Birria Tacos Recipe
Birria Tacos are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that is perfect for any occasion. The rich stewed meat combined with melted cheese and fresh toppings on a warm tortilla will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of spices and slow cooking process results in tender and flavorful meat.
- It’s a great dish for meal prep as the stewed meat can be made ahead of time and used throughout the week.
- The warm and comforting flavors of this dish make it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Stewed Meat:
- Dried Guajillo and Ancho chiles add a deep, smoky flavor.
- Chuck roast and bone-in short ribs provide richness and tenderness.
- Spices like coriander, cumin, oregano, and chili powder create a well-balanced seasoning.
- Orange juice and apple cider vinegar add a hint of sweetness and acidity.
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour or cassava flour tortillas.
- Monterey Jack cheese, yellow onion, cilantro, and lime wedges are classic toppings for Birria Tacos.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start by preparing the dried chiles, then season and sear the meat.
- Combine all ingredients for the stewed meat in a pot and simmer until the meat is tender.
- Shred the meat and assemble the tacos with cheese, onion, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, toast the dried chiles before soaking them in hot water.
- Make a large batch of stewed meat and freeze the leftovers for future meals.
- Substitute the beef with lamb or goat for a different twist on this recipe.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a Dutch oven for slow cooking the meat to ensure it’s tender and flavorful.
- Skim off any excess fat from the stewed meat before serving for a cleaner finish.
- Garnish the tacos with pickled red onions for a tangy contrast to the rich meat.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these Birria Tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a cold Mexican beer or agua fresca for a complete meal experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover stewed meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?
- While the traditional Birria Tacos are made with beef, you can certainly try this recipe with chicken for a lighter option.
- How spicy are Birria Tacos?
- The level of spiciness can be adjusted by adding more or fewer dried chiles in the stewed meat.
- Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by following the same steps and cooking on low for 6-8 hours.
- Are Birria Tacos gluten-free?
- As long as you use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas, this recipe is gluten-free.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Birria Tacos with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal for the family or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, these tacos are sure to impress. Try it out and let us know how it turns out!
PrintBirria Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Simmer
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy the rich and flavorful Birria Tacos with tender stewed meat, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Stewed Meat
– 6 dried Guajillo chiles stemmed and deseeded
– 4 dried Ancho chiles stemmed and deseeded
– 3 pounds chuck roast, cut into 4 chunks
– Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 vine tomatoes, quartered
– 1 white onion, quartered
– 8 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
– 4 cups low sodium beef broth
– 1 1/2 pounds bone-in short ribs
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 2 teaspoons ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
For the Tacos
– 15 corn tortillas (flour or cassava flour tortillas also work)
– 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1 cup chopped yellow onion
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Fresh lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. In a large pot, toast the dried chiles until fragrant, then boil them in water until soft. Blend with tomatoes, onion, and garlic to make a sauce.
2. Season the meat with salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, then brown in oil. Add the chile sauce, broth, cinnamon, orange juice, and vinegar.
3. Simmer the meat until tender, shred, and serve in tortillas with cheese, onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
– For a spicier version, add more dried chiles or chipotles.
– To save time, use a pressure cooker for the stewed meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg