What is a Burrito? Easy Homemade Burrito Recipe

Have you ever heard of burrito – the famous Mexican dish wrapped in a soft tortilla filled with flavorful ingredients? Burritos are not only loved for their rich taste but also for their convenience and the endless variety of fillings you can choose from. In this article, X-BBQ will guide you through what a burrito is and how to make a simple, delicious homemade version – quick, easy to prepare, and specially adapted to suit the Vietnamese palate.

What is a Burrito?

A burrito is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a thin, soft tortilla (made from wheat or corn flour) tightly wrapped around a flavorful filling. The filling typically includes ingredients such as meat (beef, chicken, lamb, etc.), vegetables, Mexican-style rice, cheese, and rich sauces—all enclosed neatly without spilling out. Burritos are known for their diverse flavors and appealing ingredients, making them a popular choice among food lovers in Vietnam.

How to make Burrito at home

Burrito is a signature Mexican dish, often served as a main meal, consisting of two key components: a soft, pliable tortilla and a flavorful meat filling combined with fresh vegetables. In traditional recipes, Mexicans often add white rice and red beans to the filling to enhance the taste and make the dish more filling.

However, to better suit the Vietnamese palate, X-BBQ will guide you through a simple homemade burrito recipe – one that retains the spirit of Mexican cuisine while being easier to enjoy and make at home.

From soft, homemade tortillas to savory beef filling and refreshing tomato salsa, you’ll have a delicious and exciting dish ready for breakfast, lunch, or even a fun weekend gathering.

How to make tortilla for burrito

Ingredients:

• 250g all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor)
• 180ml warm water (add 1–2 extra tablespoons if the dough feels too dry)

Optional for extra flavor:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (for a more aromatic tortilla)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (if you prefer a slightly sweet tortilla)

Instructions:

• Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder.
• Add oil: Add the oil or melted butter and rub it into the flour using your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs (like damp sand).
• Add water: Slowly pour in the warm water while mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time.
• Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead for about 2–3 minutes until it’s soft and elastic.
• Rest the dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. This helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
• Divide and roll: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into a thin, round circle about 20–25cm in diameter.
• Cook the tortillas: Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each tortilla for 30–60 seconds on each side, or until golden brown spots appear.

How to make Burrito filling (Beef filling)

Ingredients:

• 450g ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/4 cup water (about 60ml)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Sauté the onion: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add some oil and sauté the chopped onion for about 5–6 minutes until soft and fragrant.
• Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Cook the beef: Add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
• Season the meat: Add salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, paprika, chili powder (if using), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine and let the flavors blend.
• Simmer: Pour in 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer for 1–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Turn off the heat and let it cool a bit before using.

How to make fresh tomato salsa (Pico de Gallo)

Fresh salsa, or Pico de Gallo, is an essential topping that adds brightness and bold flavor to any burrito.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe red tomatoes, finely chopped (remove seeds if you prefer less liquid)
• 1 small red onion or white onion, finely chopped
• 1–2 jalapeño peppers or green chilies (you can substitute with Vietnamese chili), finely minced
• A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onion, chili, and cilantro.
• Add lime juice and salt, then mix everything well until fully combined.
• Let the salsa sit for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Chill in the fridge if you prefer it cold.

Assembling the Burrito

Optional toppings:

• Diced or mashed avocado (optional)
• Cooked sweet corn kernels
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Shredded lettuce
• Sour cream

How to roll a Burrito:

• Lightly warm the tortilla on a skillet (1–2 minutes per side).
• Place the tortilla on a clean cutting board or plate.
• In the center of the tortilla, layer the following:
  • A handful of fresh shredded lettuce
  • A spoonful of the prepared beef filling
  • A spoonful of fresh tomato salsa
  • Avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream
• Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling.
• Lightly sear the wrapped burrito on a skillet until the outside is slightly crispy and the cheese melts.
• Serve and enjoy!

Tips and tricks for making delicious, authentic Mexican Burritos

• Use fresh ingredients: Choose fresh, crisp ingredients like tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and cilantro to add brightness and balance the richness of the meat filling.
• Season the meat well: Don’t be shy with spices like cumin, paprika, oregano, or chili powder – these are the “soul” of traditional Mexican burrito flavor.
• Soft and pliable tortillas: Roll the dough evenly and cook just until done. Avoid overcooking, as dry tortillas are more likely to crack when rolled.
• Don’t overfill: Too much filling can tear the tortilla and make it hard to roll. Just enough meat, veggies, and salsa will give a balanced, satisfying flavor.
• Roll tightly: Fold the sides in first, then roll the burrito tightly from the bottom to keep the filling from falling out.
• Reheat before serving: Lightly sear the burrito in a skillet or air fryer for 2–3 minutes to create a slightly crispy outer layer while keeping the inside soft and warm.
• Serve with the right sauces: A spoonful of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole adds the perfect finishing touch and enhances that true Mexican flavor.

|Discover more: Easy homemade Tacos recipe

Conclusion

X-BBQ has just shared with you a detailed and easy-to-follow guide on how to make burritos at home. While the recipe includes a few tweaks from the traditional Mexican version, it has been thoughtfully adjusted to better suit the Vietnamese palate. We hope that with this guide, you’ll be able to create delicious, flavorful burritos that reflect your own personal touch and bring warmth and joy to every family meal.