Description
Brisket Sopes are a delicious Mexican street food featuring thick, handmade masa rounds topped with flavorful shredded beef brisket and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, queso fresco, and Mexican crema. This recipe creates satisfying, gluten-free main course sopes perfect for a festive meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sopes Dough
- 2 cups masa harina
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
For the Toppings
- 2 cups cooked shredded beef brisket
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced white onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
- 1/3 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Masa Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine masa harina, warm water, and salt. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms that is neither too dry nor too sticky.
- Shape the Sopes: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into thick rounds about 3 to 4 inches in diameter and approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Cook the Sopes: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the masa rounds into the skillet and cook each side for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the rounds and pinch the edges of each to form a small rim around the perimeter.
- Crisp the Edges: Return the shaped sopes to the skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the sopes develop a slightly crisp texture.
- Prepare the Brisket Topping: Toss the shredded brisket with chili powder, ground cumin, and lime juice. Warm the brisket in a skillet if it is not already heated through.
- Assemble the Sopes: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each sope as a base. Spoon the seasoned warm brisket over the beans. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onion, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of Mexican crema, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve the assembled brisket sopes immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- Leftover smoked or slow-cooked brisket works perfectly for this recipe.
- If brisket is not available, shredded beef or pulled pork are good substitutes.
- For extra flavor, add sliced avocado or your favorite salsa as toppings.
