The Discovery of Zesty Beef Barbacoa
I first discovered beef barbacoa when I was traveling through the streets of a small town in Mexico. The smell of slow-cooked meat and spices filled the air, and I couldn’t resist stopping by a local food stand. The vendor offered me a warm tortilla filled with tender beef that practically melted in my mouth. It had a wonderful smoky, tangy flavor that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. From that moment, I knew I had to recreate this amazing dish in my own kitchen.
Experimenting with Spices
When I got back home, I was determined to try my hand at making zesty beef barbacoa. I started by researching traditional ingredients, like chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, which give the beef its bold, smoky flavor. I experimented with different spices, like cumin, oregano, and garlic, to find the perfect balance of heat and flavor. After a few tries, I came up with my own version that has just the right amount of zest without being too spicy.
Slow Cooking for Perfect Tenderness
The key to making the beef as tender as I remembered it is slow cooking. I like to use a beef chuck roast, which is perfect for this recipe. I season the meat, add the flavorful sauce, and then let it simmer in the slow cooker for hours. As it cooks, the beef absorbs all the rich flavors, becoming incredibly tender. When it’s done, I simply shred the meat with a fork, and it’s ready to be served.
Bringing the Taste of Mexico Home
Now, whenever I make zesty beef barbacoa, it takes me back to that small town in Mexico. I love serving it with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, just like the way I had it. My family always looks forward to barbacoa nights because the flavors are so bold and satisfying. It’s become a special dish in our home, bringing a little bit of Mexico to our dinner table.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Zesty Beef Barbacoa
- Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast as it becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. If you’re using pork shoulder, it will offer a different but equally delicious texture and flavor.
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference. For a milder sauce, use fewer peppers or swap them for smoked paprika.
- Don’t skip the searing step! It adds depth to the flavor and helps lock in the juices, which is essential for a rich, well-rounded barbacoa.
- If you’re using a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot, cook the beef on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours to achieve the same tender texture.
- For added texture, broil the shredded beef after cooking. This will give your barbacoa those crispy edges, which are perfect for tacos or burritos.
- This barbacoa is incredibly versatile and can be repurposed in various dishes like salads, nachos, or rice bowls. It freezes well, so make extra and save for future meals.
Zesty Beef Barbacoa
4
servings25
minutes1
hour476
kcal10
minutes1
hour35
minutesDive into the world of bold flavors with this Zesty Beef Barbacoa! Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or nachos, this dish is a culinary delight that will leave your taste buds dancing. With options for pressure cooker, slow cooker, and oven methods, this recipe is versatile and easy to follow. Imagine tender beef infused with a spicy chipotle sauce that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something special, this barbacoa is sure to impress. Channel your inner celebrity chef and bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen!
Ingredients
- Chipotle Sauce
3 individual chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tsp adobo sauce from the can
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tbsp concentrated beef bouillon (optional)
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
5 cloves garlic roughly chopped
3 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup reduced sodium beef broth
- Barbacoa
4 pounds beef chuck roast
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 yellow onion diced
4 ounces canned diced green chiles drained
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 cup reduced sodium beef broth
Directions
- Combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, beef bouillon (if using), apple cider vinegar, garlic cloves, ground cumin, oregano leaves, allspice powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and beef broth in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and set aside. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Return the seared beef to the pot and pour the prepared chipotle sauce over it. Add bay leaves and secure the lid of the Instant Pot. Set to “Pressure Cook” for 60 minutes. Once done, allow a natural release for about 10 minutes before venting.
- Remove the beef from the pot and shred using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat and bay leaves. Toss the shredded beef with some of the cooking liquid for added moisture and flavor.
- For crispy edges, spread shredded beef on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil on high for several minutes until desired crispness is achieved.
Equipment
- Food Processor
- instant pot
- Baking sheet
Notes
- For best results, serve this Zesty Beef Barbacoa with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like avocado slices or fresh cilantro. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for extra heat or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. If you prefer a milder flavor profile, reduce the number of chipotle peppers used in the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 476kcal
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Potassium: 850mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 45g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 60mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ- Zesty Beef Barbacoa
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Simply use a slow cooker or an oven. In a slow cooker, cook on low for 8-9 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. If using the oven, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3-4 hours in a Dutch oven.
How can I reduce the spice level?
To lower the spice level, use fewer chipotle peppers or substitute them with mild smoked paprika. You can also remove the seeds from the chipotle peppers for less heat.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors deepen as the barbacoa sits, making it perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Zesty Beef Barbacoa?
Serve it with warm tortillas, rice, or as a filling for tacos and burritos. Popular toppings include diced avocado, cilantro, fresh lime, sour cream, and queso fresco.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure the broth and all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
