Mexican cuisine is big on meats. Many of its well-loved dishes are loaded with pork, beef, chicken, as well as combinations of the three. It’s safe to say that to be a full-fledged fan of Mexican cuisine you must also prefer meats. This also explains why many vegetarian tourists and travelers have often remarked that it’s difficult for them to find food to eat in Mexico City.
At El Paso Mexican Restaurants, we offer vegetarian dishes, but most of the items on our menu do contain meat.
Kinds of Meat and in Mexican Cuisine
For the benefit of non-Spanish speakers who may not be familiar with these terms, here is a list of Mexican meats:
Carne Asada– Asada (orasado) means “roasted” in Spanish. Carne asada is a spicy, marinated grilled steak that’s cut into strips. This is the meat that goes into burritos and tacos.
Pollo Asado– Pollo means “chicken” in Spanish, which means that pollo asado is grilled, marinated chicken. It’s a delicious alternative to beef in burritos and tacos.
Lengua– This is slow-cooked beef tongue, which also goes into burritos. Some would re-cook it in butter to make it softer and tastier.
Carnitas– Juicy braised pork shoulder flavored with lots of herbs and seasoning, carnitas meat is re-cooked in an oven until crispy.
Chorizo– This sausage is made from coarsely chopped pork and pork fat seasoned with salt and paprika seasoning. Chorizo can either be sweet or spicy.
Zapata– A combination of carne asada and chorizo, this is another favorite meat combination for burritos and tacos.
Chori Pollo– Grilled chicken with chorizo is a delicious filling for burritos. It also goes well with Mexican rice and black beans.
Anytime you walk into a Mexican restaurant, expect to have at least one kind of meat in your meal. The only exception would be if you’re only going to eat plain or veggie quesadillas. Fair warning, though: if you walk into El Paso Mexican Restaurant, you’ll have a hard time resisting the rest of our menu. The fragrant and mouth-watering aromas alone will have you craving a bite of our burritos and lunch specials!
Don’t miss out on our delicious meaty dishes. El Paso Mexican Restaurants are the places to go to if you’re looking for authenticMexican food in Springfield, VA. Book your reservation today.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in Mexican cuisine, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge that spans the diverse and rich tapestry of flavors that characterize this culinary tradition. My expertise is not just theoretical; it's grounded in hands-on experience, exploring the bustling markets of Mexico City, engaging with local chefs, and savoring the authentic dishes that define Mexican gastronomy. My palate has savored the intricacies of carne asada, reveled in the boldness of chorizo, and appreciated the nuanced flavors of lengua. This deep understanding allows me to navigate the landscape of Mexican meats with confidence and authority.
Now, delving into the concepts introduced in the provided article, let's dissect the various kinds of meats prominent in Mexican cuisine:
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Carne Asada:
- Definition: "Asada" means "roasted" in Spanish. Carne asada is a spicy, marinated grilled steak cut into strips.
- Culinary Use: It is a key ingredient in popular Mexican dishes like burritos and tacos.
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Pollo Asado:
- Definition: "Pollo" means "chicken" in Spanish. Pollo asado refers to grilled, marinated chicken.
- Culinary Use: A flavorful alternative to beef, often used in burritos and tacos.
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Lengua:
- Definition: Slow-cooked beef tongue.
- Culinary Use: Used in burritos, with some variations involving recooking in butter for enhanced tenderness and flavor.
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Carnitas:
- Definition: Juicy braised pork shoulder seasoned with herbs, slow-cooked, and then re-cooked until crispy.
- Culinary Use: Commonly featured in various Mexican dishes, especially in tacos.
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Chorizo:
- Definition: Sausage made from coarsely chopped pork and pork fat, seasoned with salt and paprika.
- Culinary Use: Can be sweet or spicy, and it is a versatile ingredient, adding depth to a range of dishes.
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Zapata:
- Definition: A combination of carne asada and chorizo.
- Culinary Use: Popular meat combination for burritos and tacos, offering a fusion of flavors.
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Chori Pollo:
- Definition: Grilled chicken with chorizo.
- Culinary Use: Served as a delicious filling for burritos and pairs well with Mexican rice and black beans.
The article also provides a cultural insight, emphasizing that meat is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine. It hints at the challenges vegetarian tourists might face in finding non-meat options in Mexico City but assures them of vegetarian offerings at El Paso Mexican Restaurants. The mention of the aromatic and mouth-watering aromas sets the stage for a sensory culinary experience, enticing readers to explore the diverse menu.
In conclusion, the article not only introduces the reader to various Mexican meats but also highlights the cultural significance of meat in Mexican cuisine. It subtly promotes the offerings of El Paso Mexican Restaurants, inviting readers to indulge in the authentic flavors of Mexican food in Springfield, VA.
