Sopes Vs Gorditas: What’s The Difference?

In the world of Mexican cuisine, there are a variety of dishes that can sometimes be confused with one another. Two dishes in particularly are sopes and gorditas! While they may look similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two.

So, for those that are unfamiliar with these two dishes, this sopes vs gorditas post was written. It contains all the basic information about the two to help you understand sopes and gorditas, and how to differentiate these two popular Mexican street foods.

What Is A Sope?

Sopes are traditional Mexican dishes locally sold as street food in Mexico and other American countries. Sopes resemble tortillas but are thicker.

Sopes have two basic parts. The first part is the sope’s thick, flat base made using masa, and the second is the toppings. The base has pinched sides to hold in the toppings.

The toppings used to make sopes usually include a wide variety of ingredients such as beef, chicken, vegetables, fried beans, cheese, chili pepper, onion, tomatoes, avocados, salt, and salsa.

The combinations used to make the toppings vary based on the version of the dish the recipe is for. Each topping adds a unique flavor to the sope.

Additionally, there are different variations of sopes from region to region.

How To Make Sopes?

You start by making the dough. Combine salt and marina by whisking them together in a large bowl, then add warm water and knead until the dough smoothens and stops being sticky. Roll into balls, place on baking sheets, and cover with plastic wrap.

Press the balls to flatten using a rolling pin, then cook each side for about 2 minutes on a dry pan. Form rims by pinching the sides of the sopes while they are still hot. Next, shallow fry them over medium heat using lard or vegetable oil.

Once the sopes finish frying (about two minutes per side), assemble your sopes by topping them with ingredients such as beef, chicken, vegetables, fried beans, cheese, chili pepper, onion, tomatoes, avocados, salt, and salsa. Serve your sopes warm for the best flavor.

What Is A Gordita?

Gorditas are a Mexican dish made by stuffing a masa cake with cheese, meat, and other ingredients. Gorditas are also commonly sold as street food in Mexico and other American countries.

Gordita is a Spanish word that means chubby. They are similar to tortillas but are thicker. There are some variations of gorditas that use wheat flour instead of masa.

The most common stuffings for gorditas are chicharron (stewed pork rind), beef, chicken, cheese, beans, potatoes, salad, eggs, salsa, and guacamole. Cheese, masa, onion, chili pepper, salt, garlic, baking powder, and vegetable oil are the most commonly used ingredients.

The ingredients in a gordita recipe depend on the variation of the dish the recipe makes.

How To Make Gorditas?

The first step is to whisk masa, salt, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Next, combine the flour mixture with water and oil, then knead until the dough stops being sticky and develops a smooth texture. Make the dough into balls, place it on baking sheets, and cover with plastic wrap.

Press the balls to flatten using a rolling pin, then cook each side for about 2 minutes on a dry pan. Next, shallow fry them over medium heat using lard or vegetable oil. Fry the first side for two minutes, then turn and fry the opposite side for 30 seconds.

Once the gorditas cool, drain them between paper, then split them open using a serrated knife. Stuff your gorditas using chicharron (stewed pork rind), beef, chicken, cheese, beans, potatoes, salad, chorizo, braised pork, carnitas, al pastor, carne asada, eggs, salsa, or guacamole.

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Sopes Vs Gorditas: Similarities

Sopes and gorditas have thick, flat bases
Sopes and gorditas are made by frying masa
Both use similar ingredients as toppings/stuffings. These include meats, vegetables, etc.

Sopes and gorditas are thicker than tortillas
They are both handmade
Both of them are street foods

Sopes Vs Gorditas: Differences

So you know the similarities, now lets go over the differences!

Shape: Sopes are small, thick, and round masa cakes, while gorditas are thicker, oval-shaped masa cakes.

Preparation: Sopes are typically formed by hand, with the edges pinched up to create a small rim to hold the toppings. Gorditas are usually flattened with a tortilla press and cooked on a griddle.

Texture: Sopes have a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior, while gorditas have a soft and slightly crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.

Toppings and Fillings: Sopes are usually topped with beans, meat, cheese, lettuce, and salsa. Gorditas are usually filled with beans, meat, cheese, and other toppings like avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

Sope Vs Gorditas: Taste

Sopes and gorditas have different tastes due to their preparation and toppings/fillings. Here are some differences in taste:

Sopes:

The masa cake is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside
Toppings like beans, meat, and cheese provide a savory flavor

Sopes are often topped with salsa, which adds a spicy kick
The combination of textures and flavors creates a delicious and satisfying meal

Gorditas:

The masa cake is soft and slightly chewy
Fillings like meat, cheese, and vegetables provide a savory and sometimes spicy flavor
Gorditas can be served with salsa or guacamole, which adds additional flavor and texture

The combination of textures and flavors creates a hearty and filling meal

Sopes Vs Gorditas: Are They Both Healthy?

The healthiness of sopes and gorditas depends on the ingredients used in their preparation. Both dishes are made with masa, a type of corn dough, which is a good source of fiber and essential nutrients.

However, the toppings and fillings used in these dishes can vary widely in terms of nutritional value. For example, if sopes are topped with beans, vegetables, and grilled chicken, they can be a healthy and balanced meal.

Similarly, gorditas filled with beans, grilled vegetables, and avocado can be a nutritious option. But, if sopes are loaded with cheese, sour cream, and fatty meats, they can be high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium.

Likewise, gorditas filled with fried meats, cheese, and sour cream can be a less healthy option. So, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients used in the preparation of these dishes and choose healthier options whenever possible.

What Sides Go With Sopes And Gorditas?

Sopes and gorditas are typically paired with the same sides, however it really depends on your personal preference.