BBQ Goat or Lamb: Barbacoa de Cordero Recipe

Name: BBQ Goat or Lamb: Barbacoa de Cordero
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 guijillo chiles; 2 teaspoons cumin seeds; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 10 allspice berries; 1/3 cup Mexican oregano; 12 sprigs fresh thyme; 6 garlic cloves; 1 Spanish onion, roughly chopped; 1/3 cup cider vinegar; 1 (12-pound) goat, quartered or 1 (6 to 8-pound) lamb shoulder; Salt and pepper; 1 (2-pound) package dried avocado leaves

Servings: persons

4 guijillo chiles
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 teaspoon ground cloves
10 allspice berries
1/3 cup Mexican oregano
12 sprigs fresh thyme
6 garlic cloves
1 Spanish onion, roughly chopped
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 (12-pound) goat, quartered or 1 (6 to 8-pound) lamb shoulder
Salt and pepper
1 (2-pound) package dried avocado leaves

1
Toast chiles, cover with boiling water in a deep bowl, and set aside for 20 minutes.
2
Grind cumin, cloves, allspice, and oregano in coffee grinder.
3
Drain soaked chiles, puree in blender the chiles, ground spices, thyme, garlic, onion, vinegar, and 1/2 cup of water.
4
Process until smooth Push mixture through a sieve, season goat with salt and pepper.
5
Rub paste all over the meat.
6
Arrange in a bowl and allow to marinate for 4 hours, refrigerated.
7
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
8
In a deep roaster pan scatter half of the avocado leaves on the bottom, place meat on top of the avocado leaves and scatter the remaining leaves over the meat.
9
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
10
Cook the goat 6 to 7 hours until meat is falling off the bone.
11
If using lamb shoulder cook for 4 hours.
12
***Fresh avocado leaves are toxic, they must be dried to be used for cooking.

388

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 guijillo chiles, 2 teaspoons cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, 10 allspice berries, and more.

Yes, BBQ Goat or Lamb: Barbacoa de Cordero falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

BBQ Goat or Lamb: Barbacoa de Cordero

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions