Burritos
Cuisine: Mexican Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Tortillas
6 pieces (360)
Cooked Rice
1 cup (195)
Black Beans
1 cup (172)
Cooked Chicken
1 cup (140)
Shredded Cheese
1 cup (113)
Salsa
1 cup (240)
Sour Cream
1 cup (230)
Guacamole
1 cup (230)
Lettuce
1 cup (55)
Tomatoes
2 pieces (240)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (8)
Lime Juice
1 tablespoon (15)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (14)
Totals
75 oz
(2,132 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Tortilla
120
Beans
100
Rice
150
Cheese
80
Sour Cream
60
Guacamole
100
Lettuce
10
Tomato
20
Onion
10
Cilantro
5
Jalapeno
5
Chicken
150
Beef
200
Pork
180
Shrimp
120
Fish
100
Totals
1,410 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Add oil to the skillet and sauté diced onions until they become translucent.
Step 3: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Add your choice of protein (such as diced chicken, beef, or tofu) to the skillet and cook until browned.
Step 5: Sprinkle your preferred spices (such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika) over the protein and stir well to combine.
Step 6: Add diced bell peppers and cook until they become slightly tender.
Step 7: Stir in canned beans (such as black beans or pinto beans) and cook for a few minutes.
Step 8: Warm tortillas in a separate skillet or in the oven.
Step 9: Spoon the cooked protein and vegetable mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
Step 10: Add your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
Step 11: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly to form a burrito.
Step 12: Serve the burritos immediately, or you can wrap them in foil to keep them warm.
Step 13: Enjoy your homemade burritos with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream on the side, if desired.
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Burritos in Mexican Cuisine:
1. Tortillas:
- Substitute with large lettuce leaves or corn tortillas. Adjust the quantity as needed.
2. Meat:
- Replace beef or chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.
3. Beans:
- Use any type of canned or cooked beans such as black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans.
- Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
4. Rice:
- Substitute with quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Adjust cooking time and seasoning as required.
5. Cheese:
- If dairy-free, use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
- Adjust the amount based on personal preference.
6. Salsa:
- Use store-bought salsa or replace with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a homemade version.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Guacamole:
- Substitute with mashed avocado mixed with lime juice and salt.
- Adjust the amount based on personal preference.
8. Sour Cream:
- Use plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt as a healthier alternative.
- Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
9. Vegetables:
- Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, or lettuce based on personal preference.
- Adjust the cooking time and seasoning as required.
10. Hot Sauce:
- Replace with your preferred spicy condiment such as sriracha, Tabasco, or chili flakes.
- Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
Note: Adjustments in cooking time, seasoning, and quantities may vary depending on personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
Pairings
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Salsa and pico de gallo
- Sour cream and Mexican rice
- Refried beans and Mexican street corn
- Queso dip and nachos
- Cilantro lime rice and black beans
- Churros and Mexican hot chocolate
- Margaritas and tequila shots
- Horchata and tamales
- Enchiladas and Mexican salad
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use colorful and vibrant ingredients like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado as garnish.
- Roll the burrito tightly and wrap it in parchment paper for a professional touch.
- Serve the burrito on a bed of shredded lettuce or with a side of Mexican rice for an appealing presentation.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a variety of textures by including ingredients like crispy bacon, crunchy pickled onions, or crispy tortilla strips.
- Enhance the flavor by marinating the meat with spices, lime juice, and garlic before cooking.
- Incorporate a homemade salsa or a unique sauce like chipotle mayo or avocado crema for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Upgrade the protein by using high-quality cuts of meat such as filet mignon, shrimp, or lobster.
- Include premium ingredients like truffle oil, aged cheese, or saffron-infused rice to add a touch of luxury.
- Consider adding gourmet fillings like caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, or roasted poblano peppers for a sophisticated twist.
Diet Restrictions
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to increase fiber content and make it suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
- Opt for lean protein options such as grilled chicken, turkey, or tofu instead of fatty meats like beef or pork for individuals looking to reduce saturated fat intake.
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to add nutrients, fiber, and flavor.
- Substitute regular cheese with reduced-fat or plant-based alternatives to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Consider using avocado or guacamole as a healthy fat source instead of sour cream or mayonnaise-based sauces.
- Limit the use of high-sodium condiments like salsa or hot sauce, or opt for low-sodium versions to accommodate individuals with hypertension or heart conditions.
- For those following a low-carbohydrate diet, replace the tortilla with lettuce wraps or serve the burrito filling over a bed of lettuce as a salad.
- If catering to vegan or vegetarian preferences, use plant-based protein sources like black beans, lentils, or tempeh instead of meat.
- To reduce calorie intake, avoid deep-frying the burrito and opt for grilling or baking methods instead.
- Encourage portion control by serving smaller-sized burritos or offering a side of salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.
Healthy Choices
1. Swap white flour tortillas for whole wheat or corn tortillas to increase fiber and nutrient content.
2. Use lean protein options like grilled chicken, turkey, or beans instead of fatty meats like beef or pork.
3. Load up on vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach for added vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
4. Opt for low-fat or reduced-fat cheese instead of full-fat varieties to reduce saturated fat intake.
5. Include healthy fats like avocado or guacamole instead of sour cream or excessive amounts of cheese.
6. Limit the amount of added sauces and dressings to reduce sodium and calorie intake.
7. Consider adding a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo for extra flavor without added calories.
8. Serve with a side of mixed greens or a salad to increase overall nutritional value.
9. Control portion sizes by using smaller tortillas or dividing the filling evenly among multiple burritos.
10. Bake or grill the burritos instead of frying them to reduce the amount of added oil and calories.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cooked ingredients: Opt for pre-cooked meats, such as rotisserie chicken or canned beans, to save time on cooking and tenderizing.
2. Bulk cook fillings: Prepare a larger batch of fillings like seasoned ground beef or sautéed vegetables, and store them in the fridge or freezer for future use.
3. Utilize leftovers: Repurpose leftover cooked rice, grilled vegetables, or roasted meats from previous meals as fillings to reduce waste and save time on cooking.
4. Skip the homemade tortillas: Purchase ready-made tortillas from the store instead of making them from scratch, as it can be time-consuming. Look for options that are affordable but still have good flavor.
5. Opt for versatile toppings: Choose toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa that can be used in multiple dishes, allowing you to buy in bulk and save money.
6. Make a burrito bowl: Skip the tortilla altogether and serve the fillings over a bed of rice or lettuce, saving time on rolling and reducing the cost of tortillas.
7. Plan ahead: Create a weekly meal plan and prep ingredients in advance, such as marinating meats or chopping vegetables, to streamline the cooking process and save time.
8. DIY seasoning blends: Make your own seasoning blends at home using common spices to save money compared to store-bought mixes.
9. Opt for vegetarian fillings: Incorporate more vegetarian options like black beans, grilled vegetables, or sautéed mushrooms to reduce the cost of meat while still maintaining flavor and texture.
10. Cook in batches: Prepare a larger quantity of burritos and freeze them individually for quick and convenient meals later on, saving both time and money.