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Barbacoa vs Carnitas Chipotle

Barbacoa vs Carnitas Chipotle

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Last Updated on October 4, 2022 by Lauren Beck

When it comes to Chipotle, there are two main options for burrito fillings – barbacoa and carnitas. Both are delicious, but which one is the best?

Barbacoa is a type of slow-cooked meat that is typically made with beef. The beef is cooked until it is extremely tender, making it a great option for burritos. Carnitas, on the other hand, is made with pork. The pork is also slow-cooked, but it is typically cooked until it is slightly crisped.

So, which one should you choose, barbacoa or carnitas? If you’re looking for a hearty filling, barbacoa is the way to go. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, carnitas is the better option. Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong!

What Is Barbacoa?

Barbacoa is a type of slow-cooked meat that is typically made with beef. The beef is cooked until it is extremely tender, making it a great option for burritos.

Barbacoa beef is usually cooked in a pit, over an open fire. The beef is slowly cooked until it is falling-apart tender. Once the barbacoa beef is cooked, it is shredded and typically served with tortillas, rice, and beans.

What Is Carnitas?

Carnitas, on the other hand, is made with pork [1]. The pork is also slow-cooked, but it is typically cooked until it is slightly crisped.

Carnitas pork is usually cooked in a pot, on the stovetop. The pork is slowly cooked until it is fall-apart tender. Once the carnitas pork is cooked, it is shredded and typically served with tortillas, rice, and beans.

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What Are The Differences Between Barbacoa Vs. Carnitas At Chipotle?

The main difference between barbacoa and carnitas at Chipotle is the type of meat that is used. Barbacoa is made with beef, while carnitas is made with pork.

The second difference is the way the meat is cooked. Barbacoa beef is cooked in a pit, over an open fire, while carnitas pork is cooked in a pot, on the stovetop.

The third difference is the level of crispness. Carnitas pork is cooked until it is slightly crisped, while barbacoa beef is cooked until it is extremely tender.

How to Make Chipotle Barbacoa?

bowl of barbacoa traditional mexican dish with lemons and cilantro on the side

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. chuck roast
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook the chuck roast until browned all over.
  3. Add the onion, garlic, Chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, and beef broth.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is falling-apart tender.
  5. Remove the beef from the pot and shred with a fork.
  6. Add the cilantro and lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the barbacoa beef with tortillas, rice, and beans.

How to Make Chipotle Carnitas?

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. boneless pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork cubes with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium heat, cook the pork cubes until browned all over.
  3. Add the onion, garlic, Chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, and chicken broth.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is cooked through.
  5. Remove the pork from the pot and shred with a fork.
  6. Add the cilantro and lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the carnitas pork with tortillas, rice, and beans.

What Do Barbacoa and Carnitas Taste Like?

Barbacoa beef is extremely tender and has a smoky flavor. The beef is usually well-seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices.

Carnitas pork is also very tender and has a slightly crisped exterior. The pork is usually well-seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and other spices.

Where Can I Find Barbacoa and Carnitas Ready to Eat?

You can find barbacoa and carnitas at most Mexican restaurants. However, barbacoa and carnitas are also available ready-to-eat at Chipotle.

You can also find barbacoa and carnitas at some grocery stores in the prepared foods section.

Which Is Spicy Carnitas or Barbacoa?

The spiciness of barbacoa and carnitas can vary depending on the recipe. However, barbacoa is usually spicier than carnitas.

This is because the Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce used to make barbacoa are typically more spicy than the Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce used to make carnitas.

Conclusion

Which is better barbacoa or carnitas? It really depends on your preference. If you like beef, then barbacoa is the way to go. If you prefer pork, then carnitas is the better option.

Both are extremely flavorful and tender. However, barbacoa is usually spicier than carnitas. So, if you like things spicy, barbacoa is the better choice.

Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong with either barbacoa or carnitas from Chipotle.

Reference:

  1. https://www.allrecipes.com/article/what-is-carnitas/
Lauren Beck
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