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Mexican Recipes, burrito recipes, how to make burritos

How To Make Burritos


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Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

Burritos are definitely delicious and crave-able and we love them so much because you can get all those delicious Mexican flavours rolled up together. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to make burritos at home.



What Are Burritos

A Burrito is simply a flour tortilla, filled and rolled into a tube and served. The tortilla is almost always a wheat tortilla and depending on where in the world you are the size of the tube will differ. In Northern Mexico, they are typically quite small, almost finger food, whilst in the United States they come extremely large. 


What’s The Difference Between A Burrito And A Taco?

The key difference between the more familiar taco and a burrito is the quantity and size. Tacos are small and open, and you might need 3 or 4 to satisfy your appetite. Tacos can be made with either wheat or corn tortillas. A burrito is made out of one large wheat tortilla and has a variety of different fillings. Depending on the size, normally a single burrito would make up a meal. It would be impossible to make one from a corn tortilla as it would break and crumble as you tried to fold it. To make the burrito the ends of the tortilla are folded in and then it’s rolled closed. Inside you will often find meat along with Mexican rice and beans for a hefty all-in-one meal.

chopping a burrito in half

Be sure to check out our Beginner’s Guide to Mexican Food to learn more.


Are Burritos Mexican?

As we mention above the burritos found in Mexico are much much smaller than their American cousins. Today when one thinks of a burrito it’s definitely the US version. A much more Mexican dish would be a Chimichanga which is a  small deep-fried burrito, need we say more?…

Vegan Burrito

What Is The Burrito Meaning?

For any Spanish speaker, the word may raise an eyebrow! A “burro” is a donkey, and the diminutive form “burrito” means “little donkey!” So how did the delicious all-in-one Mexican meal we love come to be named little donkey? Legend has it that Juan Mendez from Chihuahua, Mexico used a donkey to carry around his supplies for his food cart. To keep the food warm, he would wrap it up in a large flour tortilla. So they actually refer to Juan’s much-loved donkey who helped him deliver them.

What Is In A Burrito?

The traditional, main ingredients of a burrito tend to be a flour tortilla, a meat filling, beans and salsa. Other popular additions are cheese, sour cream, homemade guacamole, rice and vegetables.

Chicken Burrito

Tortillas

A soft flour tortilla in the form of our Burrito Wraps would typically be used so that one can easily wrap it up. Our Burrito Wraps are 25cm wide and any wrap smaller is going to be quite challenging to roll. Without the tortilla, it’s a Burrito Bowl which is just a whole different dish.

how to make burritos
how to make burritos

The Main Burrito Filling

Shredded Chicken

Chicken Burrito

Also known as a pulled chicken, this is one of our favourite Burrito fillings. The best way to make them is in slow and low in a slow cooker. Check out this Chicken Burrito Recipe

Pulled Pork

Pulled Pork Burrito

Another favourite in case Luchito, slowly cooked and shredded pork is a fantastic Burrito filling. Check out this Pulled Pork Burrito recipe.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit, vegetarian mexican

With a similar texture to shredded meat, jackfruit is a great option for a vegan burrito. Check out this Jackfruit Burrito recipe.

Eggs

Breakfast Burrito

Scrambled Eggs are the main component of a breakfast burrito. Check out this Breakfast Burrito Recipe.

Beef

Beef Burrito

Slow-cooked Beef brisket is a great alternative to pork for your main burrito filling. Check out this Beef Burrito Recipe

Roasted Veg

Vegan Burrito

Roasted veg such as potatoes, butternut squash or peppers makes a great vegan burrito filling. Check out this Vegan Burrito Recipe

Rice and Beans

White Rice

Bulk out your burrito with some steamed white rice. Try stirring in some fresh coriander and lime juice.

Chipotle Rice

Mexican Rice finished dish

The Mexican staple will bring an extra dimension to your burrito. Check out this Chipotle Rice recipe.

Refried Beans

Refried Pinto beans add weight and substance, as well as protein, so if you want something meat-free then look no further!

Cantina Black Beans

Mexican Winter Recipes

Black beans are another great alternative. Make sure you drain them otherwise your Burrito will be very wet!

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice with chipotle adds a smoky and spicy flavour that pairs perfectly with the bold and hearty fillings of burritos.

Cowboy Beans

Cowboy Beans

Cowboy beans, with their rich and smoky flavours, provide a tasty and hearty accompaniment to the robust fillings of burritos.

Other Burrito Fillings

Guacamole

Mexican Avocado Recipes

A burrito is not complete without some homemade Guacamole.

Sour Cream

Mexican Lunch Ideas

Make a chipotle crema but simply mix sour cream with some chipotle paste.

Shredded Lettuce

A simple but important Burrito filling, shredded lettuce gives your burrito a nice crunch.

Salsa

how to make burritos

Add some heat to your burrito with some spicy mango salsa or smoky chipotle salsa.

Chillies

Chillies aren’t all about adding heat. They can also add some great texture to your burrito.

Cheese

Cheese Quesadilla, Mexican street food recipes

Not an essential burrito filling but some grated cheese will quickly melt and will be a great addition to the burrito.


How To Make and Wrap A Burrito

Though it can be pretty tricky at the start, this is something you should definitely hunker down and learn to master. It’s also fun and a great thing for the kids to get involved with. The result also happens to be extremely tasty! 

The main thing to keep in mind when it comes to making burritos is to add the right amount of filling so you are able to wrap it tightly and keep everything inside or at least most of it. Of course, it can get messy once you begin eating but that’s all part of the experience!

We have narrowed down how to achieve the perfect burrito to the following  steps, (check pictures for reference):

  1.  Warm the Burrito Wrap for a few seconds on a hot pan on each side until it’s warm and soft.  
  2. Lay the warm tortilla over a cutting board, and add a spoonful of your main filling could be chicken, meat or beans (Make sure not to add too much filling, you want to be able to fold it).
  3. Add any extra garnishes you may like on top such as pico de gallo, guacamole, radishes, grated cheese, creme fraiche, salsa, rice, or fired roasted serranos, etc. 
  4. Fold the edges from each side (as seen in the picture). Just enough to avoid the filling from coming out through the edges.
  5. Then start wrapping it tightly from bottom to top making sure you keep the side edges tucked in.
  6. Cut with a knife in half and enjoy!

Our Favourite Recipes

For more recipe inspiration: check out our other Burrito Recipes.


How To Reheat A Burrito?

how to make burritos

Reheating them is not a problem at all. We would recommend using an oven though instead of a microwave so you can use tin foil to cover it. This acts as a thermal layer and stops them from drying out. Here is how:

  1. Take it out of the refrigerator and loosely wrap it in aluminium foil.
  2. Place it in the oven on low heat for about 30 minutes.
  3. Use oven mitts to take it out of the oven, unwrap the foil and enjoy!


Can You Freeze Burritos?

Yes! Just roll them tightly in aluminium foil, place them in a freezer bag and then into the freezer. It’s as simple as that! You can keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are at room temperature before you put them in the freezer. 

The best way to defrost them is to thaw them in the fridge the night before and when you wish to eat them just follow the steps above to reheat. Enjoy!

Breakfast Burrito

Now you know everything you need to know, the only thing left to research is what to serve with burritos.

Please share your comments below to let us know what you think of this article

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#Vegan
#Vegan
1 year ago

Burritos are so good, but im very hungry now. Stop making burritos it is bad for u.

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