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    Home / Dinner / Barbacoa Oaxaqueña

    Barbacoa Oaxaqueña

    This traditional Oaxacan dish — Barbacoa Oaxaqueña — is pit-roasted lamb or goat wrapped in avocado leaves and cooked until it surrenders completely.

    ⏱ 30 minPrep time
    🔥 300 minCook time
    🍽 8Servings
    🏷 DinnerCategory
    ☆☆☆☆☆No ratings yet
    Oaxacan barbacoa with consommé and tortillas

    This traditional Oaxacan dish — Barbacoa Oaxaqueña — is pit-roasted lamb or goat wrapped in avocado leaves and cooked until it surrenders completely. Traditionally buried in an earthen pit with hot embers and slow-cooked overnight, it emerges fall-apart tender, perfumed with the anise-like scent of avocado leaf. Served with its own savory consommé, salsa, onion and cilantro, it is the centerpiece of Oaxacan Sundays and celebrations.

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    Step by stepInstructions

    1. Toast the chiles on a comal until fragrant, soak in hot water for 20 minutes, then blend with the garlic, cumin, oregano, vinegar and water into a marinade; season with salt and pepper.
    2. Rub the lamb all over with the marinade and let it sit for at least 1 hour, or overnight.
    3. Wrap the lamb in the avocado leaves, then in two layers of foil, sealing tightly.
    4. Roast in a low oven, about 300°F (150°C), for 4 to 5 hours, until the meat is falling off the bone — a true barbacoa is pit-cooked overnight over embers.
    5. Unwrap, shred the meat, and pour the collected juices into a pot as the consommé.
    6. Serve the barbacoa with warm tortillas, onion, cilantro, lime and the consommé on the side.

    💡 Chef tips & storage

    Dried avocado leaves are available at Latin markets — they are essential for the authentic flavor; use banana leaves if you must substitute. The low-and-slow heat is non-negotiable: rush it and the meat will be tough.

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    Recipe details

    Prep30 min
    Cook300 min
    Servings8
    CategoryDinner
    PublishedAugust 17, 2026
    Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

    Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

    Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

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