[Photographs: Daniel Gritzer]
Take a basic bean-and-cheese burrito, then turn it into breakfast. That’s the basic thinking behind this flour-tortilla torpedo stuffed with scrambled eggs, melted Pepper Jack cheese, creamy refried beans, guacamole, crema (or sour cream), chorizo, and more. But of course we put a little more thought into it than just that.
Let’s start with the eggs, because that’s how the recipe starts. They’re beaten in advance with the salt and then allowed to sit for 15 minutes, since that yields more tender results. (Don’t believe anyone who tells you not to pre-salt your eggs; they’ve got it all wrong.)
While the eggs do their thing, we roast a Poblano pepper and cook some fresh Mexican chorizo, removed from its casing and broken into small pieces as it renders and browns. Then it all goes into a pan together to scramble, with Pepper Jack cheese added just at the end until melted.
The rest of the burrito comes down to additional components, but to make the best version of this burrito, you should pay attention to those as well. Read up on our techniques for top-notch guac and refried beans with soul (some people call it lard, but, you know, that’s up to you).
Proper assembly is key. To ensure every component is in nearly every bite, we layer them one atop another, like placing sheets and blankets on a mattress. This way, once rolled up, there are no sections of just eggs or just beans.
Why It Works
- Pre-salting the eggs helps them retain moisture and reduces the chances of weeping.
- Layering the fillings one atop another means that you get a bit of everything in each bite.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium (4-ounce; 115g) Poblano pepper
- 8 ounces (225g) fresh Mexican chorizo (about 2 large links), casings removed
- 2 ounces (55g) shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 2 large (10-inch) flour tortillas, warmed through on a dry griddle or cast iron pan
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces; 55g) warm refried beans, divided
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce; 30g) crema or sour cream, divided
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces; 55g) guacamole, divided
- Hot sauce of your choice (optional)
Directions
- 1.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with a large pinch of salt and black pepper to taste until homogenous and no visible egg whites remain. Let stand 15 minutes.
- 2.
Using a broiler with the rack set in the highest position, or working directly over a gas flame, char Poblano pepper, rotating frequently, until skin is blistered and black all over. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cover with plastic, and let stand for 5 minutes. Using paper towels, rub charred skin off pepper. Stem and seed pepper, finely dice the flesh, and reserve.
- 3.
In a medium nonstick skillet, add chorizo and turn heat to high. Cook, stirring and breaking chorizo into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until fat has rendered and chorizo is cooked through and is beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.
- 4.
Lower heat to medium-low, add eggs, and cook, stirring constantly, until eggs have formed curds but are still runny, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cheese and reserved poblano pepper and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and eggs are soft and fluffy, about 1 minute longer. Remove from heat.
- 5.
Working with one just-warmed tortilla at a time, lay tortilla on a work surface. Spread half the refried beans on center of tortilla, leaving about 2 inches of border on either side and 3 inches of border above and below. Top with 1 tablespoon (15g) crema and 2 tablespoons (30g) guacamole, spreading each in a thin, even layer on top of the refried beans.
- 6.
Pile half the eggs and cheese on top. Douse with as much hot sauce as you want.
- 7.
Fold the tortilla sides in over the filling. Then roll the bottom flap of tortilla up over the filling, holding the sides tight as you roll. Continue rolling until the burrito is sealed. Repeat with remaining tortilla and filling ingredients. Serve right away.
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