A California burrito, also known as a Cali burrito, is a burrito that originated in San Diego, California in the 1980s. It is one of the most popular regionalvariations of burritos found in the United States. The distinguishing ingredients of a California burrito are french fries and carne asada.
Origins of the California Burrito
The origins of the California burrito can be traced back to the 1980s in San Diego. Several restaurants and taquerias in San Diego claim to have invented the California burrito. Some of the notable claims include:
- Albert’s Mexican Food – La Mesa, CA – Claims to have invented the California burrito in 1981 when a surfboard shaper asked them to put french fries in his burrito.
- Lolita’s Mexican Food – San Diego, CA – Claims one of their former workers, David Briseno, invented the California burrito at their restaurant in the 1980s.
- Roberto’s Taco Shop – San Diego, CA – Claims their founder, Roberto Robledo, invented the California burrito in the 1970s or 1980s.
While the exact origin is disputed, it’s clear the California burrito was popularized in San Diego in the 1980s, where many taquerias and Mexican restaurants served it. Adding french fries to burritos was not common in Mexico, but became a trademark of the California burrito invented in San Diego.
Standard Ingredients
While variations exist, a traditional California burrito typically contains the following base ingredients:
- Flour tortilla – The burrito is wrapped in a large flour tortilla. Originally, it was double-wrapped in two tortillas.
- Carne asada – Thinly sliced grilled steak. Carne asada is considered a key ingredient.
- French fries – Shoestring french fries are layered within the burrito.
- Pico de gallo – A fresh salsa made with chopped tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime.
- Guacamole – Made from mashed avocados and lime juice.
- Sour cream – Adds a creamy tang.
- Cheese – Usually grated cheddar or Mexican-style cheeses like queso fresco or cotija.
This combination of meat, fries, salsa, guacamole, and cheese create a complete and filling meal-in-a-burrito experience. The french fries add salt, crunch, and soaking up sauces.
Optional Ingredients
While the ingredients above form the core of a classic California burrito, some variations may also include:
- Rice
- Beans – pinto or black
- Diced onions
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Hot sauce
- Salsa
- Roasted chilis or chili peppers
- Tomatoes
- Lettuce
- Sour cream
- Queso fresco
Adding any combination of these extras can customize the burrito to individual tastes. The most popular extras are rice, beans, salsa, and jalapenos for added spice.
Size of a California Burrito
A California burrito is known for being large and filling. A typical size is:
- Length – 8 to 12 inches
- Diameter – 4 to 5 inches when wrapped
- Weight – Around 1 pound or heavier
When stuffed with ingredients, the burrito swells to be a hefty, oversized meal. Part of the appeal is the large portion that can feed even hungriest eaters.
California vs Regular Burrito Differences
There are a few key differences between a regular burrito and a California burrito:
| California Burrito | Regular Burrito |
|---|---|
| Contains french fries | Does not contain fries |
| Always contains carne asada steak | Can have any protein like chicken, carnitas, etc. |
| Originates from San Diego, CA | Evolved from traditional Mexican burritos |
| Oversized and packed with ingredients | More modestly sized |
| Flour tortilla | Can use flour or wheat tortillas |
While the California burrito has become popular across the US, the original version remains distinct to its San Diego roots.
Popular Regional Variations
As the California burrito has expanded beyond San Diego, several regional adaptations have emerged. Some popular versions include:
- Arizona – Adds pinto beans and switches fries for potato tots.
- Nevada – Uses chili fries instead of regular fries.
- Colorado – Replaces the tortilla with a burrito wrap and adds eggs.
- New Mexico – Uses New Mexican green chile sauce and potatoes instead of fries.
- Texas – Adds queso cheese sauce, green chiles, and guacamole.
Even with these regional twists, the combination of carne asada steak, french fries, and pico de gallo remains the core of an authentic California burrito.
How to Make a California Burrito
To make a classic California burrito at home:
- Cook carne asada steak by grilling or pan-frying thin strips of flank or skirt steak with onions and seasoning.
- Cook french fries from scratch or use store-bought frozen fries.
- Warm up tortillas to make them pliable for rolling.
- Layer refried beans, rice, carne asada, fries, cheese, guacamole, pico de gallo, and other toppings in the center of the tortilla.
- Fold in both sides and roll up burrito, tucking in contents.
- Place seam-side down in a hot pan to crisp and toast the outside.
- Cut in half and enjoy!
Homemade California burritos never compare to the giant stuffed versions from restaurants in San Diego. But this recipe captures the classic flavor combination in a fun DIY meal.
Where to Find the Best in San Diego
For an authentic taste of the original, you have to visit these favorites in San Diego:
| Restaurant | Location | Signature Style |
|---|---|---|
| Lucha Libre | Mission Hills | Gourmet California burritos with Surf & Turf and other unique options |
| Albert’s | La Mesa | Classic simple burritos, claims to have invented the Cali in the 1980s |
| Rigoberto’s | South San Diego | Huge, cheap burritos open late |
| JV’s Mexican Food | Chula Vista | Popular neighborhood spot, great value |
| Oscar’s Mexican Seafood | Pacific Beach | California burritos with fresh fried fish |
From hole-in-the-wall shops to gourmet restaurants, San Diego offers limitless takes on the California burrito. Trying different versions is an essential part of the experience.
California Burrito Fusion Cuisine
As the California burrito has spread across the US, chefs have started using it as the inspiration for new fusion dishes. Some examples include:
- Sushi burrito – Uses sushi rice, seafood, and veggies wrapped in a giant seaweed sheet.
- Korean burrito – Fills a tortilla with Korean barbecue meats and kimchi.
- Philly cheesesteak burrito – Replaces carne asada with Philly cheesesteak.
- Pizza burrito – Fills with pizza toppings like pepperoni, marinara, and mozzarella.
- Breakfast burrito – Eggs, bacon, home fries plus burrito fixings.
The basic burrito format lends itself well to crossover cuisines. The California burrito continues to inspire new culinary mashups across the country.
California Burrito vs. Mission Burrito
Two burrito styles popularized in California are often confused – the California burrito and the Mission burrito. Here’s how they differ:
| California Burrito | Mission Burrito |
|---|---|
| Originates from San Diego | Originates from San Francisco |
| Marks the tortilla | Wraps foil around the tortilla |
| Always contains french fries | Does not contain fries |
| Focused on meat and crisp vegetables | Focused on rice, beans, soft veggies |
While both are oversized stuffed burritos, the California style highlights bold textures and flavors while the Mission style features fresh, healthy ingredients.
California Burrito Health Considerations
With its hefty portions and indulgent ingredients, the California burrito is clearly not meant as a low-calorie health food. Some things to keep in mind about its nutritional value:
- Very high in calories, fat, and sodium from the meat, cheese, fries, etc.
- Refined carbohydrates from the white flour tortilla.
- Lacks nutrients from fresh vegetables and fiber.
- Large portion size encourages overeating.
As an occasional indulgence or shared as a meal, the California burrito is fine. But it should be balanced with more nutritious choices in your regular diet. Ways to make it slightly healthier include:
- Choose lean steak and low-fat cheese.
- Load up on veggie toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions.
- Use a whole wheat tortilla.
- Share with a friend!
Even with modifications, the California burrito will still be high in calories. But its uniqueness and nostalgic San Diego roots make it worth the occasional splurge.
The California Burrito Legacy
The California burrito has achieved fame beyond its West Coast origins. It represents the classic SoCal combination of Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and a laid-back beach vibe. While many variations exist today, the original overstuffed monster filled with carne asada, french fries, guacamole, and pico de gallo remains iconic. The California burrito has earned its reputation as a must-try San Diego specialty.
