How to Make Barbacoa | Easy Crock Pot Recipe

lamb

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is lower in fat, while pork offers cost savings.

banana leaves

🥗Healthier: aluminum foil

💰Cheaper: parchment paper

Foil and parchment are more accessible for wrapping.

lime juice

🥗Healthier: lemon juice

💰Cheaper: vinegar

Lemon juice provides similar acidity, while vinegar is often cheaper.

garlic

🥗Healthier: garlic powder

💰Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder offers convenience, while onion powder is often less expensive.

Salt the chuck roast generously on each side.

Heat a griddle on medium-high heat until hot.

Add vegetable oil or olive oil to the griddle.

Sear the meat for 3 minutes on each side without moving it.

Once seared, place the meat on a cutting board.

In a blender, combine garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, ground cloves, salt, black pepper, lime juice, and vinegar. Blend until smooth.

Pour the blended sauce over the seared meat and mix to coat.

Add chicken broth to the blender to clean out any remaining sauce, then pour that over the meat as well.

Add bay leaves and cut the onion in half, placing it in the crock pot with the meat.

Close the crock pot and set it to high heat for about 4 to 4.5 hours, checking for doneness based on your specific crock pot.

After 4 hours, check the meat; it should be tender and easily falling apart.

Remove the meat from the crock pot and place it on a plate to cool slightly before shredding.

Separate the bay leaves and onion from the meat.

Return the shredded meat back to the crock pot with the juices.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: