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Barbacoa Lamb Carnitas

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๐Ÿ– Experience the rich, authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine with this tender and flavorful Lamb Barbacoa recipe.
๐ŸŒฎ Perfect for taco nights, slow-cooking enhances the lamb’s tenderness, making every bite a deliciously satisfying treat.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Yield: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

– 2.2 kg (4.8 lbs) bone-in shoulder of Welsh lamb

– 4 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1 tbsp adobo paste

– 1 tbsp chipotle paste

– 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

– 1 tbsp cumin

– 1 tsp ground coriander

– 1 tbsp dried oregano

– 480 ml (2 cups) chicken or lamb stock

– 1 tsp salt

– 1 tsp ground black pepper

– ยผ tsp ground cloves

– Juice of 2 limes (about 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice)

– 10-12 soft tacos, warmed

– 1 red onion, peeled and sliced

– 4 tbsp chopped fresh coriander

– 2 jalapenos, sliced

– 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered

– 4 tbsp salsa

– 120 ml (ยฝ cup) sour cream

– 200 g (1 cup) guacamole (homemade or shop-bought)

– 2 limes, sliced into wedges

Instructions

1-Getting started with Barbacoa Lamb Carnitas: Getting started with Barbacoa Lamb Carnitas is as simple as heating up your pan and letting the flavors do the work. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your meal turns out tender and delicious. With a bit of prep, you’ll have a dish that’s ready to wow your family or guests.

2-First, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan and sear the lamb shoulder on all sides until it’s nicely browned. This step locks in the juices and builds that rich flavor base. Next, add the adobo paste, chipotle paste, minced garlic, cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, stock, salt, black pepper, ground cloves, and lime juice to the pan, stirring everything together.

3-Bring the mixture to a boil, then transfer it all into a slow cooker for even cooking. Set it to low for 8-9 hours or high for 6 hours, depending on your schedule. If you prefer the oven, place everything in a heavy pan with a lid and cook at 160ยฐC for about 3 hours, checking and adding extra stock if needed to keep the lamb moist.

4-Finishing Touches: Once the lamb is done, remove it from the slow cooker or oven and shred the meat using two forks, discarding the bones for a clean result. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan and fry the shredded lamb for 3-4 minutes until it becomes crisp and golden, adding that perfect texture. To serve, divide the shredded lamb among the warmed tacos, drizzle with the cooking sauce, and top with red onion, fresh coriander, jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Don’t forget the lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze.

Last Step:

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Notes

๐ŸŒŸ The lamb barbacoa can be prepared up to shredding the meat in advance; refrigerate meat and cooking liquid separately for up to two days.
๐Ÿ”ฅ Reheat the lamb in oil until hot and golden, warming the cooking liquid separately.
โ„๏ธ This dish is freezable after shredding; allow space in the container for expansion and defrost overnight before reheating.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Slow cooking time: 6-9 hours
  • Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker on high) or 8-9 hours (slow cooker on low) or 3 hours (oven)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking, Oven Baking, Pan Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco with toppings
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1069 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 87 mg