Barbacoa from PizzaExpress features tender slow-cooked beef seasoned with smoky chipotle and aromatic spices, served atop a bed of vibrant rice and garnished with fresh cilantro, offering a rich and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish bursting with savory and smoky notes.
Equipments
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Large pot (for rice)
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Skillet or frying pan
- Serving platter or bowls
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Grater (optional, for garnishes)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2-3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for rice)
- 2 1/2 cups water (for rice)
- Fresh cilantro (garnish)
Selecting fresh, high-quality beef brisket is essential for achieving the tender texture characteristic of Barbacoa from PizzaExpress. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are key to the smoky flavor profile; if unavailable, smoked paprika combined with a chili paste can serve as alternatives. Measuring spices like ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander accurately ensures a balanced and authentic taste. Fresh lime juice and apple cider vinegar provide the necessary acidity to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor depth. Your copycat Barbacoa from PizzaExpress will closely mimic the rich, smoky, and savory profile when these ingredients are properly sourced and combined.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut beef brisket into large chunks.
- Season beef with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear beef chunks on all sides until browned; transfer to slow cooker.
- Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Add onion and garlic to the pan; cook until softened.
- Chop chipotle peppers.
- Add chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, cinnamon, and cloves to the onion/garlic mixture; stir until fragrant.
- Deglaze pan with apple cider vinegar and lime juice, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth.
- Pour mixture over beef in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours (or high for 4-5 hours) until beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Remove beef; shred with tongs or forks.
- Return shredded beef to slow cooker; mix with sauce.
- Rinse rice under cold water.
- In a large pot, bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil.
- Add rice, salt, and butter (optional).
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook rice for 15-18 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Fluff rice with fork.
- Serve rice on platter or bowls.
- Top with barbacoa beef and sauce.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
Substitution
Barbacoa from PizzaExpress copycat recipes replicate the tender slow-cooked beef infused with smoky chipotle and aromatic spices. If chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are unavailable, you can substitute with smoked paprika combined with a dash of hot sauce to maintain the smoky heat. When using a slow cooker, ensure the beef is fully submerged in the cooking liquid to achieve optimal tenderness. If you lack a slow cooker, a Dutch oven on low heat for several hours can produce similar results. Stir the rice occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and use butter sparingly to enhance flavor without overpowering the dish.
Tips
Make sure to sear the beef brisket well on all sides to lock in the juices, which enhances tenderness and flavor during slow cooking. Keep the slow cooker lid closed throughout the cooking process to maintain consistent heat and moisture, ensuring the beef becomes perfectly tender. Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which prevents it from becoming sticky. When serving, use fresh cilantro as a garnish for a burst of herbaceous brightness that complements the smoky chipotle flavor in your Barbacoa from PizzaExpress.
Nutritions
Barbacoa from PizzaExpress combines slow-cooked beef brisket, a rich source of protein and iron, with vibrant rice that provides essential carbohydrates for energy. The dish includes chipotle peppers and spices, which offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while fresh cilantro adds vitamins A, C, and K. The use of apple cider vinegar and lime juice provides a refreshing boost of vitamin C, enhancing nutrient absorption. Your meal delivers a balanced profile of macronutrients and micronutrients, making it a flavorful and nutritious option.
Storage
Store leftover barbacoa beef and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its tender texture and smoky flavor. Keep the cooked rice separately in a sealed container to prevent moisture buildup and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm the beef gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve juiciness, and steam or microwave the rice with a sprinkle of water to restore softness for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap beef brisket with chuck roast or short ribs for a different texture and flavor in your barbacoa. Instead of slow cooking, searing the beef and finishing it in a Dutch oven at a low oven temperature for several hours can create a deeper caramelized crust. For an added smoky element, consider incorporating smoked chipotle powder or liquid smoke if chipotle peppers in adobo are unavailable. Cooking rice in beef broth rather than water enhances the savory profile, aligning perfectly with the rich barbacoa sauce.
Allergies
Barbacoa from PizzaExpress contains ingredients like beef, which can trigger allergies in those sensitive to red meat proteins. The dish also includes common allergens such as onions and garlic, which may cause adverse reactions in some individuals. Your precaution is advised if you have any known sensitivities to spices or specific ingredients like chipotle peppers or dairy used in the butter for rice.
Why this recipe?
Barbacoa menu from PizzaExpress is loved for its rich, smoky flavors and tender, slow-cooked meats that perfectly blend traditional spices. The combination of high-quality ingredients and authentic Mexican-inspired recipes offers a unique dining experience that stands out. Your taste buds will enjoy the balance of savory and tangy elements, making the Barbacoa dishes irresistible. Trying to recreate the copycat recipe allows you to bring those bold, flavorful moments into your kitchen, ensuring every bite is as satisfying as the restaurant's version.