FAQs
Barbacoa is a method of cooking meat (historically lamb or goat, though beef or pork is often used today) that produces tender and juicy results. It's traditionally steam-cooked underground, but modern barbacoa can be prepared over an open fire, on the stove, or in a slow cooker.
How long does it take to cook barbacoa in the ground? ›
Burn large chunks of wood—Vera prefers mesquite, which is plentiful in South Texas—for several hours, until they are reduced to glowing embers. Add the meat and cover the pit with maguey, or agave, leaves to retain and conduct heat. Cook for eight to ten hours, replenishing the wood as necessary.
What is barbacoa seasoning made of? ›
It's a mixture of garlic, onion, lime juice, apple cider vinegar (I looove the tang it gives this – it really cuts the richness of the beef!), chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a littttle bit of ground cloves.
What cut of meat is used for barbacoa? ›
In the US, people typically make barbacoa with chuck roast, brisket and beef cheeks. However, any cut of beef that has a lot of connective tissue and takes a long time to cook until tender works well.
Why is barbacoa cooked underground? ›
According to the book Pre-Hispanic Mexican Cuisine: The Food of the Ancient Mexicans, which Barbacoa Renatos has used as a source, the Mayans came up with the technique of steam-cooking meat in underground ovens, which keeps both the juices from the animal and the smoke and heat from escaping and forces them back into ...
Are birria and barbacoa the same thing? ›
Barbacoa can be served as a stew, but is also often served as tacos. The difference in the two dishes comes down to the meat. Birria is made with beef or goat meat, while barbacoa is made with beef, pork, lamb or goat. Both dishes are delicious, and you can't go wrong with either one.
Why is Chipotle barbacoa so good? ›
According to Chipotle's website, they get their meltingly tender barbacoa by first cooking it sous vide, which means is a cooking method that cooks food at a precise, low temperature for a looong time. This process locks in the moisture. Then, they marinate it overnight in a smoky, spicy chipotle pepper adobo sauce.
How was barbacoa originally made? ›
Traditionally, in Mexico, a hole was dug in the ground proportionate to the size of the piece of meat or food being prepared; a fire was lit inside to heat it; In it, banana, maguey, or corn leaves are placed and with these the food that is to be roasted, whether meat or fish, is wrapped; then the hole is covered with ...
How many people does 1lb of barbacoa feed? ›
Adults. In general, each pound of BBQ feeds 3 to 4 people, especially if you're serving sides. You can expect most adult guests to eat ¼ to ⅓ pounds of meat each during your event.
How do you keep barbacoa from drying out? ›
You can also add additional liquid, such as beef broth or water, to the cooking vessel to prevent the meat from drying out.
Personally, I love using corn tortillas for barbacoa! Flour tortillas also have their own benefits when it comes to making tacos. Although they may not be quite as tight as corn tortillas, they hold together better and stronger once filled with juicy ingredients like beans or salsa.
How is traditional barbacoa made? ›
Traditionally, barbacoa is a preparation of meat (usually sheep, goat, or beef) that is steam cooked in an underground oven until very tender and succulent. Today the term is also sometimes used for a similar preparation made on a stovetop or in a slow cooker.
What do you serve with barbacoa? ›
Barbacoa can be served in a variety of ways, and salsas are the customary accompaniment. The most popular way to enjoy barbacoa is to serve it with tortillas for barbacoa tacos. Zaragoza recommends making tacos dorados (fried tacos) and topping your barbacoa with Mexican crema, shredded cabbage, and salsa.
Why is barbacoa healthy? ›
In addition to its delicious flavor, barbacoa is also a great source of nutrients. The slow cooking process helps to retain the meat's natural juices, which makes it moist and flavorful. The spices used to season the meat also have health benefits, such as helping to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
How is the barbacoa cooked at Chipotle? ›
Then we marinate it overnight in our smoky, spicy chipotle pepper adobo, and finish it on the grill (for steak) or add aromatic spices like oregano, cloves, and bay leaf, braise it slowly at a low temperature until it's mouthwateringly tender, then shred it by hand (for Barbacoa).
Is barbacoa always shredded? ›
While shredded barbacoa is a common way of serving the dish, it is not the only way.
