Barbacoa de Res
Barbacoa de Res is a traditional Mexican dish of slow-cooked, shredded beef, typically seasoned with a blend of chilies and spices and steamed until exceptionally tender. It's most commonly prepared from beef cheek or chuck roast, often wrapped in maguey leaves or foil to lock in moisture and flavor. This dish is a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, especially for weekend breakfasts and special occasions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Barbacoa de Res is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate dish, providing a significant amount of iron, zinc, and B vitamins. A typical serving contains roughly 300-400 calories, with the majority coming from protein and fat.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 9.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 5.0 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 12 mg |
| Selenium | 38 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
Per 1 cup (225 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Traditionally, Barbacoa is cooked in a pit dug in the ground, covered with maguey leaves, and slow-steamed overnight, a method that infuses the meat with a unique, earthy flavor. Nutritionally, the slow-cooking process helps break down tough connective tissues into collagen, making the protein highly digestible and the minerals more bioavailable.
