Both enchilada and burrito are traditional Mexican dishes. As the origin of the two is the same, it is easy to get confused between the two. They are also kind of similar in their overview. But they are two different food items with different fillings and tastes.
Key Takeaways
- Enchilada is a Mexican dish made by filling tortillas with meat or beans, rolling them, and covering them with chilli sauce and cheese. At the same time, Burrito is a Mexican dish made by filling a tortilla with beans, meat, rice, and cheese and rolling it into a cylinder.
- Enchiladas are baked in an oven after filling and rolling, while Burritos are grilled or heated on a griddle.
- Enchiladas are served with sour cream, while Burritos are served with guacamole or salsa.
Enchilada vs Burrito
The difference between an enchilada and a burrito is that an enchilada is made with a corn tortilla with dripping sauce, whereas a burrito needs a flour tortilla and does not need to be soaked in sauce. An enchilada is also smaller in quantity than a burrito. Enchilada is drenched with sauce and needs a fork to eat, but the burrito is commonly eaten by using the hands.
Enchilada is a Mexican dish made with thin corn tortillas, mostly stuffed with chicken or mutton and drenched with sauce. The sauce is the distinction of this dish. This dish has a layer of sauce on top. This saucy dish is enjoyed with a fork.
Burrito is a mixture of stuffing covered with flour-based tortillas. It is a Mexican dish too. The mixture is made with beans, meat, and other various ingredients. The ingredients vary due to preferences. This cylinder-shaped roll can be eaten easily with hands.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Enchilada | Burrito |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | It is a saucy dish, tortillas filled with stuffing covered with sauce and cheese is called enchilada. | Burrito is not saucy. It is a dry roll-shaped dish filled with heavy stuffing. |
| Tortilla | The corn tortilla is used in an enchilada. | The flour tortilla is used in a burrito. |
| Sauce | Enchilada is soaked with sauce. | Burrito is neatly wrapped and not soaked with sauce. |
| Manner of eating | One can eat enchiladas by using a fork. | Burrito can be eaten with hands. |
| Filling | Usually, enchilada is stuffed with chicken or mutton. | Burrito is stuffed with beans and meat, and rarely shredded beef is used. |
| Size | Enchilada is smaller in size than a burrito. | A burrito is bigger than an enchilada. |
What is Enchilada?
This Mexican dish is traditionally a thin corn tortilla folded around the filling of chicken or mutton and soaked with chilli sauce. May 5th is celebrated as National Enchilada Day. Nowadays, the filling has variety. It can be made with seafood and vegetables as well.
The filling is adjustable according to the choice and craving. One can be creative and make enchiladas even from the leftovers. Enchiladas are served with other side dishes. Enchiladas as not a lot when it comes to quantity. Enchiladas have toppings and dressing as well.
Enchiladas are an old dish, and they have evolved over time. The term enchilada comes from Spanish, which means “decorated with sauce”. These stuffed corn tortillas are covered with sauce, topped with cheese, and then baked.
Sauce bursts the mixture of flavours in one’s mouth. This is the reason this saucy dish is impossible to eat with hands. One needs to use a fork in order to eat it.
What is Burrito?
Burrito is a Mexican dish as well. In this dish, flour tortillas are used instead of corn tortillas. These tortillas fold and cover the filling. The stuffing can be made with various ingredients. Mainly it contains beans and meat.
Ingredients of the filling depend not only on personal preferences but also determined by places. As in Mexico, a burrito fill is made of beans and meat. It can also contain Mexican rice.
But in the US, lettuce, avocado, salsa, sour cream, and cheese are mixed with basic beans and meat. The stuffing is not fixed in the recipe, and there is always a window for experimenting with the taste.
As a matter of size, the burrito is large. One burrito can equal three enchiladas. Burrito is heavy, and one burrito is enough to make one full. Burrito does not need a great deal of sauce. It is folded with foil, and it can be eaten easily with hands by unwrapping the foil.
| # | Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
| El Monterey Beef and Bean Burritos Made with Real Beef, 8 Ct Box | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 |
| El Monterey Burritos Family, 8 Ct, 32 Ounce | Check Price on Amazon |
Main Differences Between Enchilada and Burrito
- Enchilada is a dish in which the filling is wrapped with corn tortillas, whereas a burrito is a dish in which its filling is wrapped with flour tortillas.
- Enchilada is wrapped and soaked with sauce; it is always drenched with sauce. But the burrito does not need to be soaked with sauce; it is always neatly wrapped.
- As enchilada is essentially doused with sauce, it can not be eaten without a fork and knife. But Burrito, being neatly wrapped, is eaten with hands.
- An enchilada is smaller in size when compared with a burrito. A burrito is bigger. In general, One burrito equals three enchiladas.
- As the stuffing of enchilada, mainly chicken or mutton, is used, whereas burrito contains the filling of beans and meat, and rarely, shredded beef is used.
- Enchilada has layers of toppings on the filling stuff, and then it is soaked in sauce. But in a burrito, the stuffing is mixed with sauce and then rolled with the flour tortilla, enveloping the stuffing.
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=4Fl-DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA207&dq=Enchilada+and+Burrito&ots=zjXM4EQnXe&sig=0J9vAWd9WwznlCPmcP3l7u5musU
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=avFXqIIomuwC&oi=fnd&pg=PA1&dq=Enchilada+and+Burrito&ots=ms0SBZkjPc&sig=9yRCQ9jsMAoQGhb9c8Ziu5DjCaY
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A comprehensive overview of the differences between enchilada and burrito. It’s great to have a detailed breakdown of the distinctions and characteristics of each dish.
The details about the traditional aspects and cultural significance of enchiladas and burritos were enlightening. It’s wonderful to gain a richer understanding of these dishes.
The in-depth information provided about the historical and culinary aspects of enchiladas and burritos was truly fascinating.
I completely agree, the cultural context really adds depth to our understanding of these Mexican culinary delights.
The emphasis on the distinct origins and characteristics of enchilada and burrito was particularly engaging. It’s great to learn about the unique features of each traditional Mexican dish.
Absolutely, understanding the historical and cultural context adds a whole new level of appreciation for these dishes.
I found it interesting that the enchiladas have evolved over time and that the term comes from Spanish, meaning ‘decorated with sauce’. The saucy dish aspect was particularly enlightening.
I agree. It’s fascinating to learn about the historical aspect and evolution of enchiladas.
The comparison of the ingredients in the filling of burrito in Mexico and the US was quite eye-opening. It’s great to know that there’s room for experimentation and variety in the recipe.
Absolutely, the versatility in the burrito filling is an aspect that makes it a very adaptable and interesting dish.
I also enjoyed learning about the different variations in the burrito recipe. It adds a whole new dimension to the dish.
The elaboration of the differences between enchilada and burrito was very informative. It’s great to have a clear understanding of what sets these traditional Mexican dishes apart.
The detailed analysis of the differences between enchilada and burrito was truly enlightening. It’s wonderful to gain a deeper understanding of these traditional Mexican delights.
Agreed, the detailed explanations and comparisons made for a very enriching reading experience.
The comparisons provided were very detailed and enlightening. It’s fascinating to learn about the distinct characteristics and origins of enchiladas and burritos.
I completely agree, the detailed comparisons were very informative and engaging.
The details about the history and evolution of enchiladas were quite intriguing. It’s always wonderful to learn about the cultural and culinary heritage of traditional dishes.
Absolutely, understanding the roots of these dishes enhances our appreciation of their significance.
Thanks for the detailed explanation. It’s interesting to know that enchilada is smaller in size than burrito and that enchilada needs a fork to eat while the burrito can be eaten with hands.
Yes, the distinction between the two in terms of size and ease of eating is quite fascinating.
I appreciate the comparison table provided, it really clarifies the differences between enchilada and burrito.
The detailed explanation of the main differences between enchilada and burrito is very informative. It’s helpful to have a clear understanding of the distinct characteristics of each dish.
Agreed, having a precise comparison really enhances our understanding of these traditional Mexican dishes.
I appreciate the focus on the key differences, such as the type of tortillas used and the manner of eating. The comparison was very well-presented.