What kind of meat is barbacoa?

Traditionally, in Mexico, barbacoa is made from beef, goat, or lamb cuts. Most commonly in America it is made from beef.

What cut of meat is barbacoa?

Barbacoa is traditionally made from beef cheek cuts. This recipe uses a chuck roast but you will find it made with different larger cuts of meat.

Why is it called barbacoa?

The term barbacoa is from a form of cooking in the carribean called barbaca. This is the basis of the word barbacoa which, in turn is the derivative of the word barbecue.

Is barbacoa or carnitas better?

Barbacoa is a little heavier/heartier than carnitas. While similar, the barbacoa has a somewhat "crunchier" texture than the softer carnitas.

Is babracoa the same as carne asada?

Barbacoa is a pulled/shredded meat whereas carne asada is a strip of meat that is marinated and grilled. They are both beef cuts but carne asada is made more ofter from sirloin or rib meat.

Is pulled pork the same as barbacoa?

The biggest difference between pulled pork and barbacoa is that pork is used for carnitas and beef, lamb, or goat meat is more often used for barbacoa.

Is birria the same as barbacoa?

Birria is made from barbacoa meat that has been marinated or simmered in a sauce. It is similar but birria has an extra step to it if you will.

Easy Slow Cooker Pineapple Barbacoa - Healthy Hearty Recipes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
4–pound beef chuck roast
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 (13.5 ounce) can pineapple chunks in 100% pineapple juice

For the Sauce:

1.5 tablespoons minced garlic
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (3 for a spicier flavor), plus 3 tablespoons of the sauce from the can
1/2 large red onion, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground clove

Optional for serving: tortillas, diced white onion or pickled red onions, lime wedges, cilantro

Instructions

Add all of the sauce ingredients into a food processor and blend until combined. The sauce doesn’t need to be completely smooth (the onions can still have a small finely diced appearance)
Season the chuck roast with salt and pepper. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and once it’s hot, add the chuck roast and sear it until browned on all sides
Add the chuck roast into the slow cooker, pour the sauce over top, and then add in the can of diced pineapple chunks and pineapple juice
Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 to 5 hours, until beef falls apart. If the beef doesn’t fall apart while dragging a fork over it, it needs more time to cook
Once done, shred the beef and combine it with the sauce. Serve in tacos, burritos or with a taco salad

Notes

Searing the beef before cooking is an optional step. It deepens the flavor, but it is not required if you’re short on time or trying to save on dishes.

Find it online: https://healthyheartyrecipes.com/slow-cooker-pineapple-barbacoa/