Mexican Beef Sopes

Ingredients:

Sopes

• 12 ounces pre-cooked shredded beef

• 2 cups masa harina

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling dough

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided

• 1 2/3 cups water

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chile powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 Roma tomato, diced

• 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeno pepper

• 1/2 cup refried black beans

Garnish

• Crumbled Cotija cheese

• Chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine masa harina, flour, baking power and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Slowly add water until a soft dough is formed.

Transfer dough to floured surface; knead by hand for 5 minutes until dough is smooth. Cover in plastic and set aside.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thick. Using cookie or biscuit cutter, cut into 2-1/4 inch circles. Re-roll remaining dough, as needed, to get 24 circles.

3. Heat 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat until hot; add oil. Fry sopes about 5 minutes or until golden brown and edges are crispy; turning once.

Transfer sopes to paper towel-lined plate. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

4. Meanwhile, in a small sauce pan, combine beef, lime juice, orange juice, cumin, chile power, coriander, garlic powder and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat over medium heat until hot, about 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes and jalapeño peppers. Keep warm.

6. Top each sope with beans then beef mixture. Garnish with cheese and cilantro, as desired.

Enjoy !!

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh beef instead of pre-cooked shredded beef?

Yes, you can use fresh beef instead of pre-cooked shredded beef. Simply cook the beef until tender and shred it before proceeding with the recipe.

Can I substitute the masa harina with regular flour?

Masa harina is a type of corn flour specifically used for making tortillas and sopes. It provides a distinct flavor and texture.

While you can use regular flour as a substitute, it will alter the taste and texture of the sopes.

Can I bake the sopes instead of frying them?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier alternative, you can bake the sopes instead of frying them.

Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Are refried black beans necessary for the recipe?

Refried black beans add flavor and texture to the sopes.

However, if you don’t have them or prefer a different type of beans, you can use your preferred beans or omit them altogether.

Can I customize the garnishes?

Absolutely! The garnishes mentioned in the recipe, such as crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, are suggestions.

Feel free to customize the garnishes according to your taste preferences.

You can add salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or any other toppings you enjoy.

Can I make the shredded beef from scratch instead of using pre-cooked shredded beef?

Yes, you can make the shredded beef from scratch. Simply cook a cut of beef of your choice until tender, then shred it before combining it with the other ingredients in the recipe.

How do I know if the dough has the right consistency?

The dough should be soft and pliable, similar to the texture of playdough. If the dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a little more water.

If it’s too sticky, sprinkle some additional masa harina and knead it until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying the sopes?

Yes, you can use a different type of oil for frying the sopes if you prefer.

Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can substitute it with canola oil, corn oil, or another high-heat cooking oil of your choice.

Can I prepare the sopes in advance and reheat them later?

Yes, you can prepare the sopes in advance and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. After frying the sopes, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container.

When you’re ready to serve, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Are there any alternative garnishes I can use?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests garnishing with crumbled Cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, you can get creative with your toppings.

Some popular alternatives include shredded lettuce, diced onions, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a squeeze of lime juice.

Customize the garnishes based on your preferences and enjoy your personalized flavor combinations.