barbacoa
noun
bar·ba·coa
ˌbär-bə-ˈkō-ə 
plural barbacoas
: a flavorful Mexican dish of shredded meat (such as beef, lamb, or goat) made by slow-cooking the meat in a marinade
Barbacoa as we know it today evolved in Mexico, where the most classic barbacoa is made in a natural oven dug into the ground, lined with heated rocks that cook meat enclosed in agave leaves, which keep the meat moist as it cooks.—
Andee Gosnell
Andee Gosnell… lunch on … barbacoa tacos of unctuous shredded beef packed into soft corn tortillas.—Jane and Michael Stern
Jane and Michael Stern
also
: a food item made with barbacoa
For a greasier fix, try the barbacoas: beef tacos in a fried shell. —Erika Stark
Erika Stark Examples of barbacoa in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The limited-time menu item is currently the most expensive protein, topping even the chain’s steak and beef barbacoa options.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
The meat eaters can try the Venga street tacos ($12) — classically made with barbacoa, onions and cilantro.
Bonus: On your drive home, stop at Pepe's Cafe in Ozona for the catfish tacos and a giant agua fresca.
—Megan Stringer, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024
The East Austin classic serves up a daytime menu spanning options such as a barbacoa breakfast plate and many breakfast tacos, including Austin’s must-have migas tacos.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2024
And what’s the best way to boil an egg, bake a potato and make restaurant-style barbacoa?
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Sep. 2024
Texas-style barbecue staples like brisket, slaw, and mac and cheese are served alongside charro beans, elote cups and the weekends-only smoked barbacoa.
—Scott Hocker, theweek, 13 Aug. 2024
His full order also includes a barbacoa quesadilla and chips and guacamole on the side.
—Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2024
Our favorites on a recent visit were the plump and juicy fried chicken tenders with a biscuit and generous beef barbacoa tacos.
—Monica Eng, Axios, 11 July 2024
The barbacoa is topped with avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, the Mexican herb papalo and a cold mound of shredded Oaxacan cheese.
—New York Times, 18 June 2024
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Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 29 Oct. 2024
The meat eaters can try the Venga street tacos ($12) — classically made with barbacoa, onions and cilantro.
Bonus: On your drive home, stop at Pepe's Cafe in Ozona for the catfish tacos and a giant agua fresca.
—Megan Stringer, Axios, 18 Oct. 2024
The East Austin classic serves up a daytime menu spanning options such as a barbacoa breakfast plate and many breakfast tacos, including Austin’s must-have migas tacos.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2024
And what’s the best way to boil an egg, bake a potato and make restaurant-style barbacoa?
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 4 Sep. 2024
Texas-style barbecue staples like brisket, slaw, and mac and cheese are served alongside charro beans, elote cups and the weekends-only smoked barbacoa.
—Scott Hocker, theweek, 13 Aug. 2024
His full order also includes a barbacoa quesadilla and chips and guacamole on the side.
—Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2024
Our favorites on a recent visit were the plump and juicy fried chicken tenders with a biscuit and generous beef barbacoa tacos.
—Monica Eng, Axios, 11 July 2024
The barbacoa is topped with avocado, lettuce, tomato, pickled onions, the Mexican herb papalo and a cold mound of shredded Oaxacan cheese.
—New York Times, 18 June 2024
Dictionary Entries Near barbacoa
Cite this Entry
“Barbacoa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbacoa. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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