Barbacoa Recipe Sponsored By:

Today we're going to talk about one of the most delicious dishes to come out of Mexico, barbacoa! It's a slow-cooked beef dish that's full of flavor and guaranteed to make your taste buds dance. So, let's get started and learn everything there is to know about this delicious dish.

What is barbacoa?

Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish made with slow-cooked beef. The word "barbacoa" comes from the Taino word "barbacoa," which means "meat smoked on a grill." This delicious dish is typically made with beef cheeks, but other cuts of beef can also be used.

Why is it special?

What makes barbacoa so special is the way it's cooked. It's traditionally cooked low and slow, for hours on end, in a pit dug into the ground. This cooking method allows the meat to become incredibly tender and flavorful. Plus, the seasonings used in barbacoa give it a unique taste that's hard to find in other beef dishes.

What are the ingredients?

• 3 lbs of beef cheek or brisket (trimmed of excess fat)
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of beef broth
• 3 dried ancho chilies
• 3 dried guajillo chilies
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Now, let's get cooking! Here's how to make barbacoa step-by-step:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F.

Step 2: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the ancho chilies, guajillo chilies, and chipotle peppers to the pot, along with 1 cup of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Transfer the chili mixture to a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 5: Add the chili mixture back to the pot and add the beef cheek or brisket, apple cider vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.

Step 7: Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.

Step 8: Strain the sauce from the pot through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any chunks of chili or beef. Discard the solids.

Step 9: Pour the strained sauce over the shredded beef and stir to combine.

Serve the shredded beef on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings, like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges. You can also serve it with rice, beans, and guacamole for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make?

Listen, I know we're all busy people, but sometimes good things come to those who wait. And barbacoa is no exception. The slow-cooking process is what makes this dish so delicious, so you're going to want to set aside at least 8-10 hours to cook that beef to perfection. Trust me, it's worth it.

What is the nutritional information for barbacoa?

One serving of barbacoa (about 3 ounces) contains approximately 220 calories, 10 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, and 29 grams of protein. So, if you're looking to keep an eye on your calorie intake, then you might want to keep your portion sizes in check.

List of tips to make it the best?

Ah, the million-dollar question. Here are a few tips to help you make the best barbacoa possible:

1. Use beef cheeks if you can find them. They're the traditional cut of beef for barbacoa, and they're incredibly tender and flavorful.
2. Don't skimp on the seasoning. The spices and aromatics used in this dish are what give it its unique flavor, so be sure to season the beef well.
3. Use a slow cooker or Dutch oven to cook the beef low and slow. This will help ensure that the beef is cooked evenly and becomes incredibly tender.
4. Let the beef rest before shredding it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more flavorful.

List of food pairings?

Barbacoa is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of different foods. Here are a few ideas:

1. Serve it on warm tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.
2. Serve it with rice and beans for a complete meal.
3. Top it with guacamole or salsa for an extra kick of flavor.
4. Serve it with a side of grilled vegetables or a simple green salad.

In conclusion, barbacoa is a delicious and unique Mexican dish that's perfect for any meat lover. It's slow-cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to experience the deliciousness that is barbacoa!