Authentic Barbacoa Meat

Name: Authentic Barbacoa Meat
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 510 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tbsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican); 2 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cloves; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1.5 kg beef cheek or brisket (trimmed of excess fat); 2 bay leaves; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped)

510 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Slow-cooked barbacoa meat that melts in your mouth, infused with rich spices and perfect for tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Prep

30 min

Cook

480 min

Total

510 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish known for its tender, juicy meat, typically slow-cooked to perfection. This recipe brings the authentic flavours of Mexican barbacoa to your kitchen, offering a rich and aromatic experience. Our version of barbacoa meat uses a blend of spices and a long, slow cooking process to achieve that melt-in-the-mouth texture. It's perfect for those who love hearty, flavourful dishes and is versatile enough to be used in various Mexican favourites like tacos and burritos.

Instructions

Prepare the marinade

In a small bowl, combine garlic, cumin, oregano, black pepper, salt, ground cloves, apple cider vinegar, and lime juice. Mix well to form a marinade.

Pro tip: For a deeper flavour, marinate overnight in the fridge.

Marinate the beef

Place the beef in a large resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the meat is evenly coated, then seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Prepare for cooking

Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F). Remove the beef from the marinade and place it in a large Dutch oven. Add bay leaves, beef broth, and chipotle peppers.

Slow cook the beef

Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Cook for 6-8 hours, turning the beef halfway through, until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

Pro tip: Check the meat at 6 hours; if not tender yet, continue cooking.

Shred the meat

Remove the beef from the oven. Using two forks, shred the meat in the pot, mixing it with the juices.

Pro tip: Remove any large pieces of fat as you shred.

Adjust seasoning

Taste the shredded meat and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if necessary. Stir well.

Pro tip: For extra spice, add more chopped chipotle.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a well-marbled cut like beef cheek or brisket for optimal tenderness.
Marinate the meat overnight for deeper flavour.
Shred the meat with forks for the perfect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is barbacoa meat?

Barbacoa meat is a traditional Mexican dish made from beef, slow-cooked until tender and flavorful, often used in tacos and burritos.

How long should I cook barbacoa meat?

Barbacoa meat should be cooked for 6-8 hours in a 150°C (300°F) oven until it is tender enough to shred with a fork.

What cut of meat is best for barbacoa?

Beef cheek or brisket is ideal for barbacoa due to its marbling, which results in tender, flavourful meat.

Can I freeze barbacoa meat?

Yes, barbacoa meat can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

How many calories are in a serving of barbacoa meat?

A serving of barbacoa meat contains approximately 320 calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your barbacoa meat with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a classic presentation. Pair it with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Barbacoa can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Nutrition per serving

320

Calories

25g

Protein

23g

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