National Dish Mexico: Sopes de Chorizo (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Sopes de Chorizo, a wonderfully moreish bite that captures the colour and variety of Mexican cooking. These thick little masa cakes are pan-fried until golden, then piled high with spicy chorizo, fresh vegetables and a drizzle of salsa. Easy to put together and endlessly adaptable, they make a brilliant snack, a shared starter or a hearty main. Bring a taste of Mexico straight to your own kitchen.
About Sopes de Chorizo
Sopes de Chorizo are a wonderful example of the sheer variety of Mexican cuisine. These delicious little cakes are thought to have originated in the south of Mexico, where they were traditionally prepared, and today sopes are enjoyed around the world, with the method varying from region to region. The basic recipe is built on corn masa, which is shaped into thick rounds and fried before being topped with a generous mix of ingredients. The result is a satisfying, handheld treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g masa harina (corn flour)
- 100 ml water
- 150 g chorizo
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 100 g fresh salad leaves or spinach
- 50 g feta or goat’s cheese (optional)
- Salsa or sauce of your choice
Shopping for the ingredients
To make these delicious sopes de chorizo, you will find most of the ingredients in a well-stocked supermarket or at a Mexican grocery. Be sure to choose fresh masa harina, as this has a real impact on the final flavour. Chorizo comes in several styles, so pick the one you like best — anything from mild to fiery. Fresh vegetables matter too, lending the sopes a crisp texture and a bright, lively taste.
Preparing the dish
Before you start cooking the sopes de chorizo, it is worth getting all your ingredients ready. That means washing and chopping the vegetables and cutting the chorizo into small pieces. If you would like to use cheese, prepare it as well by crumbling it into small chunks or crumbs. A clean, organised work surface makes the whole cooking process far easier and more enjoyable.
Step-by-step instructions
- Mix the masa harina with the water in a bowl until you have a smooth, even dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape them into thick rounds.
- Fry the rounds in a pan with a little oil until golden brown on both sides.
- Meanwhile, fry the chorizo in a separate pan until fully cooked through.
- Top the finished sopes with chorizo, onion, tomato and fresh salad leaves or spinach.
- Add feta or goat’s cheese and a sauce to taste.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of sopes de chorizo, simply use masa harina rather than wheat flour, which makes these cakes naturally free from gluten. You can also reach for lactose-free cheese, or leave the cheese out altogether, to create a lactose-free variant. Just check that the sauce you choose is lactose-free too, so it suits anyone with an intolerance. Enjoy the sopes without a single compromise.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan and vegetarian versions of sopes de chorizo are easy to achieve. In place of chorizo, use plant-based sausage alternatives or marinated tofu seasoned in a similar style. Add extra vegetables such as peppers or courgette to bring even more flavour and variety to the sopes. Finish with a vegan sauce to keep the dish completely free of animal products, much like the meat-free filling that makes Tacos de Papa so popular.
More tips and tricks
You can adapt sopes entirely to your own taste. Experiment with different fillings and toppings such as beans, avocado or various cheeses — the same comforting beans that star in Frijoles Refritos. Different herbs and spices can also be added to deepen the flavour. Remember to prepare sopes fresh, as this gives you the best possible texture and taste.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of sopes de chorizo lies in their flexibility. You can adjust them however you like by choosing your favourite fillings and toppings. Add jalapeños for a spicy kick, for example, or swap in a different protein-rich filling such as chicken or fish. When it comes to the vegetables, feel free to get creative and use whatever you enjoy most.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have chorizo to hand, or you fancy an alternative, you can use minced meat or soya granules instead — the latter echoing the heartier fillings found in Sopes de Carne. For the base, you can also turn to other gluten-free flours such as rice flour or buckwheat flour. The vegetables are best kept fresh, as a good choice of crisp produce is key to keeping the sopes lively and bright.
Drink pairing ideas
A range of drinks pairs beautifully with sopes de chorizo. A classic choice is a tangy Mexican lemonade or a refreshing wheat beer. If you prefer something alcohol-free, try a chilled agua fresca or a mixed fruit-juice cooler. These drinks complement the spicy aromas of the sopes perfectly.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your sopes de chorizo at their very best, reach for colourful plates or an attractive serving platter. Garnished with fresh herbs and a vibrant salsa, the dish becomes a real eye-catcher. Keep the sopes warm before serving, and arrange them in small portions for a lovely tapas-style spread. Lime wedges and a little extra sauce round off the picture beautifully.
A bit of history
The origins of sopes de chorizo can be traced back to pre-Columbian times, when corn cakes appeared in many forms across Mexico. This style of eating evolved over the centuries and was eventually enriched with ingredients such as chorizo. The combination of corn, meaty fillings and fresh vegetables soon established itself as a much-loved category of dish. Today the sopes are a firm part of Mexican cuisine and are served in countless variations, sitting comfortably alongside classics like Chorizo con Papas on the everyday table.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Sopes de Chorizo
Sopes de Chorizo are a delicious and versatile dish from the heart of Mexican cooking. With their simple preparation and countless variations, they are a fixture at any festive gathering. Whether enjoyed as a snack, shared in good company or served as a full main course, the sopes offer a fantastic taste experience. Let them inspire you to bring a little piece of Mexico into your own home.
