The Biggest Mistakes Everyone Makes When Making Burritos

If you think all burritos are largely the same, then that's your first mistake. If you don't explore the big, wide world of burrito styles, then the reality is that you're missing out on some delicious meals. So, before you get started trying to improve your burrito game, take a moment to learn about some of its most popular forms.

First up is the Mission burrito, hailing from the vibrant streets of San Francisco and renowned for its colossal size and robust combination of ingredients. These burritos boast a hearty mix of rice, beans, meat, and an array of condiments, all neatly wrapped in a massive tortilla. The key here is balance, as every bite promises a bit of everything. Meanwhile, a Mexican-style burrito traditionally features a filling of guisado, a thick stew made with ingredients such as meat, beans, vegetables, and spices. This is wrapped in a flour tortilla with no extras, meaning these two seemingly simple components need to be top-notch. And in a Dorado-style burrito, the tortilla is typically grilled or pan-fried until it develops a golden-brown and slightly crispy exterior. This happens after the burrito is filled and just before it's served up to a hungry diner.

These are just three of the many styles of burritos you could try your hand at making, so it's worth the time investment to learn more about the many ways to craft a burrito.

Using cold tortillas for your burrito is a serious culinary misstep that can compromise the entire eating experience. Cold tortillas tend to be stiff, making them prone to cracking and tearing when you try to assemble your burrito. What's more, eating a burrito includes enjoying that soft, pliable, slightly elastic tortilla. A cold tortilla throws the texture of your burrito off, making the whole thing less enjoyable.

Luckily, it's simple to rectify this mistake. Just heat your tortillas before assembling your burrito. First, try microwaving your tortillas. Place a stack of tortillas on a microwave-safe plate, separated by damp paper towels. Heat in 20 to 30-second intervals until warm.

Don't have a microwave? You can also heat each tortilla in a dry, hot skillet for about 10 to 15 seconds per side. Be careful not to overcook, as this can lead to excessive dryness. For an oven-based method, first, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 300 degrees). Wrap a stack of tortillas in aluminum foil and heat for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also place tortillas in a steamer basket over simmering water for a minute or two until they become pliable.

The rice in your burrito represents a great but oftentimes forgotten chance to inject flavor. But remember that using unseasoned rice in a burrito can leave you with a bland meal. Well-seasoned rice can complement other ingredients and create a burrito that tastes great.

So, how do you season the rice for a delicious burrito? One option is to replace plain water with a flavorful cooking liquid such as vegetable broth. This simple substitution adds a layer of savory richness to the rice. Citrus zest is another great seasoning for rice. Grate the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange into the rice for a burst of acidic brightness. This adds a refreshing element that pairs well with various burrito fillings. Or, you can add chopped fresh herbs like cilantro to the cooked rice. Likewise, feel free to experiment with spices like cumin, garlic, onion powder, or chili powder, which can add warmth and depth of flavor to the rice.

Combine these seasoning methods based on your taste preferences and the flavor profile of your chosen burrito fillings. Remember that the key here is to elevate the rice from a mere filler to something that tastes amazing in its own right.

We know how tempting it is to stick to tried-and-true burrito fillings. You know you like them, so they're a safe bet. But, if you aren't experimenting with new flavors, you're missing out on the possibility of some wonderfully delicious combinations. Take this as the cue to break free from the monotony and explore a world of tantalizing possibilities, both classic and unconventional, to elevate your burrito experience.

For a classic yet delightful twist, indulge in a combination of seasoned smoked tofu, black beans, cilantro-lime rice, and a zesty pico de gallo. The interplay of savory, smoky, and citrus notes here is a winner. Or you could turn to the hearty duo of sweet potato and black beans, which harmonize especially well with sautéed spinach, avocado slices, and a smoky chipotle sauce. For a vibrant burst of freshness, try a mix of mango salsa, lemon rice, black beans, cheese, and shredded cabbage.

Basically anything can go in a burrito if you're brave enough. What about cheeseburger or Buffalo chicken burritos? You could even stick spaghetti and meatballs in a burrito. Use your imagination and go wild. The worst that can happen is that you come up with a few duds.

Managing your timing effectively can make the difference between a seamless culinary experience and a chaotic kitchen fiasco. Poorly managed burrito-making not only adds stress but can also result in unevenly cooked components or, worse, a cold burrito. To avoid this culinary conundrum, you need to master the art of timing in burrito preparation.

Start by prepping all your ingredients before turning to a heat source. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and have your spices and condiments measured and ready to go. This step, often known as mise en place, ensures a smooth flow during the cooking process. Next, identify components that can cook simultaneously. For example, while your protein is grilling, you can use that time to sauté veggies or warm up your tortillas. This multitasking approach minimizes downtime.

Be sure to understand the hierarchy of cooking times for each ingredient. Begin with those that take the longest, such as slow-cooked meats or grains, and work your way through the list to the quicker-cooking elements like sautéed vegetables or toppings. Tortillas should be one of the last components you heat, but if they're ready before some of your fillings, you can keep them warm in a clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer. Finally, assemble your burritos just before serving to maintain optimal warmth and texture. This prevents the risk of sogginess or a lukewarm meal.

Sauces play a pivotal role in elevating the flavor of burritos, adding moisture, richness, and complexity to each bite. They not only contribute to the overall taste but also enhance the texture. Burritos can sometimes be on the dry side, especially if the fillings include rice or beans. Sauces help every bite be succulent and satisfying.

What's great about sauces is that there are many options, from the classic to the more unexpected. Your choice can also affect the overall experience of tasting the burrito. Pico de gallo is a common choice, with its vibrant combination of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice that adds a fresh, tangy kick to your burrito.

Then, of course, there's guacamole, with its creamy avocado texture and kick of lime. Lime crema is a similarly zesty and creamy option. Chipotle aioli adds a touch of spice, as it's made with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that have been blended with mayonnaise to add heat and depth of flavor to your burrito. And don't forget the many other salsas out there, including tart, tomatillo-forward salsa verde as well as sweet, spicy mango habanero salsa.

Poorly rolled burritos simply don't hold together, leaving you with a literal mess on your hands. Rolling a burrito correctly is a skill that doesn't come naturally to everyone. The good news is that you can learn.

To roll a burrito, first place the warmed tortilla on a clean, flat surface. Ensure the tortilla is pliable and easy to work with, and that all your filling ingredients are ready and easily accessible. When filling, make sure those ingredients are evenly distributed across the surface of the tortilla, and be mindful not to overfill. Leave some space along the edges to facilitate rolling without spillage.

Now comes the rolling part. Take two sides of the tortilla and fold them over the filling. This creates a barrier on each end that will keep the contents from escaping. Start rolling the burrito from the bottom edge (the edge closest to you). Tuck the filling in as you roll, using your fingers to keep the ingredients compact. Once the bottom is tucked over the filling, roll the burrito the rest of the way to form a cylinder.