Barbacoa
Slow-Cooked Shredded Beef or Lamb
Yes, with a tweak: request no rice, no beans, and no tortillas. About 7g net carbs per serving.
What it is
Traditionally, meat (often beef cheek or lamb) cooked slowly, often in a pit, until extremely tender and easily shreddable. Rich and deeply flavored.
Key ingredients
Beef cheek/brisket/lamb, dried chilies (guajillo, ancho), garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, vinegar, salt, pepper. Served with cilantro and onion.
How to make it keto
Request no rice, no beans, and no tortillas. Ask for extra cilantro and onion, and a side of plain salsa verde (confirm no added sugar).
Say this to the waiter (Spanish)
Barbacoa, sin arroz, frijoles ni tortillas, por favor. Quiero extra cilantro y cebolla, y salsa verde aparte. ¿La salsa verde no tiene azúcar?
Barbacoa, no rice, beans, or tortillas, please. Extra cilantro and onion, and a side of plain salsa verde, please. Is the salsa verde sugar-free?
Watch out for
Rice, beans, tortillas, sugary salsas. Onion content can add up in very large quantities but is generally minor.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.