The burrito, a staple of Mexican-American cuisine, has become a beloved dish worldwide. At its core, the burrito is a simple yet satisfying meal consisting of a large flour tortilla wrapped around various fillings, including meats, beans, cheese, and vegetables. However, the type of meat used in burritos can vary greatly, and its name might not be as straightforward as one might think. In this article, we will delve into the world of burrito meats, exploring the different types, their origins, and the terminology used to describe them.
A Brief History of Burritos and Their Meats
To understand the different types of burrito meats, it’s essential to look at the history of burritos. The word “burrito” comes from the Spanish word for “little donkey,” which was likely used to describe the way the tortilla was wrapped around the fillings, resembling a donkey’s pack. Burritos originated in Mexico, specifically in the city of Guadalajara, where they were sold as a street food.
Initially, burritos were filled with simple ingredients like beans, cheese, and vegetables. However, as Mexican immigrants came to the United States, they adapted their recipes to incorporate local ingredients and tastes. One of the most significant changes was the introduction of various meats, which became a staple in American-style burritos.
Types of Burrito Meats
Burrito meats can be broadly categorized into several types, each with its unique flavor profile and texture. Here are some of the most common types of burrito meats:
Beef
Beef is one of the most popular burrito meats, and it’s often referred to as “carne asada” or “carne de res.” Carne asada is a type of grilled beef that’s typically made from thinly sliced flank steak or skirt steak. The beef is marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection.
Another type of beef used in burritos is “machaca,” which is a dried, shredded beef that’s often rehydrated in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Machaca is a popular choice in Northern Mexican cuisine and is often used in burritos, tacos, and other dishes.
Pork
Pork is another popular burrito meat, and it’s often referred to as “al pastor” or “carnitas.” Al pastor is a type of marinated pork that’s cooked on a vertical spit, similar to shawarma or gyro meat. The pork is marinated in a mixture of chili powder, vinegar, and pineapple before being grilled to perfection.
Carnitas, on the other hand, is a type of slow-cooked pork that’s braised in lard or oil until tender and crispy. Carnitas is often shredded or diced and used in burritos, tacos, and other dishes.
Chicken
Chicken is a popular burrito meat, especially in American-style burritos. It’s often referred to as “pollo” or “chicken asada.” Pollo is a type of grilled chicken that’s marinated in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection.
Another type of chicken used in burritos is “tinga,” which is a type of shredded chicken that’s cooked in a smoky chipotle tomato sauce. Tinga is a popular choice in Mexican cuisine and is often used in burritos, tacos, and other dishes.
Barbacoa
Barbacoa is a type of slow-cooked meat that’s popular in Northern Mexican cuisine. It’s often made with beef, pork, or a combination of the two, and is cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. Barbacoa is often shredded or diced and used in burritos, tacos, and other dishes.
Chorizo
Chorizo is a type of Mexican sausage that’s made with pork and spices. It’s often sliced and cooked in a skillet before being added to burritos, tacos, and other dishes. Chorizo is a popular choice in Mexican cuisine and is known for its spicy, smoky flavor.
Other Types of Burrito Meats
In addition to the types of burrito meats mentioned above, there are several other options available. Some popular choices include:
- Lengua: A type of braised beef tongue that’s often sliced and used in burritos.
- Tripe: A type of slow-cooked beef tripe that’s often used in burritos and other dishes.
- Chicharrón: A type of fried pork rinds that’s often used in burritos and other dishes.
- Carne guisada: A type of slow-cooked beef that’s often used in burritos and other dishes.
Regional Variations
Burrito meats can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences. Here are some regional variations:
California-Style Burritos
California-style burritos are known for their large size and generous fillings. They often feature carne asada, chicken, or carnitas, and are topped with a variety of ingredients like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
Texas-Style Burritos
Texas-style burritos are known for their beef-filled burritos, which often feature carne asada or machaca. They’re often topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce and served with a side of beans and rice.
New Mexico-Style Burritos
New Mexico-style burritos are known for their green chile-filled burritos, which often feature carne asada or chicken. They’re often topped with a spicy green chile sauce and served with a side of beans and rice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the type of meat used in burritos can vary greatly, and its name might not be as straightforward as one might think. From carne asada to chorizo, there are many different types of burrito meats to choose from, each with its unique flavor profile and texture. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Mexican cuisine or American-style burritos, there’s a type of burrito meat out there for everyone.
By understanding the different types of burrito meats and their regional variations, you can appreciate the diversity and complexity of this beloved dish. So next time you’re at a Mexican restaurant or food truck, don’t be afraid to ask for the type of meat used in their burritos. You might just discover a new favorite!
What is burrito meat called?
Burrito meat is commonly referred to as carne, which is Spanish for “meat.” However, the type of meat used in burritos can vary greatly depending on the region and personal preferences. Some popular types of burrito meat include carne asada (grilled beef), al pastor (spit-roasted pork), carnitas (braised pork), and carne molida (ground beef).
In some cases, burrito meat may also be referred to as machaca, which is a type of dried, shredded beef that is often used in burritos and other Mexican dishes. Additionally, some restaurants and recipes may use other types of meat, such as chicken or chorizo, to add variety to their burritos.
What is the difference between carne asada and carne molida?
Carne asada and carne molida are two popular types of burrito meat that differ in terms of their texture and preparation. Carne asada is a type of grilled beef that is typically sliced thin and cooked to perfection on a grill or griddle. It is often seasoned with lime juice, garlic, and spices to give it a bold flavor.
Carne molida, on the other hand, is a type of ground beef that is cooked in a skillet or pot until it is browned and fully cooked. It is often seasoned with onions, garlic, and spices to give it a rich flavor. While both types of meat can be used in burritos, carne asada is often preferred for its tender texture and smoky flavor.
What is al pastor, and how is it used in burritos?
Al pastor is a type of spit-roasted pork that is commonly used in burritos and other Mexican dishes. It is typically marinated in a mixture of chili powder, vinegar, and pineapple juice before being roasted on a vertical spit. The resulting meat is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
In burritos, al pastor is often used in combination with other ingredients such as onions, cilantro, and salsa to add a burst of flavor and texture. It is also commonly served with a slice of pineapple on top, which adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.
What is carnitas, and how is it different from other types of burrito meat?
Carnitas is a type of braised pork that is commonly used in burritos and other Mexican dishes. It is typically cooked in lard or oil until it is tender and crispy, then shredded and fried until it is golden brown.
Carnitas is different from other types of burrito meat in that it is cooked low and slow to create a tender, fall-apart texture. It is also often seasoned with spices and herbs such as cumin, oregano, and thyme to give it a rich, complex flavor.
Can I use other types of meat in burritos?
While traditional burrito meats such as carne asada, al pastor, and carnitas are delicious, there are many other types of meat that can be used in burritos. Some popular alternatives include chicken, chorizo, and carne de puerco (pork shoulder).
When using other types of meat in burritos, it’s a good idea to experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find the combination that works best for you. For example, chicken can be marinated in lime juice and spices before being grilled or sautéed, while chorizo can be cooked in a skillet with onions and garlic.
How do I cook burrito meat at home?
Cooking burrito meat at home is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. For carne asada, simply grill or broil thinly sliced beef until it is cooked to your liking. For carne molida, cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is browned and fully cooked.
For al pastor and carnitas, you can use a slow cooker or Dutch oven to cook the meat low and slow until it is tender and flavorful. Simply marinate the meat in your desired seasonings and cook it on low for several hours until it is done.
Can I use pre-cooked burrito meat in my recipes?
While cooking burrito meat from scratch can be delicious, there are many pre-cooked options available that can save time and effort. Pre-cooked burrito meat can be found in most grocery stores and can be used in a variety of recipes.
When using pre-cooked burrito meat, simply heat it up in a skillet or microwave until it is warm and flavorful. You can also add your own seasonings and spices to give it a boost of flavor. Keep in mind that pre-cooked meat may not be as tender or flavorful as meat cooked from scratch, but it can still be a convenient and delicious option.