What makes a burrito? To understand what a burrito is, it is important to understand what it means. A burrito is a Mexican entree where a soft, flour tortilla wrap is filled with a protein, such as beef, chicken, tofu, pork, or shrimp, and toppings of your choice. These toppings usually include salad, rice, salsa, beans, cheese, and guacamole.
But the construction of a burrito is only scratching the surface. Rather than take a gamble by typing in “authentic Mexican restaurant near me,” Mija Restaurant offers an enriching experience that honors the flavors of Mexico!
At Mija Restaurant, we pride ourselves on ensuring every burrito we make is of the highest quality and suits everyone’s palette. Since everyone has a different vision of what the ideal burrito tastes like, it is important to understand the best way to make a tasty burrito.
Taste and Texture
Before choosing the right type of tortilla, we first need to talk about taste and texture. One of the most important factors in building a great burrito is perfecting its flavor and texture. A burrito is far more than a bunch of beans, and meat rolled up in a burrito. Perfecting a burrito is all about finding the perfect blend of soft, crispy, and crunchy textures that go together seamlessly.
The Tortilla
At first glance, the tortilla does not seem like something you would put too much thought into. However, you would be surprised to know that it is one of the most vital components of a burrito. It is the foundation of what holds all of your favorite toppings together to create that blend of savory flavors you know and love.
Once you have chosen a type of tortilla wrap, you then have the choice of having it steamed, grilled, or toasted. These heating methods can greatly enhance the flavor of your burrito.
The Proteins
The heart of every burrito is the protein within it. We mentioned earlier that the most common options include beef, chicken, beans, pork, shrimp, and tofu. However, you can also enjoy having chorizo and steak. But not every burrito is filled with meat; there are plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and people with allergies, such as gluten. For example, vegetarians and vegans can have plant-based meat or an alternative source of protein.
Below is a list of alternatives Mija Restaurant offers:
- Vegan eggs
- Black beans
- Microgreens
- Corn
- Quinoa
- Potatoes
- Pinto beans
- Avocado
Mija Restaurant encourages you to specify your dietary preferences or allergies, so we can provide you with a safe and unforgettable experience.
The Rice
The next important part of a burrito is the rice. Many burritos have an abundance of rice to help people feel full. There are three types of rice that are used in a burrito: white, brown, and wild. White rice is low in fiber and simple to digest, so you can use more than the other two options if you choose.
Brown rice is considered to be the healthier alternative to white due to its high quantity of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This is because it is made with whole grains rather being milled. Wild rice is the most unique of the three; it is not an actual type of rice. Instead, it is actually a species of grass and houses more vitamins and protein than brown rice. The choice of which is better is up to your personal preference.
Once you’ve settled on the type of rice, your next decision lies in the seasoning. Burrito rice is typically seasoned with cilantro-lime, chipotle, or Spanish-style. This is also up to your personal preference.
The Beans
No burrito is complete without a hearty serving of beans. Similar to the protein, there is
a variety of beans you can stuff into any burrito. You can choose to have black, white, and pinto. However, the style of beans is only the beginning; you can also choose to have them mashed, refried, or whole.
The Vegetables
Vegetables are a staple of every burrito, and there’s no shortage of them. What’s more is that you can add just about any vegetable to your burrito. Some of the most common options include red onion, tomatoes, peppers, corn, zucchini, and mushrooms.
The Cheese
Out of all the flavors you will taste from a burrito, the cheese is one of the most notable. Cheese has a naturally strong taste, and there is a variety of different options. You can choose to have Monterey jack, cheddar, queso fresco, chile con queso, Cotija, or feta cheese. Cojita cheese, in particular, is a popular choice in many Mexican dishes because of its sharp taste.
The Salsa and Sauces
When it comes to topping a burrito with sauce, you need to think about what’s already inside. Some people choose to top burritos with thick cheese sauce, while others opt for a flavorful cilantro-based blend. There is no rule dictating what sauce you should use; the key is to make sure it tastes good and blends well with the other flavors.
Adding Extra Toppings
Topping off your burrito does not have to end with the sauce. You can add extra toppings, such as jalapeno peppers for spice, fresh cilantro for flavor, and even diced red onion for texture. Burritos should be treated like an art project; they are a blank slate just waiting to be enriched by your choices of protein, sauce, condiments, and toppings you prefer.
What To Pair a Burrito With
If you are looking for the perfect pairing for your burrito, you definitely cannot go wrong with a side of chips and pico de gallo. If you are really hungry, you can always pair your burrito with shrimp tostadas, tamales, or some charred jalapenos. And let’s not forget about dessert; a Carmelita bar, mini strawberry shortcake, or even a vegan chocolate cake can satisfy any sweet tooth.
Book a Reservation at Mija Restaurant
Looking for the best burrito around? Then, look no further than Mija Restaurant! Click here to book a reservation or have catering today!
