Burritos are a popular Tex-Mex food consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling. Chipotle Mexican Grill has mastered the art of properly folding burritos so that they are tightly packed with ingredients and easy to eat on the go. If you want to fold burritos at home like the experts at Chipotle, follow these simple steps.
Get the Right Ingredients
The first step in making Chipotle-style burritos is gathering the right ingredients. For the tortilla, you’ll want to use a large 10-12 inch flour tortilla. Flour tortillas are more durable and flexible than corn tortillas, making them ideal for burritos. You can find high-quality, extra-large flour tortillas at most grocery stores or tortillerias.
When it comes to fillings, Chipotle burritos typically contain cilantro-lime rice, pinto or black beans, meat (chicken, steak, carnitas, barbacoa, etc.), salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and guacamole. Prepare the rice, beans, meat, and salsa ahead of time. Have the lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole ready to assemble.
Here are some filling ideas for delicious Chipotle-style burritos:
- Chicken – Seasoned shredded chicken, pico de gallo, lettuce, cheese
- Steak – Marinated, grilled steak, peppers and onions, guacamole, lettuce
- Veggie – Refried beans, rice, sautéed peppers and onions, lettuce, guacamole
- Carnitas – Slow-cooked pulled pork, rice, cheese, sour cream
The key is choosing high-quality ingredients and sauces that will bring bold, Mexican flavors into your burritos.
Warm the Tortilla
Before folding your burrito, it’s important to warm up the tortilla. This makes the tortilla more pliable and less likely to crack or split open. The easiest way to warm a flour tortilla is directly on the burner of a gas stove. Place the tortilla directly on a medium flame for about 10 seconds on each side. You’ll see it puff up a bit as it warms. Just be careful not to overheat or it may burn. You can also wrap the tortilla in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it up.
Add the Fillings
Once your tortilla is warmed up, it’s time to add the fillings. Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface or plate. Spoon about 1/3 cup rice across the center of the tortilla, creating a line down the middle. Top with 1/3 cup beans, then the meat and sautéed veggies. Don’t overfill it or it will be impossible to fold.
Next, sprinkle on the cheese so it can melt a bit when folded. Add salsa or any sauces you’re using. Finally, top with lettuce, guacamole, and sour cream.
Fold Like a Burrito
Now it’s time for the fun part – folding it all up like a real burrito. Here is a step-by-step process:
- Take the bottom of the tortilla and fold it about 1 inch over the filling.
- Pull the left and right sides in toward the center, folding them over the filling.
- Use your fingers to tightly tuck the filling under while folding. This takes practice!
- Continue rolling it away from yourself, applying pressure as you complete the roll.
- When you get near the end, fold the right and left corners toward the center so nothing falls out.
- Place the burrito seam side down and apply gentle pressure along the wrap.
The goal is to create a tight, compact wrap that holds everything together. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to gently press down and shape the burrito as you fold. It may take a few tries to master the Chipotle burrito roll!
Wrap in Foil
For easy, on-the-go dining, Chipotle wraps each completed burrito in aluminum foil. The foil helps the burrito hold its shape and contain any mess. To wrap like Chipotle, place the folded burrito diagonally onto a sheet of foil. Fold the right and left sides tightly over the burrito, then roll and crimp the foil around the ends. Your masterpiece is now ready to go!
Customize Your Burritos
Once you’ve mastered the folding technique, there are endless ways to customize your burritos with different fillings. Here are some ideas for unique burrito combinations inspired by Chipotle:
- BBQ Burrito – Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, rice, cheese, lettuce, crispy onions
- Greek Burrito – Chicken, tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, tomatoes, spinach, hummus
- Breakfast Burrito – Eggs, cheese, potatoes, bacon, avocado, salsa
- Veggie Burrito – Rice, black beans, sautéed veggies, guacamole, lettuce
- Hawaiian Burrito – Grilled chicken, pineapple salsa, rice, beans, cheese
Feel free to mix up the fillings to create flavor combinations that suit your tastes. With the right fold technique, you can create restaurant-worthy burritos at home.
Fix Common Burrito Problems
It takes some finesse to perfectly roll a burrito. Here are some solutions to common burrito folding issues:
Ingredients Falling Out
If ingredients are spilling out the sides, you likely overloaded the burrito. Use less filling and fold tightly, tucking the contents under as you go. Wrapping in foil also helps seal everything inside.
Tortilla Tearing
Warm the tortilla before folding and handle gently. Press too hard and the tortilla can split. Use a high-quality, fresh tortilla rather than one that is dried out.
Burrito Unraveling
Make sure to fold in the edges before rolling and apply gentle, even pressure as you shape the burrito. Wrapping it firmly in foil helps hold everything together.
Burrito Won’t Close
Don’t overstuff! Use just enough filling to roll up neatly. Spread out the rice in a thin line rather than a big clump. A warm, pliable tortilla also makes closing easier.
With practice, you’ll be able to identify issues and adjust your technique to fold a perfect burrito every time.
Store Leftover Burritos
Have leftover burrito filling or assembled burritos? Here are some storage tips:
- Cover and refrigerate cooked burrito fillings for 3-4 days
- Wrap assembled burritos individually in foil and freeze for up to 3 months
- Let frozen burritos thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating
- Reheat foil-wrapped burritos in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes
- Microwave burritos for 60-90 seconds, checking frequently
Storing burritos properly prevents them from drying out or becoming soggy. With some simple planning, you can enjoy Chipotle-worthy burritos all week long!
Conclusion
Mastering the art of burrito folding takes practice, but it’s fun to experiment with different fillings and techniques. Warm tortillas, lightly filled, and tight rolling are the keys to replicating Chipotle’s famous burritos. Pay attention to details like tucking in the sides and wrapping in foil for a complete experience. Soon you’ll be enjoying restaurant-caliber burritos without leaving home!