Beef Barbacoa
Does the name Barbacoa sound familiar? It should, because that’s where the term “Barbecue” comes from. Barbacoa, loosely translated as “cooked over fire”, is a dish that is available pretty much across all of Mexico.
A typical Mexican Barbacoa is made of beef shoulder, braised (fried then stewed) slowly in a pot, usually in a charcoal pit dug into the ground. The cooking process takes long because the beef is simmered over a low heat literally for hours. The dish is seasoned with chipotle chilies and cumin, which together render the meat’s signature flavor.
This tender, juicy, well-seasoned meat is often served with tortillas, or as a filling for sandwiches, or in a burrito or taco. Many locals will eat this with sour cream or salsa.
It is easy to find Barbacoa in Mexico. Almost all restaurants and even street stalls would ordinarily have this on the menu.