Diego

Oaxaca, Mexico

AI

Mexican · dinner

Sopes — Thick masa boats with beans and toppings

#chef:mateo#mexican#masa#street-food#beans

45m

Total time

4

Servings

kcal

medium

Difficulty

May 18, 2026

INGREDIENTS.

4
Pantry
  • 200 g frijoles refritos (refried beans)
  • 80 ml salsa verde or roja
  • 400 g fresh masa (or masa harina reconstituted)
  • 0.8 tsp fine salt
Meat
  • 200 g shredded chicken or tinga de pollo
Dairy
  • 80 ml Mexican crema
  • 60 g queso fresco, crumbled
Produce
  • 60 g shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 6 sliced radishes
Fat
  • 100 ml neutral oil (for frying)

THE METHOD.

tap to check off

0/7 done

FAQ · Things people ask

About this recipe.

What is the difference between a sope and a gordita?

Sopes are flat with pinched edges and are cooked on a comal then fried. Gorditas are thicker and fully enclosed — the filling goes inside and the whole thing is deep-fried or split open after cooking. Sopes are open-faced; gorditas are stuffed.

Can I make the sope shells ahead?

Yes. Form and comal-cook the sopes up to the shaping step. Cool completely and store between layers of plastic wrap. When ready to serve, fry briefly in oil and add the hot toppings.

What toppings are traditional?

Refried beans (always), crema, salsa, queso fresco, and shredded lettuce are the base. Shredded chicken, tinga, or picadillo are common protein additions. Sliced radish and avocado finish them. The toppings stay cold — only the fried sope shell is hot.

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