Barbacoa beef has become one of the most beloved menu items at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Its rich, smoky flavor and ultra-tender texture have made it a go-to order for many customers. But what exactly is barbacoa at Chipotle and what makes it so delicious? This article will explore the origins ingredients and preparation of Chipotle’s famous barbacoa to help you better understand this protein powerhouse.
A Brief History of Barbacoa
Barbacoa has its roots in Mexican cuisine dating back hundreds of years. The term refers to a method of slowly cooking meat over an open fire or in a pit oven. This results in incredibly tender juicy meat infused with smoky flavors. At Chipotle, barbacoa showcases the evolution of this traditional cooking technique using modern methods.
The Meat Behind Chipotle’s Barbacoa
The key to amazing barbacoa is the cut of meat used. At Chipotle, barbacoa is made from beef brisket. Brisket comes from the chest area of the cow and contains a good amount of fat marbling which keeps the meat moist during cooking. Sometimes chuck roast may also be used which adds extra tenderness.
Chipotle specifically sources responsibly-raised beef for its barbacoa. This means no antibiotics or added hormones. This attention to quality ingredients is part of Chipotle’s commitment to food with integrity.
The Flavoring Process
Chipotle doesn’t just throw unseasoned beef into a pot and call it barbacoa. There is a careful process used to infuse the meat with authentic Mexican flavors:
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Marination: The beef brisket is marinated overnight in a mixture of spices and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. This allows the meat to soak up the flavors.
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Spices: The spice blend contains ingredients like garlic, oregano, cumin and cloves. This adds layers of flavor.
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Slow cooking: The meat cooks low and slow which breaks down connective tissue, making the beef incredibly tender.
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Shredding: Once cooked, the meat is hand-shredded into bite-sized pieces.
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Finishing: Additional spices are added after shredding to ensure a complex, robust flavor.
The Barbacoa Flavor Experience
When you dig into Chipotle’s barbacoa, your taste buds are in for a treat. Here are some of the stand-out flavor notes:
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Smokiness: The chipotle pepper brings a subtle smoky quality.
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Spice: There is a mild heat from the chipotle pepper that adds intrigue without being overpowering.
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Herbaceous: Oregano and cumin notes dance on your palate.
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Richness: The brisket has a melt-in-your-mouth fattiness.
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Sweetness: Touches of cinnamon and brown sugar add sweet undertones.
This symphony of flavors is what makes their barbacoa so craveable!
Why People Love Chipotle’s Barbacoa
There are several reasons why barbacoa has become one of the most popular proteins at Chipotle:
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Tender and juicy: The long cooking time results in incredibly tender shredded beef.
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Adaptability: Barbacoa is tasty in everything from tacos to burrito bowls.
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Customization: You can add different toppings to complement the flavor.
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Nutrition: It provides protein, iron, and B vitamins.
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Responsibly sourced: Customers feel good about eating meat raised humanely without antibiotics.
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Unique flavor: There’s really no other beef barbacoa quite like it.
How to Order Barbacoa at Chipotle
One of the best things about Chipotle is customizing your perfect meal. Here are some tips for ordering barbacoa:
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Meat portion: Feel free to ask for extra barbacoa! You pay by protein quantity.
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Add-ons: Consider cheese, guacamole, lettuce, salsa to complement the barbacoa.
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Spice-level: Request more or less of the spicy salsa to adjust heat.
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For bowls: Try barbacoa atop cilantro-lime rice or romaine lettuce.
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For tacos/burritos: Pair with beans, rice, cheese, sour cream, etc.
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Extra flavor: Ask for a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Barbacoa Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat is used?
Chipotle’s barbacoa is made from beef brisket with sometimes chuck roast added. These cuts become incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
Is the beef raised humanely?
Yes! Chipotle specifies that its beef is responsibly raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Is barbacoa spicy?
It contains mild heat from the chipotle pepper but isn’t overly spicy. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot salsa.
Does it contain preservatives?
No, Chipotle avoids artificial preservatives to maintain quality.
What’s the calorie count?
On average, a serving contains 170 calories, 7g fat, and 24g protein.
Conclusion
Chipotle’s barbacoa has earned its popularity through its tantalizing flavor profile and ultra-tender brisket beef. Its origins lie in traditional Mexican barbacoa cooking techniques that have been modernized by Chipotle. The company pays close attention to sourcing quality meat and infusing it with authentic spice blends and smoky chipotle flavor. Fans love how customizable and nutritious this protein option is. Overall, barbacoa is one of the shining stars of the Chipotle menu.
What Is Carnitas at Chipotle?
Carnitas is another popular menu item at Chipotle that has become a fan favorite over the years. Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made with pork. This is in contrast to barbacoa, which is made with beef.
Carnitas means “little meats” in Spanish. Its a slow-cooked pork dish that is simmered until it becomes tender and juicy. Its kind of like a Mexican version of pulled pork.
At Chipotle, they slow cook their carnitas with a blend of seasonings and spices including juniper berries, thyme, and bay leaves. This combination gives the meat a delicious flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet.
Juniper berries have a distinct, pungent flavor that stands up to rich, meaty dishes. Interestingly, juniper berries are not actually berries at all. Theyre the seed cones of the coniferous juniper plant, which just happen to resemble berries.
After the meat is cooked, they shred it into large chunks, and then its ready to go into any number of dishes.
What Cut of Beef is Used for Barbacoa?
Traditional barbacoa is made from beef cheeks or the head of the cow. Thats because those cuts are very flavorful and tender.
On the other hand, in the United States, people typically make barbacoa with chuck roast or brisket. However, any cut of beef that has a lot of connective tissue and takes a long time to cook until tender will work well. Keep in mind that the cut of beef should have a high enough fat content that it doesnt dry out during cooking. Leaner cuts of beef will dry out and become stringy after a long time cooking.
At Chipotle, they always use responsibly raised beef. In terms of the cut, they mainly use beef shoulder in their barbacoa. Beef shoulder has enough fat to keep the meat moist during their long braising method, making the end result seriously juicy and tender.