What is the difference between a burrito and an enchilada?
The majority of burritos are constructed using flour tortillas and enchiladas from corn tortillas. Burritos are bigger and are eaten by hand, whereas enchiladas are filled with cheese and sauce and are typically eaten with a knife and fork.
When you think of Mexican food in America, usually what comes to mind are delicious burritos, or incredible Enchiladas. Both are equally as good as each other, but they are different!
While these two dishes aren’t the only yummy Mexican dishes that have been brought north but they are among the most sought-after and popular, and for the right reasons!
Both burritos and enchiladas are simple, customizable, and insanely delicious.
That makes burritos a very popular selection at many fast-casual as well as sit-down Mexican eateries. The ingredients of burritos and enchiladas could be the same however the way they’re cooked creates a distinct flavor.
You might also find their menus, and you might be wondering what is the difference between them?
Read on to find out what burritos, enchiladas, and burritos are, what the major differences are, and how to prepare your version at home.
What Is A Burrito?
If you imagine a burrito you could imagine a massive flour tortilla filled with various ingredients like beans, rice, and guacamole, as well as vegetable meats, cheeses, and, sometimes, eggs as well as other breakfast ingredients.
Usually, both sides of the tortilla will be folded to the center, to ensure that the filling is fully contained inside the wrap. Once filled, it is wrapped in tinfoil before being consumed by hand.
The style of the burrito is influenced in part by the Mexican dish having its origins in the Mission district in San Francisco.
Therefore, if you’re not located in the Southern portion of the US close to the Mexican border, it’s likely that the burrito that you’re familiar with is the Mission-style one.
The original burrito style originated from Northern Mexico is similar, however, it is generally less limiting in the fillings. Typically, you’ll only find the two or three fillings, like vegetables and beans in traditional burritos.
Other fillings traditionally associated with the Mexican burrito may include things such as beans, potatoes rice sauce, meat, vegetables as well as cheese.
They are typically smaller than what we’re used to eating in the States however, they can be very delicious too and I highly recommend trying this recipe.
As time passes, burritos of the Mission style have gained global popularity and have expanded to offer a myriad of fillings, based on the location and the cuisine that is served.
There are breakfast burritos and seafood as well as burritos prepared with seasonal and local ingredients, vegetarian and vegan burritos, and any filling you could imagine.
In terms of burritos, and creativity The possibilities are endless, so make sure you’re in the kitchen and discover your preferred combination.
What Is An Enchilada?
It should not come as a surprise that Enchiladas in various forms have been consumed in Mexico for hundreds of years.
The belief is that these tortillas be originating within Mayan or Aztec culture (probably with some variations of both) and may have initially been simple corn tortillas that were served with chili sauce.
In the 2000-2000 years BC in the 2000s to 2500s BC, the Mayan people living in the Yucatan peninsula used Corn tortillas for wrapping their meals and then covering them with the thick sauce.
It is believed that Aztecs have been the first to make use of chili peppers (a vital ingredient) in the creation of the base of modern Enchiladas.
If we look forward to a couple of thousand years, it’s possible that this enchilada will not be fully understood by the people who invented it. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less tasty.
Enchiladas of the moment are made from corn tortillas that are wrapped around fillings like beans, rice cheese, meat vegetables, sauce, or even meat.
After they are wrapped up, the tortillas will be covered in a delicious salsa, along with some quéso fresco (a Mexican cheese made from fresh goat or cow milk).
The edges of the enchiladas are usually left open. This means that it is made of corn tortillas that are wrapped with filling however, it isn’t tapered the filling completely.
Based on where you buy the enchiladas, they could be baked along with cheese and sauce to make a rich and creamy dish or like them plain.
Because they are coated in sauce, you’ll likely require a fork and knife to eat your Enchiladas.
When you purchase an enchilada from a restaurant it is usually served with rice and beans as a side dish, perhaps some salsa, and perhaps other side dishes.
What’s The Difference Between Burritos and Enchiladas?
While it could appear as if burritos or enchiladas can be considered identical: tortillas wrapped with different fillings, there are a few distinct distinctions that distinguish them.
Both are rooted in the tradition of Mexican culinary traditions, but they’ve evolved within America.
Burritos are typically made from flour tortillas. The Mission-style burritos we’re all familiar with are wrapped in various fillings like rice, beans cheese, meat, and salsas.
After they’ve been stuffed, they’re usually wrapped in tinfoil for eating at-the-go.
Enchiladas are made of corn tortillas rather than flour tortillas. While they could be filled with similar ingredients, however, they are smaller than burritos.
Another major distinction between the two is that enchiladas are covered in delicious salsa and quéso fresco.
Another major difference between burritos and enchiladas is that the edges of the burritos tend to be folded backward, to ensure that the contents are fully enclosed.
Enchiladas, On the contrary, keep the ends unblocked, then wrap your tortilla with filling, but make sure to not fold the edges.
Instead of eating your enchiladas with your hands, it is best to use a fork and knife to indulge in these delectable delights.
Which Should I Eat: A Burrito Or An Enchilada?
Once you’ve figured out the key distinctions between an enchilada and burritos, you have to choose which you’d prefer to try. It is possible to make your decision by weighing a few aspects:
- Would you rather have corn tortillas or flour tortillas?
- If you like corn, try the enchilada. If you prefer a flour tortilla, is a burrito your most effective option?
- Do you enjoy the taste of a lot of sauces and cheese?
- If you’re looking for a tasty dish, then an enchilada will be a hit because it’s drenched with delicious salsa.
- Do you eat it while on the move?
- If you’d like to enjoy eating your meals on the go eating an enchilada is the best option. They can be consumed in one hand and do not require cutting tools. Because enchiladas are smothered in sauce, they’re best for sit-down meals, provided there’s a fork and knife on hand.
What Is A Wet Burrito?
Wet Burritos are yet another American-inspired variation of traditional Mexican burritos. Mexican typical burrito.
Similar to the Mission-style burritos These are made of flour tortillas and are packed with tasty fillings, ranging from beans, and shredded meats to rice, vegetables cheese, sauce, and even cheese.
The major difference between a burrito that is wet and a regular burrito is the fact that when it is wrapped, it is then covered in cheese and red sauce.
The sauce could be an Enchilada sauce or an alternative made using tomatoes. The wet burritos are then put into the oven to bake the cheese, and then warm the sauce.
Because it’s coated with sauce and then cooked, the wet burrito will not be a food that can be eaten in a hurry as a traditional Mission-style burrito.
It’s best to relax and take a bite using a knife and fork unless, of course, you want to be smothered with sauce!
What’s The Difference Between A Wet Burrito and An Enchilada?
As you’ve noticed the wet burritos as well as Enchiladas are coated with cheese and sauce, and then baked to the perfect level.
But the primary distinction between them is that a wet burrito is made with flour tortillas, whereas an enchilada makes use of the corn tortilla traditionally used.
The sauce on enchiladas could be used to make the basis of a moist burrito, however, usually, it’s modified by adding tomato sauce into the mix.
It is possible to create your favorite enchilada recipe using flour tortillas and then turn it into a wet burrito using flour if you prefer it to corn.
How Do You Make A Rice And Bean Burrito?
Making a delicious burrito recipe at your own home is fairly simple and can be a great option to bring a meal to go when you’re experiencing a hectic day. The fillings can be customized depending on what you like. This recipe is among my personal favorites of burritos.
Ingredients
- 1 large flour tortilla
- 1/4 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup of cooked beans
- 1 2 tablespoons of cheese of your choice
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons of guacamole
- 2 tablespoons pico de gallo
Directions
- The flour tortilla can be heated by heating it in the microwave for about 15 seconds to increase its flexibility.
- Add your ingredients inside the center of your burrito. Add more or less based on your preference of yours.
- Fold the right and left sides of the tortilla on top of the filling.
- Choose the portion of the tortilla that is closest to you and place it between two ends, as well as the filling. Pull it gently towards your body and roll until the burrito has been completely covered.
- You can wrap it up in tinfoil, or simply you can enjoy it just as it is.
How Do You Make An Enchilada?
I highly recommend researching how to prepare an authentic Enchilada because there are many wonderful recipe ideas from Mexican chefs that are available. If you’re looking to make a basic recipe, then this recipe will satisfy your needs.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil, olive oil, or avocado
- 1 white large onion chopped
- 1 pepper red chopped
- Six cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken or beef
- 1 cup corn kernels
- five canned chipotle chilies cut into slices
- 1 Tablespoon Mexican chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- Ground coriander seeds 1 tablespoon
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1.5 cups canned enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese or queso fresco
Directions
- Set a large pan on top of the stove over moderate temperature.
- Then add the oil and allow it to warm for thirty seconds, or till it is bubbling.
- Add the peppers, onions as well as garlic. Sauté for approximately 2 minutes, until they soften.
- Add the chicken/beef, corn kernels chilies from chipotle, chili cumin, coriander, and cumin powder. Mix it all and cook for an additional two minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes to the pot and allow them to simmer for another five minutes.
- While the filling simmers while the filling is simmering, heat your oven to 375°F.
- The tortillas can be microwaved for about 30 seconds.
- Put a quarter cup of the sauce in a small cooking pan.
- Dunk the tortilla into the sauce for enchiladas on each side.
- Scoop a 1/4-1/3 cup of the filling in each tortilla, once covered.
- Form them into tubes, then place them in baking pans with the seam facing down.
- After the 12 tortillas have been filled and wrapped, put them over the rest of the enchilada sauce, along with cheese.
- Put in the oven and bake for 15 hours or so, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- Take the enchiladas off the oven. You can top them with lime, cilantro green onion, lime, and sour cream. Enjoy!
What Is A Chimichanga?
Chimichangas are deep-fried burritos. They are made from flour tortillas and then filled with the same assortment of ingredients that are found in a regular burrito, however, once they are stuffed it is deep-fried.
Some restaurants will also cover them with cheese and sauce after they’ve been cooked.
It is believed that the chimichanga came from Arizona as a reinterpretation of the burrito. They are generally more difficult to transport than a burrito because they’re hot to the touch due to deep-frying.
What’s The Difference Between Burritos, Enchiladas, and Chimichangas?
In terms of the distinction between burritos, chimichangas, and enchiladas it’s interesting to note that in some instances, the chimichanga can be an amalgamation of both kinds of food.
Neither the burrito nor the enchilada has indeed been deep-fried. However, chimichangas are.
The chimichanga is prepared using flour tortillas, and then filled with a variety of ingredients, much like burritos. But, it can be served with cheese and sauce, similar to an Enchilada.
A chimichanga as an alternative to an enchilada or burrito is an excellent option if:
- You’re looking for something crisp or crunchy and deep-fried.
- You prefer corn tortillas over flour tortillas.
- You’ll want it covered with the sauce as well as cheese (depending on the source from which you purchase it).
- It’s not necessary to eat it while on the move, be aware that it’s likely to be hot and it’s best to use a fork and knife to take it in even if it’s not drizzled with sauce.
Roundup of Burritos vs Enchiladas
As you’ve seen there are some clear differentiators between burritos versus enchiladas.
Burritos are prepared using flour tortillas. The ends are then rolled to hold the fillings in so that they can be eaten with just one hand. You can fill them with rice, beans cheese as well as meat, sauces, and even vegetables.
Enchiladas are made with corn tortillas. The ends are left unopened. They are wrapped in different fillings, then covered with queso fresco and enchilada sauce.
After being covered in sauce, bake the cakes on the stove to soften the cheese. You’ll need to use a knife as well as a fork.
