What is Barbacoa?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk a little bit about what barbacoa actually is. Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that is typically made with beef, lamb, or goat meat. The meat is slow-cooked over an open fire or in a pit, which gives it a smoky, tender flavor that is truly unique. Barbacoa can be served on its own, but it is also commonly used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes.
While barbacoa is traditionally made using a whole animal, it's much easier to make at home using a slow cooker. This method allows you to achieve the same tender, flavorful meat without all the work of digging a pit or tending to a fire. So without further ado, let's get started!
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast - 1/2 cup beef broth - 4 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce - 4 cloves garlic - 1/2 onion, chopped - 1 tbsp dried oregano - 1 tbsp ground cumin - 1 tbsp smoked paprika - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - Juice of 1 lime
Directions
1. Begin by selecting the right cut of beef. For barbacoa, you want to use a tough, flavorful cut of meat that will become tender and juicy when slow-cooked. We recommend using a chuck roast, which is a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that is perfect for slow cooking.
2. Next, prepare the chipotle marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the beef broth, chipotle peppers, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
3. Place the chuck roast in a slow cooker and pour the chipotle marinade over the top. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure the meat is coated evenly in the marinade.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily with a fork.
5. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Be sure to remove any excess fat and discard it.
6. Serve the barbacoa in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. We recommend diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Toppings
While the barbacoa is the star of the show, no taco is complete without the perfect toppings. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Diced onions - Fresh cilantro - Sliced avocado - Queso fresco or crumbled cotija cheese - Salsa or hot sauce - Lime wedges
Conclusion
Congratulations, you've just made delicious, authentic barbacoa tacos at home! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add your own personal touch to make it your own. And if you're feeling really adventurous, try making your own homemade tortillas to take these tacos to the next level. Happy cooking!