10 Fillings That Ruin A Burrito & 10 That Feel Like A Crime If They Don't Have Them
10 Fillings That Ruin A Burrito & 10 That Feel Like A Crime If They Don't Have Them
A Burrito Is Only As Good As What Goes Inside
As far as satisfying meals go, burritos might take the top spot. Americans love this delicious meal, but that's not to say that all burritos are built the same. You need to get the balance of texture, seasoning, and warmth all right, and there are a few ingredients that help get this job done, and a few that ruin the dish. Here are just 10 fillings that can seriously mess up your entire burrito, and 10 that are absolute must-haves.
1. Wet Lettuce
There's nothing worse than having wet lettuce ruin the structural integrity of your burrito while also watering down the flavor of your fillings. The moment it sits next to the hot beans, rice, or meat, you know your meal's been ruined! You just end up with a burrito that tastes less fresh and more diluted.
2. Unseasoned White Rice
The rice in burritos might never be the star of the show, but you'll definitely notice a difference if it's not up to par. Bland rice that hasn't been seasoned with salt, lime, cilantro, or anything, just makes the whole thing fall flat.
3. Watery Salsa
Salsa should brighten a burrito, not soak through it before you finish eating and leave it tasting uninspired. When salsa is too thin, it spreads everywhere and turns the tortilla damp from the inside out. You need a thicker salsa or a well-drained pico de gallo to hold the flavor.
4. Too Much Sour Cream
Sour cream is an important part of a good burrito, as long as you add it with restraint. Too much, and suddenly every bite is just going to taste heavy! Because it's a cooling condiment, too much also overpowers the spices that are meant to give the burrito a delicious kick and flavor.
5. Undrained Beans
Beans are a must-have filling when it comes to burritos, but that doesn't mean you can just add them without any care. If you don't drain this staple, they'll become too loose and watery and compromise the whole burrito. Creamy beans are welcome, but runny beans make the whole thing harder to enjoy.
6. Greasy Ground Beef
Ground beef is a classic burrito staple, but just because it's the protein doesn't mean you can be lazy about it. If it's left greasy and undrained, it makes the whole thing turn oily and will transfer the grease all over the other fillings. Your suddenly clean-tasting burrito will turn into a disaster.
7. Overcooked Bell Peppers
Bell peppers bring sweetness and color, but overcooked ones become limp and slightly watery, bringing only disappointment. In a burrito, that softness blends into everything else, which can make the overall filling feel mushy. They’re simply much better when they still have a little bite and structure.
8. Dry Chicken Breast
Nothing's worse than overcooked, dry chicken breast that feels unpleasant to eat. Given that chicken is one of the most common burrito fillings, it's all the more important to ensure that it remains juicy and flavorful. Because when the protein's ruined, the whole dish becomes ruined too.
9. Too Many Raw Onions
Raw onions give burritos, burgers, and tacos a fantastic bite that cuts through the richness and heaviness of such dishes, but it's all about the balance. Too much, and suddenly the flavor profile turns way too sharp and crowds out gentler flavors that need room to shine too.
10. Cold Shredded Cheese
Cheese should melt into a burrito, no questions asked. When shredded cheese goes in straight from the fridge, it can create an uneven texture and a muted flavor. Warmed cheese, queso, or cheese placed near hot ingredients does the job much better, and prevents you from feeling disappointed that there's no cheese pull.
1. Seasoned Rice
In many ways, the rice is what holds the burrito together. It's the foundation of the dish, and though it's not the main star, it's the supporting character that deserves all the praise. Because when it's seasoned well, it helps absorb the delicious sauces and highlights the other ingredients better too.
2. Refried Beans
Refried beans make a burrito feel complete because they add creaminess, flavor, and structure all at once. They help hold the fillings together, which makes the burrito easier to eat, and their savory depth works with nearly every protein and topping. They're needed to provide that heftiness!
3. Carne Asada
As far as protein goes, carne asada is simply iconic. It brings a strong, seasoned flavor that makes any burrito feel more substantial, and what's more important, is that it works beautifully with beans, rice, salsa, and the other fillings.
4. Al Pastor
Another great protein, al pastor is perfect for those who prefer a protein with a bold, slightly sweet, and slightly savory flavor that makes a burrito taste exciting. The seasoning gives each bite personality, especially when paired with onions, cilantro, and a bright salsa.
5. Guacamole
What burrito doesn't have good guac in it? This is one filling that simply makes any burrito feel richer and fresher at the same time. If it's missing, you'll notice it immediately! It adds creaminess without heaviness unlike sour cream and cheese, and when seasoned well, gives you the kick you need.
6. Pico De Gallo
Speaking of freshness, pico de gallo certainly brings that to the forefront. It's also acidic and has great texture, which are two things that help balance out a burrito. It simply gives the dish a cleaner finish and keeps it from feeling too dense.
7. Melted Cheese
As we mentioned earlier, cheese is crucial in a burrito, so long as it's melted nicely with the other ingredients. It adds salt, richness, and a little stretch, and when it melts into rice, beans, or meat, the burrito feels more cohesive.
8. Salsa Verde
Bringing a delightful brightness to the dish, salsa verde can be exactly what you need when you're eating a burrito that's particularly rich and smoky. Its tangy flavor helps wake up the chicken, pork, beans, and rice without overwhelming them, and it also adds moisture in a way that doesn't feel overdone.
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9. Roasted Chiles
If you don't mind a little heat, roasted chiles are a must-have that add warmth, depth, and a gentle kick. They bring more flavor than raw peppers and usually blend better with grilled meats, beans, and cheese. The roasted taste gives the filling a little extra character too!
10. Cilantro And Onion
Cilantro and onion might seem like simple final add-ons that don't do much work, but just try a burrito without them and you'll notice an immediate difference. This combination of ingredients adds freshness, sharpness, and a clean finish that helps balance richer fillings.
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