Burrito bowls have become a popular menu item at many Mexican restaurants and fast food chains. Unlike traditional burritos that are wrapped in a tortilla, burrito bowls feature burrito fillings served in a bowl without the tortilla shell. This leads many to wonder – are burrito bowls served cold or hot?
What are the typical ingredients in a burrito bowl?
A burrito bowl typically contains many of the same ingredients you would find wrapped up in a burrito:
- Rice
- Beans (black, pinto, refried, etc.)
- Meat (chicken, steak, carnitas, etc.)
- Cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Lettuce or other vegetables
The ingredients are layered over rice and beans to create a hearty and customizable meal without the tortilla wrap.
Are the ingredients served hot or cold?
Most burrito bowl ingredients are served warmed or at room temperature:
- The rice and beans are typically prepared in advance and served warmed.
- The meats are grilled, sautéed, or otherwise cooked and served warm.
- Cheeses may be room temperature or slightly melted from the heat of the other ingredients.
- Salsas are often room temperature.
- Sour cream and guacamole are chilled.
- Lettuce and other veggies are usually cool and fresh, not heated.
So in summary, while not every single ingredient may be served piping hot, burrito bowls are assembled to be served warm overall. The rice, beans, and meat are all prepared at high temperatures to retain heat and prevent food safety issues with ingredients sitting at room temperature too long.
Do restaurants ever serve burrito bowls cold?
There are a few exceptions where you may get a cold or chilled burrito bowl:
- Some restaurants offer burrito bowl meal prep kits that are assembled cold for reheating at home.
- Burrito bowls may be served from a refrigerated grab-and-go section, meriting a quick reheating.
- Rice and beans may be chilled if they have been sitting for awhile after cooking.
- Some burrito bowl places offer build-your-own bowls, so ingredients may vary in temperature depending on what you choose.
But in most cases at restaurants, freshly assembled burrito bowls are served warm to customers ordering off the main menu.
Should you reheat a burrito bowl if served cold?
If you get a burrito bowl that seems cold or lukewarm, it’s best to reheat it before eating. Here are some tips:
- Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute until warmed through.
- Place in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes to heat up.
- Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to steam and prevent sticking.
- Transfer to a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel, microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Just take care not to overheat and dry out the ingredients when reheating a burrito bowl. A quick warming is all you need to get it back to an enjoyable eating temperature.
Do people prefer hot or cold burrito bowls?
Most people prefer their burrito bowls to be served fresh and warm. A Consumer Reports survey found that 72% of customers expect their meals to be served hot when dining out. Warm burrito bowls allow you to experience the dish as intended, with all the ingredients properly prepared.
Some advantages of a hot burrito bowl include:
- Warm, fluffy rice and beans
- Melted cheese
- Steam rising from the meat for a flavorful aroma
- A satisfying and comforting meal
Cold or room temperature burrito bowls may be disappointing with mushy rice, rubbery beans, lack of enticing smells, etc. The textures and flavors don’t combine as nicely unless warmed up.
Reasons some may prefer cold burrito bowls
While most prefer warm burrito bowls, some reasons one might order or enjoy a cold version include:
- Dietary restrictions – celiac disease or food allergies may require fresh, cold preparation.
- Aversion to hot foods – some simply don’t like very warm meals.
- Eating later – allowing a meal to cool to enjoy its flavors at different temperatures.
However, most restaurants will aim to serve fresh-made burrito bowls warm to satisfy customer expectations. Check if unsure, and don’t hesitate to ask for it to be briefly microwaved or refreshed if served cold.
Key tips for the best burrito bowl temperature
- Order at peak mealtimes to get the freshest ingredients.
- Customize with more hot items like grilled veggies to retain heat.
- Keep sauce and juice on the side to prevent sogginess.
- Use insulated containers for takeout and delivery.
- Enjoy immediately or reheat gently before the bowl cools too much.
Conclusion
Burrito bowls are intended to be served warm and contain many ingredients prepared hot to provide the proper textures and optimal flavor combination. While you may occasionally get a chilled or room temperature bowl, warming it up before eating is recommended. Check your bowl’s temperature and don’t hesitate to ask for it to be heated or refreshed as needed to enjoy this delicious meal at its best.