilled Chicken

Sofrito-marinated grilled chicken is a tasty option for your next meal. The sofrito adds a burst of flavor that will delight your taste buds. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dish.

To start, mix the sofrito with your choice of chicken. You can use breasts or thighs for this recipe. Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to absorb all the flavors.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F or 190°C). Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken (breasts or thighs)
• 1/2 cup sofrito
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine chicken and sofrito in a bowl.
2. Marinate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
4. Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side.
5. Ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

7) Picadillo with Sofrito

Picadillo is a delicious dish that uses sofrito to create a rich flavor. This Puerto Rican favorite combines ground beef with various seasonings, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

To make it, start by browning ground beef in a pan. Once cooked, add your favorite sofrito and let it sauté until fragrant. This brings out the wonderful flavors of the herbs and spices.

You can customize picadillo by adding olives or even raisins for a touch of sweetness. Serve it with rice or on a warm tortilla for a tasty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• ¾ cup Puerto Rican sofrito
• ¼ cup Spanish olives
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 1 packet sazón with achiote
• 2 bay leaves
• Adobo seasoning to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Drain excess fat.
3. Add sofrito and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, olives, and sazón.
5. Add bay leaves and season with adobo.
6. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!

8) Sofrito-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Sofrito-stuffed bell peppers are a delicious way to enjoy a colorful meal. You can customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them a fun dish for any occasion.

To start, you will need fresh bell peppers. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds. Prepare a tasty filling by mixing cooked rice, sliced tomatoes, and sofrito for flavor.

Add ground meat or beans for protein. Mix everything well and spoon it into the hollowed peppers.

Bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. You can sprinkle cheese on top for a nice finish!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup sofrito
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 pound ground meat or beans
• Cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. Mix rice, sofrito, tomatoes, and meat or beans.
4. Stuff the mixture into each bell pepper.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top if desired, then serve.

9) Sofrito Shrimp Stir-Fry

Sofrito shrimp stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table. You’ll enjoy how the sofrito enhances the shrimp and vegetables in this easy recipe.

Begin by heating oil in a pan over medium heat. Add your choice of shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Toss in chopped vegetables like bell peppers and onions for added crunch.

Now, stir in some sofrito for that special touch. Cook everything together for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Serve this delightful dish over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons sofrito
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink.
3. Then, add bell pepper and onion, and cook until they are tender.
4. After that, stir in sofrito and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Finally, season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve over rice or noodles.

10) Black Beans with Sofrito

Black beans with sofrito is a delicious and easy dish you can make at home. Sofrito adds rich flavor, making the beans taste amazing. You can use dried or canned black beans, depending on your time.

To prepare, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and peppers in olive oil to create your sofrito base. Then, add spices like cumin and oregano for more depth. Mix in the black beans and let everything simmer for a while.

Serve your black beans with rice or as a side dish. They pair well with other foods and are great for meal prep too.

Ingredients

• 2 cups black beans (dried or canned)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. If using dried beans, soak them overnight and cook until tender.

2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

3. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until they are soft.

4. Stir in cumin and oregano.

5. Add the cooked black beans and mix well.

6. Season with salt and pepper.

7. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.