My Fave Birria Tacos

Birria tacos, a savory and rich Mexican dish, have become a beloved favorite in kitchens across the globe. Combining tender beef, a flavorful chili paste, and a crispy, cheesy tortilla, this recipe offers an irresistible combination of spices and textures that make each bite memorable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something delicious, these Birria tacos are sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 dried guajillo peppers
• 4 dried ancho chiles
• 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup organic beef stock (You can sub with water)
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 Tbsps Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4 cups organic beef stock
• 2 cups water
• 12 organic corn tortillas
• Shredded Oaxaca cheese
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

To start, remove the stems and seeds from the dried ancho and guajillo chiles. Add beef stock to a medium-sized pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the chiles and cover, letting them sit for 15-20 minutes. After the peppers have softened, transfer them to a high-powered blender or food processor. Add the remaining ingredients, including crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, and spices, then blend until smooth and thick. If necessary, add more beef stock or water to achieve the desired consistency.

Cooking the Meat for Birria Tacos
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped beef chunks, seasoning them with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sear the beef on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden. Once seared, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside on a plate with a paper towel. If needed, work in batches to sear all the meat.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the chili paste and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Then, add beef stock and water, mixing everything together. Return the seared beef to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for another minute.

Braised Beef in the Oven
Carefully transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and let the beef braise for 2 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender and can be easily shredded. Once done, remove the pot from the oven and begin shredding the beef. Ensure there is plenty of saucy broth to serve over the tacos for added flavor.

Assembling the Birria Tacos
For the dipping sauce (consommé), remove one cup of the broth from the cooked beef and add it to a small bowl. Add fresh chopped cilantro to the broth for a burst of flavor. Set this aside for dipping.

In a non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Using a paper towel, gently wipe the oil evenly over the pan’s surface. Dip each tortilla into the consommé, making sure it’s lightly coated, and place it in the hot skillet. Fry the tortilla for a few seconds, then top it with shredded beef, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and shredded Oaxaca cheese. Flip the tortilla in half and cook it until the cheese melts and becomes gooey. Flip it again to achieve a golden, crispy char on both sides.

Serve and Enjoy
Once the tacos are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining tortillas. Serve the Birria tacos with the dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy the delicious, savory flavors that will transport you straight to Mexico.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips:

1. Pairing: Birria tacos are traditionally served with a side of consommé (the flavorful broth the beef is cooked in) for dipping. This adds an extra layer of taste and richness to each bite. You can also serve them with fresh lime wedges and sliced radishes for a refreshing crunch.
2. Toppings: While the tacos are delicious on their own, consider adding more toppings like diced onions, cilantro, or a drizzle of salsa to enhance the flavors. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or a few slices of avocado also makes a great addition.
3. Presentation: Serve your Birria tacos on a warm plate with a side of consommé for dipping. The rich color of the taco filling and the charred tortillas makes for a visually appealing presentation, perfect for a dinner party or casual family meal.
4. Make It a Feast: To make your meal even more festive, serve Birria tacos alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Storage Tips:

1. Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the shredded beef and broth separately in airtight containers. The beef can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, while the broth should also be refrigerated for the same duration.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, the shredded beef and broth can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags to avoid freezer burn. When ready to use, defrost the beef and broth overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Reheating: Reheat the beef in a pot over medium heat, adding a little beef stock or water to maintain moisture. You can also reheat the broth in a saucepan. For the tortillas, it’s best to freshly prepare them to maintain their crispness. You can warm up the tortillas in a dry skillet or on a griddle before assembling your tacos.
4. Taco Assembly: While you can store the fillings and tortillas separately, it’s best to assemble the tacos fresh, as the tortillas are most flavorful and crispy when made to order. If you have pre-made tacos, you can reheat them in the skillet to restore their crispiness.

By following these simple serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Birria tacos fresh or savor them for later!

Variations

1. Birria de Pollo (Chicken Birria):
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to beef, you can substitute the chuck roast with chicken. Use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for a juicy, tender result. The preparation remains the same, but the cooking time will be shorter, typically around 1-1.5 hours. The chicken will absorb the rich flavors of the chili paste and broth, resulting in a delicious, comforting dish.

2. Birria with Lamb:
For a more traditional variation, especially common in certain regions of Mexico, use lamb in place of beef. The process of making the chili paste and braising the meat remains the same, but lamb adds a unique, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the broth.

3. Vegetarian Birria Tacos:
For a plant-based version, replace the meat with a hearty vegetable option like mushrooms, jackfruit, or a combination of both. The mushrooms, especially, absorb the flavors of the chili paste well and create a meaty texture. Ensure the broth is vegetable-based or make a mushroom broth to keep it vegetarian.

4. Spicy Birria Tacos:
To kick up the heat, add more chipotle peppers or a few extra dried chiles like Pasilla or Mulato. You can also include a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper when making the chili paste for an extra spicy kick. Be sure to balance the heat with some creamy toppings like sour cream or avocado.

5. Birria Quesabirria:
For a cheesy twist, make quesabirria tacos. After dipping the tortilla in the consommé, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese before adding the beef filling. Then fry the tortilla until crispy. This variation gives you a delicious cheesy, gooey taco experience that is irresistible.

6. Birria with Different Tortillas:
While corn tortillas are traditional, you can also experiment with flour tortillas for a different texture. Flour tortillas will result in a softer taco, while corn tortillas provide a crispier and more traditional bite. You can even try blue corn tortillas for a visually striking and earthy flavor.

7. Birria Tacos with Pineapple:
Add a refreshing twist by topping your tacos with diced fresh pineapple or grilled pineapple slices. The sweetness of the pineapple balances the rich and savory flavors of the birria, providing a nice contrast and a tropical touch.

8. Slow Cooker Birria Tacos:
For a set-it-and-forget-it approach, use a slow cooker. After searing the beef and preparing the chili paste, transfer everything into a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This method allows the beef to become extra tender and infuses the flavors even more deeply into the meat.

9. Birria Tacos with Pickled Red Onions:
For an added tangy bite, top your tacos with pickled red onions. The acidity of the onions complements the richness of the birria and provides a nice contrast to the fatty beef. You can make the pickled onions quickly by soaking sliced onions in vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for a few hours.

10. Birria Tacos with Guacamole:
Add a creamy and fresh topping by serving your tacos with a spoonful of homemade guacamole. The richness of the avocado pairs wonderfully with the bold flavors of the birria and gives the tacos a satisfying creamy texture.

These variations allow you to customize Birria tacos to suit your taste preferences, whether you’re seeking a milder, vegetarian option or want to take the heat and flavors up a notch!

FAQs

1. What are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of slow-braised beef (or sometimes goat) cooked in a rich, flavorful chili paste and broth. The meat is then shredded and served in tortillas, often with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and onions. They are often served with a side of consommé for dipping.

2. Can I make Birria Tacos with chicken or other meats?
Yes, you can use chicken (Birria de Pollo), lamb, or even goat for a more authentic version. The preparation and cooking method remain the same, though the cooking time will vary depending on the meat used.

3. How do I make the chili paste for Birria Tacos?
To make the chili paste, soak dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle peppers in hot beef broth until softened. Then, blend the chiles with garlic, onions, and other seasonings like cumin, oregano, and cinnamon to form a smooth paste. This paste is then added to the beef and broth during the cooking process.

4. Can I prepare the beef for Birria Tacos in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare Birria in a slow cooker. After searing the beef and making the chili paste, add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and shreddable.

5. Are Birria Tacos spicy?
Birria tacos can be spicy, depending on how many chipotle peppers or other hot peppers you use in the chili paste. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of spicy peppers and adjust the heat level to your liking.

6. What kind of tortillas are best for Birria Tacos?
Traditionally, Birria tacos are made with corn tortillas, which add a nice crunch and authentic texture. However, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer taco. For extra flavor, dip the tortillas in the consommé before frying them.

7. Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beef and consommé ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the beef and broth, then assemble the tacos with fresh tortillas and toppings.

8. What is the best way to reheat leftover Birria?
To reheat leftover Birria, gently warm the beef in a pot over medium heat, adding a bit of the consommé to keep it moist. You can also reheat the broth separately and use it to dip the tacos. Tortillas should be warmed on a skillet to maintain their texture.

9. How can I make Birria Tacos more authentic?
To make Birria Tacos more authentic, use beef chuck roast or goat meat, as they are traditional choices. Ensure you’re using a variety of dried chiles like guajillo and ancho, and take the time to braise the meat slowly for maximum tenderness and flavor.

10. Can I freeze Birria Tacos?
Yes, you can freeze the beef and broth for later use. Store the shredded beef and broth separately in airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.

These Birria Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful beef, a rich and spicy chili paste, and crispy tortillas, this dish offers an unforgettable combination of taste and texture. Whether you’re serving them at a party or making them for a cozy meal at home, these tacos will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Enjoy the irresistible flavors of Birria tacos, and happy cooking!

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