Barbacoa is a classic Mexican dish of slow-cooked beef, traditionally made with the meat from the head of a cow. While barbacoa is delicious on its own, it’s often served with tasty side dishes that complement the rich, savory flavors of the meat. Here’s an overview of some of the most traditional and popular sides that pair wonderfully with authentic barbacoa.
Corn Tortillas
No barbacoa meal would be complete without a stack of fresh, warm corn tortillas! These soft and pliable tortillas are the perfect vehicle for making tacos stuffed with tender strands of barbacoa. Double corn tortillas also do a great job of absorbing the meat’s juices without falling apart. Serving barbacoa with corn tortillas is an absolute must for an authentic experience.
White Rice
Simple white rice is another classic accompaniment to barbacoa. The mild flavor and fluffy texture of rice soaks up the savory juices and balances out the rich meat. White rice is also easy on the palate between bites of intensely flavored barbacoa. For a more interesting twist, try white rice cooked with a little tomato sauce or garnished with cilantro.
Refried Beans
No Tex-Mex meal is complete without a hearty spoonful of refried beans, and barbacoa is no exception. Their smooth, almost creamy texture contrasts nicely with shredded barbacoa. Frijoles refritos, as they’re called in Spanish, pack a boost of extra protein and fiber as well. Plus, something about the earthy beans simply tastes right next to meaty barbacoa.
Pico de Gallo
Fresh pico de gallo adds a blast of bright veggie flavor and cool crunch to balance the richness of barbacoa. This salsa is made from chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. The zesty kick and acidity cuts through the meat’s fattiness. Pico de gallo gives a satisfying textural contrast compared to the tender shredded beef too. Spoon it on top of tacos or serve it alongside the meat.
Guacamole
Creamy, green guacamole is another excellent choice for an accompaniment to barbacoa. Avocados offer a smooth, fatty counterpoint to the shredded meat. Onion, tomato, lime juice, cilantro, and serrano chiles in the guacamole also bring extra flavors to complement the beef. Guacamole can be used as a topping for tacos, a dip for tortilla chips, or a side spread next to the meat.
Salsa
No barbacoa meal is complete without some type of salsa. Salsa adds moisture, spice, and acidity to balance the rich meat. Classic tomato-based salsa roja (red salsa) with chili peppers is an especially good match. Tomatillo-based green salsa also pairs well. Try salsa cruda, pico de gallo, salsa verde, or another favorite on the side. Chips are good for scooping up salsa too.
Pickled Vegetables
Quick-pickled onions, carrots or jalapenos can be a nice fresh contrast to fatty barbacoa. They cut through the richness with acidity and crunch. Pickled veggies offer great textural and flavor balance in tacos too. Crunchy radishes, turnips, and cucumbers are other good veggie options for pickling as barbacoa sides.
Pickled Red Onions
Specifically pickled red onions are a popular favorite pairing with barbacoa. Their distinctive pink color and sweet-tart flavor livens up the plate. The crunchy texture also balances the soft shredded meat. Try scattering some pickled red onion pieces into tacos, or use them as a colorful topping for the meat.
Cebollitas
In Mexico, a traditional garnish for tacos and other dishes is cebollitas, or pickled onion with chiles. These tiny pickled white onions pack a spicy punch of flavor thanks to additions like habanero chiles. Along with their crunchy texture, cebollitas make an excellent topping to complement barbacoa’s richness.
Jalapeños
Spicy pickled jalapeño peppers are another great match for fatty barbacoa. Their heat and acidity cuts through the meat’s richness. Chop up some pickled jalapeños to give tacos an extra kick. Or, serve a side of sliced pickled jalapeños that guests can add to taste.
Cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds a pleasant herbal note and color pop to barbacoa plates. Chopped cilantro works nicely sprinkled over the meat or mixed into sides like pico de gallo. Whole cilantro sprigs also make great taco toppings. The green brightness balances the earthy shredded beef.
Limes
No barbacoa meal is complete without some lime wedges on the side. Fresh limes add acidity and moisture to tacos when squeezed over the meat. Lime juice also cuts through the fattiness of the dish. Let guests squeeze on as much lime as they want to balance the richness.
Radishes
Crispy radishes are great for adding fresh crunch and peppery bite to barbacoa plates. Slice up some radishes and put them in tacos along with the meat. You can also set out a side of radishes to munch on between bites of rich barbacoa for contrast.
Nopales
In Mexican cuisine, nopales are a popular traditional side made from sliced cactus pads. Their slightly tart flavor and crunchy-slimy texture make a nice complement next to tender barbacoa. Try sautéed nopales on the side or chopped up in tacos.
Flour Tortillas
While corn tortillas may be more authentic, you can also serve barbacoa with soft flour tortillas. Flour tortillas have a mellower corn flavor and pillowy texture that some people prefer. Warm flour tortillas can be used to make burritos and quesadillas filled with barbacoa as well.
Bolillos
These oblong Mexican bread rolls are great for sopping up the meaty juices of barbacoa. The chewy, slightly crunchy crust and fluffy interior catches all the rich drippings. Pull barbacoa apart over chunks of fresh bolillos. The bread makes tacos substantial too.
Teleras
Also called pan de agua, these round, puffy bread rolls work similarly to bolillos for dipping in barbacoa juices. The soft interior soaks up the savory meat essence while the crust provides texture contrast. Alternately, use teleras as hamburger-style buns for barbacoa sandwiches.
Onions
Onions are a staple ingredient in barbacoa recipes, adding moisture and rich flavor. Caramelized, charred onions are especially tasty alongside barbacoa’s savory shredded meat. Raw white onion slivers add fresh bite to tacos too. Onions balance the meaty flavors well.
Lettuce
Crisp lettuce such as shredded romaine, iceberg, or bibb leaves gives tacos a fresh crunch to contrast soft barbacoa. Lettuce also helps absorb meat juices so tacos don’t get soggy. Green lettuce adds color to the plate too. Try lettuce “shell” tacos for a low-carb option.
Cabbage
Shredded green or purple cabbage continues the crunchy theme for taco toppings. Along with lettuce, cabbage gives great texture contrast to rich shredded barbacoa. The purple variety also makes tacos more visually appealing.
Avocado
Creamy chunks or slices of avocado make another nice addition to barbacoa tacos. The richness complements the meat while the green color pops against it. Avocado’s smooth texture balances out the shredded beef as well. And it provides nutrition from healthy fats.
Cheese
Melted cheese takes barbacoa tacos, quesadillas, and burritos over the top. Ooey, gooey cheese provides even more richness and protein to pair with the beef. Traditional Mexican cheese options include queso fresco, queso chihuahua, and cotija. Cheddar or pepper jack work too.
Crema
This Mexican style sour cream provides a cooling contrast to hot barbacoa with its creamy texture and tang. Drizzle crema over your tacos or stir some into rice. The acidity helps cut through the meat’s richness as well.
Pico de Gallo
Fresh pico de gallo salsa belongs on any barbacoa plate. The tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice and chilies form an ideal flavor and texture complement to the meat. Generous amounts of pico de gallo will balance and enhance your barbacoa experience.
Chopped Cilantro
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro over barbacoa tacos or rice provides pleasant herbal notes. The green flecks also give dishes a colorful, fresh look. If you really want to highlight the barbacoa flavors, keep cilantro to a minimum though.
Lime Wedges
No good barbacoa meal should lack fresh lime wedges alongside the meat and tortillas. Their tart juice and zest cuts through the dish’s richness. Let diners squeeze on as much lime as desired to balance flavors.
Red Salsa
For those who like some heat, set out small bowls of red salsa made from chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and spices. Generous amounts will satisfy spice-lovers without overwhelming other diners. The vinegar tang also offsets the meat.
Green Salsa
As another salsa option, offer verde or green salsa made from tomatillos, chilies, cilantro, and onions. Milder than red salsa, it provides great herbal flavor contrast to barbacoa’s savory richness.
Frijoles Charros
These pinto beans simmered with bacon, chilies, and beer make a heartier side than plain beans. Frijoles charros offer great smoky, savory flavors to pair with barbacoa. They also add more protein to make the meal complete.
Mexican Rice
For an extra infusion of flavor, make Mexican rice seasoned with tomato sauce and spices to serve with the meat. The tomatoes’ acidity balances while the warm spices complement barbacoa.
Corn on the Cob
Don’t forget elotes, or Mexican street corn slathered in creamy mayo, Cotija cheese, and chili powder. The sweet corn kernels contrast the meat while the toppings accentuate its richness.
Fruit
Fresh slices of cool, sweet fruit help tame the savory richness of barbacoa. Try pineapple, mango, watermelon, or jicama. Their refreshing juiciness cleanses the palate between bites of meat.
Warm Tortillas
Keep corn or flour tortillas heated in a tortilla warmer, cloth-lined basket, or low oven. Warm tortillas are essential for making tacos to enjoy this traditional shredded beef barbacoa dish.
Chopped Onion
A sprinkling of raw white or red onion slivers gives tacos a pungent crunch to contrast the soft shredded meat. But don’t overdo it, as their strong flavor can overpower the beef.
Queso Fresco
Crumble delicious fresh Mexican cheese over any barbacoa dish for tang, creaminess, and protein. A little queso fresco goes a long way to accentuate the meat flavor.
Shredded Lettuce
Crispy shredded lettuce such as iceberg or romaine gives great fresh texture and moisture to tacos. The green color brightens up the plate too.
Sour Cream
Cool, creamy sour cream makes a tasty accoutrement for barbacoa’s richness. It also cools down spicy salsa heat. Use it in moderation on tacos, rice, or beans.
Chips & Salsa
Add some crisp tortilla chips and chunky salsa for scooping, dipping and palate cleansing. The salsa’s acidity cuts the meat’s richness.
Lime Rice
For a tangy twist, add lime juice and zest to rice. The bright citrus flavor complements and enhances the barbacoa.
Grilled Jalapeños
Blistered, grilled jalapeños offer roasted flavor along with spicy heat. Their charred skins and tender flesh are delicious in barbacoa tacos.
Cebollitas
These tasty pickled chile-spiked onions are a traditional Mexican taco garnish. Their acidity and crunch balance rich meats.
Radish Slices
Peppery sliced radishes give tacos and tostadas a nice crunchy bite. Their bracing flavor contrasts rich barbacoa too.
Carrot Escabeche
For something different, quick-pickle some shredded carrots in vinegar, chiles, and spices. The tangy crunch livens up meaty tacos.
Shredded Cabbage
Cool, crunchy cabbage or slaw mix shredded fine makes a light, fresh taco filler along with barbacoa.
Chopped Cilantro
Fresh, bright cilantro adds herbal flavor and color contrast to rich meat. Just don’t overpower the barbacoa flavor.
Diced Avocado
Creamy avocado gives tacos and tostadas nutty richness to match the barbacoa. It also provides healthy fats.
Crumbled Cotija
Sharp, salty Mexican Cotija cheese sprinkled on enhances barbacoa’s savory qualities. A little goes a long way.
Charro Beans
Earthy beans simmered with bacon, chiles, and beer make a hearty match for meaty barbacoa.
Grilled Corn
Charred sweet corn on the cob plays up barbacoa’s smoky qualities. Slather with mayo and cotija cheese for elotes.
Flour Tortillas
Warm flour tortillas work great for burritos and quesadillas filled with tasty barbacoa.
Conclusion
Barbacoa makes a stellar taco filling, but it’s even better when accompanied by traditional sides like warm tortillas, fresh salsas, creamy guacamole, rice, beans, and more. Contrasting textures and flavors like crisp vegetables, tart citrus, spicy chilies, and cooling crema all work to cut through barbacoa’s rich savoriness. With the right accoutrements, from queso fresco to quick-pickled onions, you can assemble amazing platters to showcase traditional Mexican barbacoa.