Barbacoa
Beef cheeks or lamb slow-cooked in a chile-spiced broth until fall-apart tender. Traditionally cooked in an underground pit (pib) wrapped in maguey leaves; modern versions use a Dutch oven or steamer. Served as taco filling with corn tortillas, cilantro, onion, and salsa.
Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.
Your dietary restrictions
The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.
Full allergen breakdown
Ingredients
- beef cheeks or lamb shoulder
- dried chiles (ancho, guajillo, chipotle)
- garlic
- white onion
- bay leaves
- oregano
- cumin
- lime
- corn tortillas
Hidden Ingredients
These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.
- some preparations add soy sauce or Maggi for depth (wheat)
- chipotle in adobo sauce may contain wheat
- consomme served alongside sometimes contains wheat-based broth enhancers
Allergen Breakdown
Dairy-Free
Likely OKNo dairy in barbacoa.
Gluten-Free
Check with staffTraditional preparation is gluten-free but some restaurants add Maggi or chipotle in adobo (may contain wheat). Verify.
Peanut-Free
Likely OKNo peanuts in barbacoa.
Tree Nut-Free
Likely OKNo tree nuts in barbacoa.
Shellfish-Free
Likely OKNo shellfish in barbacoa.
Egg-Free
Likely OKNo eggs in barbacoa.
Fish-Free
Likely OKNo fish in barbacoa.
Soy-Free
Check with staffTraditional preparation has no soy but some modern versions add soy sauce for depth. Verify.
Sesame-Free
Likely OKNo sesame in barbacoa.
Vegetarian
Likely contains restrictionMade from beef or lamb.
| Restriction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Likely OK | No dairy in barbacoa. |
| Gluten-Free | Check with staff | Traditional preparation is gluten-free but some restaurants add Maggi or chipotle in adobo (may contain wheat). Verify. |
| Peanut-Free | Likely OK | No peanuts in barbacoa. |
| Tree Nut-Free | Likely OK | No tree nuts in barbacoa. |
| Shellfish-Free | Likely OK | No shellfish in barbacoa. |
| Egg-Free | Likely OK | No eggs in barbacoa. |
| Fish-Free | Likely OK | No fish in barbacoa. |
| Soy-Free | Check with staff | Traditional preparation has no soy but some modern versions add soy sauce for depth. Verify. |
| Sesame-Free | Likely OK | No sesame in barbacoa. |
| Vegetarian | Likely contains restriction | Made from beef or lamb. |
Key risk: Traditional barbacoa is beef and dried chiles — naturally free of most allergens. The risk is in modern restaurant adaptations that add soy sauce or chipotle in adobo (which may contain wheat). The consomme (broth) served alongside is generally safe but verify with the kitchen.
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Scan a menu nowImportant: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.