Delicious homemade Birria Tacos served with consomé for dipping

Birria Tacos

ByAchraf

Why Make This Recipe

Birria tacos are a delightful meal that brings rich flavors and satisfying textures to your table. This traditional Mexican dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a special treat any day of the week. The tender beef, flavorful spices, and crispy tortillas create a yummy experience for everyone.

How to Make Birria Tacos

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Corn tortillas
  • Oaxacan cheese, shredded
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

  1. To prepare the birria, start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Toast them in a hot skillet for a few minutes until fragrant.
  2. Blend the toasted chiles with garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, and a bit of beef broth until smooth.
  3. In a large pot, season the beef with salt and pepper and add the chili paste. Pour in the remaining beef broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Cover and braise the beef on low heat for about 3 hours until it is tender and shreds easily.
  5. Once the beef is done, shred it using two forks.
  6. Heat a skillet and lightly fry the corn tortillas until warm.
  7. To assemble, fill each tortilla with shredded beef and top with Oaxacan cheese, folding the tortilla in half.
  8. Fry the tacos in the skillet until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crisp.
  9. Serve hot with a side of consomé for dipping, and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are best served hot and fresh. Place the tacos on a plate and offer a small bowl of the flavorful consomé for dipping. Don’t forget to include lime wedges and some chopped cilantro as garnish for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy!

How to Store Birria Tacos

If you have leftovers, store the shredded beef separately from the tortillas. Place the beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can keep the tortillas in a separate container or wrap them in foil. Reheat the beef on the stove and warm the tortillas before serving again.

Tips to Make Birria Tacos

  • Make sure to rest the beef after cooking. This helps the juices to redistribute, making it extra tender.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. While Oaxacan cheese is traditional, you can also try mozzarella or quesadilla cheese.
  • For some added heat, include some chipotle chiles when blending the sauce.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version of birria tacos by using jackfruit instead of beef. Use the same spices and cooking method, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I make birria tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and warm it up when you are ready to make the tacos.

2. What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
You can use flour tortillas if you prefer, though corn tortillas are more traditional for birria tacos.

3. How spicy are birria tacos?
The spice level can vary depending on the type of chiles you use. Guajillo chiles are mild, while ancho chiles are sweet and smoky. Adjust the quantity of chiles to suit your taste!