what kind of meat is barbacoa

Barbacoa is most commonly a traditional Mexican dish made from slow-cooked meat, which can be beef, lamb, goat, or pork. The typical cuts of beef used for barbacoa include beef cheeks, chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs. Beef cheek is particularly popular because of its rich flavor and collagen that breaks down during slow cooking, resulting in tender, juicy meat. The meat is usually seasoned with spices and cooked slowly, often in a pit or over an open fire, until it becomes tender enough to shred. Modern preparations may also use beef chuck or short ribs as alternatives to beef cheeks. While traditionally lamb or goat were used, beef has become very common, especially in Tex-Mex versions. Barbacoa meat is tender, flavorful, and often used as a filling for tacos and other dishes.