Barbacoa vs. Carnitas- Chipotles menu boasts two delicious options, but which one should you choose? Lets explore the unique flavors and cooking methods behind each of these fan-favorite meats and find out which one reigns supreme!
If youre a fan of Mexican cuisine, chances are youve made a stop or two at Chipotle Mexican Grill. With its mouth-watering menu and fresh ingredients, its no surprise that the restaurant has become a go-to spot for many.
Ive been recreating Chipotles dishes at home for years. My favorites are the roasted corn salsa and guacamole.
But when it comes to choosing between their popular barbacoa vs. carnitas, things can get a little tricky. Both are delicious, but which one should you choose to put in your burrito, burrito bowl or tacos?
Ill take a closer look at the main differences between Chipotles barbacoa vs. carnitas so that you decide which one is the right choice for your taste buds. So, buckle up and get ready for a flavor-filled ride![feast_advanced_jump_to]
Barbacoa and carnitas differ in terms of the type of meat used, how theyre cooked, and the spices and flavorings used. Heres a quick breakdown before we get into all the details!
What are carnitas at Chipotle made of? According to the Chipotle ingredient statement, their carnitas are made with pork, sunflower oil, bay leaves, thyme, juniper berries, salt, and black pepper.
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What Cut of Pork is Used for Carnitas?
Carnitas are typically made from pork shoulder (pork butt). The shoulder is known for its marbling, which means it has a good balance of fat and meat. This makes it ideal for cooking low and slow. The resulting meat is juicy and tender.
At Chipotle, they always make their carnitas with responsibly sourced pork. They season the pork with an aromatic spice blend and then braise it for hours. Finally, they shred it by hand. Then end result is meat thats fall-apart-in-your-burrito tender with a rich and savory flavor.
What Is Barbacoa at Chipotle?
Barbacoa is a beloved menu item at Mexican restaurants like Chipotle and has been satisfying cravings for years. The barbacoa at Chipotle is made with beef.
Barbacoa is a slow-cooked beef dish that is marinated in a blend of spices and chili peppers and braised for many hours. The end result of the long, slow cooking process is flavorful, juicy meat that is savory and spicy, with a tender texture that is easily shreddable. Barbacoa practically melts in your mouth!
Typical barbacoa seasonings include a combination of dried guajillo and ancho chile peppers. Both peppers are relatively mild compared to other chili peppers. Guajillo chiles have a mildly sweet, fruity flavor and ancho chiles have a more pronounced smoky flavor.
The spices used in the marinade for barbacoa are a blend of traditional Mexican flavors such as Mexican oregano, cumin, garlic, and bay leaves. Some recipes also include sweet spices, like cinnamon or allspice. All of these spices come together to create a delicious flavor profile.
One of the reasons why barbacoa has become such a popular menu item at Chipotle is because its incredibly versatile. It can be added to burritos, tacos, bowls, salads, and even quesadillas.
This makes it a great choice no matter what your favorite dish is. Whether youre looking for something spicy or just want to add a little extra flavor to your meal, barbacoa is definitely worth a try.
What is the difference between carnitas and barbacoa at Chipotle?
FAQ
What is barbacoa meat at Chipotle?
What cut of beef does Chipotle use?
What type of meat is carnitas?
Are carnitas from Chipotle healthy?
What is a Carnita at Chipotle?
Carnitas means “little meats” in Spanish. It’s a slow-cooked pork dish that is simmered until it becomes tender and juicy. It’s 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.
Should you eat beef barbacoa or pork carnitas at Chipotle?
Choosing between beef barbacoa vs. pork carnitas at Chipotle can be a tough decision. Both are delicious and popular menu items that are flavorful. They’re also both very tender, thanks to their long cooking time, which breaks down the collagen in the meat. If you like beef, then barbacoa is the way to go.
What’s the difference between Chipotle barbacoa and carnitas?
Chipotle’s barbacoa on the other hand is made with more familiar herbs and spices used in Mexican food, but it too offers some surprises. It’s spicier than the carnitas thanks to the inclusion of chili peppers, but also another spice, which brings the whole dish together: cloves.
How do Chipotle carnitas work?
The seasonings infuse the meat with a unique and delectable flavor, resulting in mouthwatering Chipotle Carnitas. After seasoning, the meat is slow-cooked in a braising liquid for at least eight hours. This process allows the pork to absorb the spices’ flavors and the braising liquid, resulting in tender, juicy, and flavorful meat.