Tacos de Barbacoa de Res (Slow-Cooked Beef Barbacoa Tacos)
Tender chilli-spiced shredded beef in warm tortillas with coriander, onion and tangy pickled red onions.
Made with Pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) and Corn tortillas from masa harina and Barbacoa beef. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £2.80 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Put your ready made barbacoa beef (see the base recipe) in a pan with the stock. Warm over a medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring, until piping hot all the way through.
8 min - 2
Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for 20 seconds per side and stack them in a tea towel.
- 3
Pile the beef into the tortillas, using a slotted spoon so the tacos do not get soggy.
- 4
Top with chopped onion, coriander and your ready made pickled red onions (see the base recipe).
- 5
Serve with lime wedges and the warm cooking juices in a small bowl for dipping.
Tips
- Double up the tortillas if the beef is very juicy.
- Add a splash of stock if the beef looks dry as it reheats.
- Serve with salsa verde for extra freshness.
Storing and freezing
Leftover beef keeps 3 days in the fridge and freezes for 2 months. Reheat until steaming hot.
Questions
Is barbacoa the same as American barbecue?
No. Mexican barbacoa is meat slowly steamed or roasted in a covered pit or pot until tender, not smoked and sauced.
Can I use pork?
Yes, shoulder works, although beef cheek or chuck is traditional.
How many tacos per person?
Three tacos each is typical for a main course, using two tortillas per taco if the beef is juicy.
More made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Sticky Tofu Rice Bowls with Pickled Red Onions
GFDFEFVindaloo Loaded Jacket Potatoes
DFEFNFSopes de Hongos con Mole y Frijoles (Mushroom Mole Sopes)
EFNFVSalpicón de Barbacoa (Shredded Beef Salad with Lime and Oregano)
DFEFNFSee every dish made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.