Tender, flavorful, and incredibly aromatic, authentic Guerrero-style beef barbacoa is a culinary masterpiece. This slow-cooked marvel, traditionally prepared underground, delivers a depth of flavor unmatched by other beef dishes. Forget tough, dry meat; this recipe unlocks the secret to incredibly succulent barbacoa, falling apart at the mere touch of a fork. The rich, complex flavors are achieved through a meticulous blend of spices and a long, slow cooking process that melts away the fat and renders the beef unbelievably tender. It’s a dish that demands patience, but the reward is a taste of true Mexican culinary heritage.
Guerrero-style barbacoa distinguishes itself with its unique spice blend and the use of specific cuts of beef. This recipe will guide you through each step, from preparing the meat and creating the flavorful marinade to the slow-cooking method that transforms tough cuts into melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Mexico? Let’s get started with our step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Large pot
- Hot griddle
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- Beef shank: 4.5 kilos
- Guajillo chiles: 9
- Onion: 1 medium
- Puya chiles: 5
- Ancho chiles: 2
- Avocado leaves: 5
- Tomato: 1
- Coriander seed: 1/4 teaspoon
- Garlic cloves: 8
- Allspice flakes: 6
- Black peppercorns: 5 small
- Oregano: 1/4 teaspoon
- Bay leaves: 3
- White vinegar: 4 tablespoons
- Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Banana leaves: as needed
- Santa Maria leaves (optional): 2
- Tomatillos: 15
- Tomatoes (for sauce): 2
- Serrano chiles: 2
- Garlic (for sauce): 2 cloves
- Chile árbol: 5
- Onion (for sauce): 1/4
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prepare the Meat
- Season the meat with salt, garlic, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the sauce.
- Add the sauce to the marinated meat and mix well. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate overnight.
Step 2. Prepare the Barbacoa Sauce
- Toast guajillo, ancho, and puya chiles on a hot griddle until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Boil toasted chiles in water until softened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
- Roast garlic, tomato, and half an onion. Once cool, blend with the softened chiles, thyme, vinegar, oregano, allspice, peppercorns, coriander seed, and a cup of the chile-boiling water. Add salt to taste.
Step 3. Slow Cook the Barbacoa
- Remove the meat from the refrigerator. Add 1 cup of water, stir, and adjust salt if needed.
- Line a pot with banana leaves, then avocado leaves, bay leaves, and Santa Maria leaves (optional). Place the meat in the center with its marinade and cover with additional leaves.
- Seal the pot tightly with banana leaves, ensuring it's well-covered and watertight. Add a cup of water to the outside of the leaves before covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Cook over very low heat for 2.5-3 hours. Once the meat is soft, remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Step 4. Prepare and Serve
- For the taco sauce, fry tomatillos, serrano chiles, onion, and garlic until softened. Blend with a little water and salt to taste.
- Serve the barbacoa with corn tortillas, chopped onion, cilantro, taco sauce, and lime juice.
Read more: Juicy Birria Quesa Tacos Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Don't burn the chiles while toasting; this will make the sauce bitter.
- The amount of salt is to your taste.
- Santa Maria leaves add a rich flavor to the barbacoa, but are optional.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While chuck roast is traditional, you can use other tougher cuts like brisket or shank. Just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How can I tell when the barbacoa is done?
The beef should be incredibly tender, easily shredding with a fork. It should also be deeply flavorful and slightly caramelized.
3. Can I make this recipe in a regular oven instead of a pit?
Yes! Use a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot. The cooking time might be slightly longer, but the results will still be delicious. Consider using lower heat for a longer duration to achieve similar results.
This authentic Guerrero-style barbacoa recipe delivers a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The tender, flavorful meat, infused with the rich aroma of traditional spices, is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends, savoring the taste of Mexico's rich culinary heritage.