Sep 05 2026
RestaurantsPitaya Mexican RestaurantSopecitos De La Casa Recipe

Sopecitos De La Casa Recipe

Time1h 5m
Serves6

Make Sopecitos De La Casa Recipe in just 1h 5m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Masa y base

Method

Masa y base

  1. 1

    Prepare masa

    In a bowl, combine masa harina and salt. Add warm water and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil gradually, mixing with your hand until a soft but not sticky dough forms. If dough is crumbly, add water 1 tablespoon at a time; if too sticky, add a teaspoon of masa. Rest dough covered with a damp towel for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    Form sopecitos

    Divide dough into 12 equal pieces (about 1.25 oz / 35 g each). Roll each into a ball and flatten into 3–3.5 inch (7–9 cm) discs using a tortilla press lined with plastic or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Thickness should be about 1/4 inch. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, pinch up the edges to form a 1/4–1/2 inch rim all around to create a shallow 'boat' that will hold toppings.

  3. 3

    Cook bases

    Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each sope 45–60 seconds per side until lightly browned and cooked through; they should puff slightly and show brown spots. Remove to a plate and let cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Fry for crisp exterior (optional but traditional)

    In a heavy skillet, heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil until it shimmers (about 350°F / medium heat). Fry the cooked sopecitos, rims up, for 20–40 seconds per side to crisp the outside—use tongs or a spatula. Drain on paper towels. If you prefer less oil, you can brush lightly with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) 6–8 minutes instead.

Refried beans

  1. 5

    Sauté aromatics

    In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon lard or oil. Add the chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 6

    Mash and fry beans

    Add the cooked or canned beans to the skillet. Stir to combine and add 1/4 cup water or bean liquid. Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash beans to a coarse or smooth consistency as you prefer. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until beans thicken and excess moisture evaporates, about 5–8 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, adjust to taste. For extra creaminess, stir in another teaspoon of oil or a knob of butter.

Assembly and toppings

  1. 7

    Assemble sopecitos

    Spread about 2–3 tablespoons of warm refried beans onto each sope, pressing slightly to adhere to the rim. Top each with a tablespoon or so of the cooked chorizo or shredded chicken (spread evenly).

  2. 8

    Add fresh toppings

    Add a small handful (~1–2 tablespoons) of shredded lettuce on top of the meat. Spoon 1–2 teaspoons of salsa over each sope. Drizzle 1 teaspoon sour cream or crema on each, then sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco (~1–2 tablespoons). Add a few rings of pickled red onion and a pinch of chopped cilantro if using. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over before eating.

  3. 9

    Serve

    Arrange sopecitos on a platter and serve immediately so the bases remain crisp. Leftover components (masa, beans, toppings) can be stored separately—reheat sope bases in a skillet or oven to crisp before assembling.

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