Oaxacan Lamb and Goat Barbacoa

Oaxacan Lamb and Goat Barbacoa

Oaxacan Lamb and Goat Barbacoa

Authentic barbacoa comes from the Oaxacan region of Mexico. It is traditionally made out of lamb or goat, but in the U.S., you’ll see it made out of beef. The main flavor profile of this meat comes from the ancho chilies, smokey chipotle peppers, and oranges used in the marinade. The meat is slow roasted with the marinade until it falls off the bone. It can be used in tacos, burritos, tortas, enchiladas, and much more.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: goat, lamb, Latin American, main course, Mexican
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs bone in lamb shoulder cut into large cubes
  • 2 lbs bone in goat shoulder cut into large cubes
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large white onion thinly sliced
  • 1 large orange thinly sliced
  • bay leaves

Barbacoa Marinade

  • 3 ancho chilies seeded
  • 1 chipotle pepper with 2 tbsp of its juice
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 cups beef stock
  • 1 orange juiced
  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tbsp dried epazote
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey

Instructions

  • Heat up the oil in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add in the lamb and goat. Season with salt. Brown on all sides for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat. Remove the meat from the pan.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
  • Layer the onions, orange slices, and bay leaves in the bottom of the pan.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
  • Place the meat back into the pan.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
  • Purée the barbacoa marinade ingredients in a blender.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
  • Pour the marinade over the meat. Cover and place in a preheated 325 degree oven for 4 hours.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
  • Take out of the oven and allow to cool.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
  • Pull the meat off the bones and chop. Stir in some of the sauce from the pan.
    Mexican, main course, lamb
Mexican, main course, lamb
However you decide to serve the barbacoa, make sure to add lots of onions and cilantro.