Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Barbacoa Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much nutrition is in Cafe Rio sweet pork barbacoa? ›

Carnitas is a traditional Mexican dish made with pork.

This is in contrast to barbacoa, which is made with beef. Carnitas means "little meats" in Spanish. It's a slow-cooked pork dish that is simmered until it becomes tender and juicy. It's kind of like a Mexican version of pulled pork.

Even though many of us associate barbacoa with Mexican cuisine, the term and the cooking style originated in the Caribbean with the native Taino people, and many food historians agree that all forms of barbecue in the Americas are descendants of this style of cooking.

Cafe Rio Pork Barbacoa Burrito (1 serving) contains 95g total carbs, 95g net carbs, 29g fat, 49g protein, and 1110 calories.

Cafe Rio Tacos, Sweet Pork Barbacoa (1 serving) contains 8g total carbs, 8g net carbs, 7g fat, 5g protein, and 120 calories.

Both types offer slowly braised and shredded meat, but carnitas are made from pork and a bit sweeter while barbacoa is made from beef and is spicier. One of the main flavor differences in Chipotle's carnitas recipe is a rather unexpected ingredient — juniper berries.

Barbacoa is not spicy, it's just steamed and slow cooked, sometimes in a hole, with banana leaves. It is actually not exclusively Mexican, it originated in Puerto Rico even though it's associated with Mexico today because we do make it and eat it often (Mexico is a very big country).

Mexican barbacoa is more traditionally made from beef cheeks, but it can also be made from various cuts of beef, or even lamb, or goat.

Barbacoa (Spanish: [baɾβaˈkoa]) is a form of cooking meat that originated in the Caribbean with the Taíno people, who called it by the Arawak word barbaca, from which the term "barbacoa" derives, and ultimately, the word 'barbecue".

Is barbacoa the same as carnitas? ›

Its main distinguishing factor is its meat base — rather than beef used in barbacoa, carnitas are prepared from pork. Additionally, barbacoa utilizes a fire-based steaming method rather than a fat-based rendering.

The difference in the two dishes comes down to the meat. Birria is made with beef or goat meat, while barbacoa is made with beef, pork, lamb or goat. Both dishes are delicious, and you can't go wrong with either one. So, if you're looking for a tasty Mexican dish, be sure to try barbacoa at Hacienda Colorado.

While shredded barbacoa is a common way of serving the dish, it is not the only way. Barbacoa can be prepared and served in various forms, depending on regional preferences and personal tastes. Barbacoa can also be served sliced or diced.

Fat content: Barbacoa is typically made with cuts of meat that have a higher fat content, such as beef cheek or lamb shoulder. This fat content contributes to the rich and juicy flavor of the meat.

Key Takeaways: Barbacoa is a protein powerhouse, perfect for muscle growth and repair. It's low in carbs, making it a great choice for managing blood sugar levels and staying in ketosis. With essential vitamins, healthy fats, and muscle recovery support, barbacoa is a versatile and nutritious addition to any diet.

Cafe Rio Salad, Sweet Pork Barbacoa (1 serving) contains 13g total carbs, 13g net carbs, 10g fat, 8g protein, and 180 calories.

Benefits of Barbacoa

One interesting fact, too, is that barbacoa—because it's made from the head—contains high levels of collagen. It is also extremely high in protein. It is a little high in fat, so it's not a meal for every day but is a good source of meat protein.

1 serving of barbacoa contains 170 Calories, 2 grams of carbs, 24 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fat. This is a good source of proteins (43% of your Daily Value).