What Is a Mexican Burrito?

A Mexican burrito is a dish made with a flour tortilla and a variety of ingredients, though a large corn tortilla may be used in some recipes. Rice, beans, jalapeo peppers, salsa, and cheese are common burrito filling ingredients. In a Mexican burrito, a cooked protein such as chicken, beef, or pork is frequently included. The filling is wrapped in a tortilla, which allows the burrito to be eaten without utensils. Other ingredients such as sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce can be added before the food is wrapped.

One of the most important components of a burrito is the tortilla. A large corn tortilla can be substituted for a flour tortilla in most recipes. To get the best results, use homemade tortillas. Fresh tortillas can often be purchased at Mexican markets or bakeries if making them is not possible. Burrito tortillas are typically large in order to accommodate the fillings.

Mexican cuisine is based on beans and rice. When making a burrito, you can use mashed, refried, or whole beans. Rice can be served plain or seasoned. These two ingredients can be wrapped in a tortilla by themselves to make a basic Mexican burrito. Cooked meat, such as chicken, beef, or pork, is frequently required in other recipes. This protein is usually well-seasoned, and it can be marinated before cooking to enhance the flavor. Before being included, meats can be grilled, baked, roasted, or boiled, and a Mexican burrito can be made with any combination of rice, beans, and meat — or only meat, depending on personal preference.

While these ingredients are commonly found in a Mexican burrito, they are usually supplemented with a variety of other foods for added flavor. Vegetables like onions and tomatoes are common flavor enhancers. Chili peppers, such as jalapenos or habaneros, are used in many recipes to give a burrito a spicy kick. Fillings such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole are also popular.

A well-made Mexican burrito can be quite large, and it is frequently served as the main course of a meal. Burritos are simple to make at home or to order from a Mexican restaurant. The dish can be eaten on its own or served with Mexican rice and refried beans as a side dish.