Jul 13 2026

Barbacoa Recipe

Time8h
Serves6

slow braised beef, whipped queso fresco, salsa macha, pickled fresno, cilantro

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Ingredients

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Beef

Whipped Queso Fresco

Pickled Fresno Peppers

Garnish

Method

Beef Preparation

  1. 1

    Sear the Beef

    In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).

  2. 2

    Prepare the Braise

    In a slow cooker, add the seared chuck roast, diced onion, minced garlic, beef broth, chipotle peppers, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

  3. 3

    Cook the Beef

    Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shredded.

Whipped Queso Fresco

  1. 4

    Blend the Queso

    In a blender, add the queso fresco, heavy cream, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt to taste and set aside.

Salsa Macha Preparation

  1. 5

    Toast the Chiles

    In a dry skillet, toast the dried chiles over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove and let cool.

  2. 6

    Blend the Salsa

    In a blender, combine toasted chiles, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Pickled Fresno Peppers

  1. 7

    Prepare the Pickling Brine

    In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat until sugar dissolves.

  2. 8

    Pickle the Peppers

    Slice the Fresno peppers and add them to the pickling brine. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Garnishing

  1. 9

    Garnish the Barbacoa

    Once the beef is cooked and shredded, serve it topped with whipped queso fresco, salsa macha, pickled Fresno peppers, and fresh cilantro.

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