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Birria Tacos

Birria Tacos

This Birria Tacos recipe is juicy, cheesy, and delicious—a true showstopper featuring tender braised meat and flavorful consomé.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Assembly Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 10 tacos
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • pair of tongs
  • blender

Ingredients
  

Birria de Rez

  • 2 pounds boneless chuck
  • 1 pound oxtail or bone-in short ribs
  • 1 teaspoon neutral oil (avocado or vegetable)

Sauce

  • 7 ancho chiles ends trimmed and de-seeded
  • 7 guajillo chiles ends trimmed and de-seeded
  • 3 chiles de arbol ends trimmed and de-seeded
  • 1 white onion peeled and halved
  • 6 garlic cloves peeled
  • 4 roma tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ stick Mexican cinnamon see note if not using Mexican cinnamon
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups beef broth or water divided

Tacos

  • ¼ cup minced cilantro
  • ¼ white onion minced
  • 1 lime juice from
  • Kosher salt
  • Corn tortillas
  • 3 ounces Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella

Instructions
 

To Sear the Meat

  • Bring the meat to room temperature, about 30 minutes and then sprinkle liberally on all sides with kosher salt. In a large Dutch oven, set over medium-high heat, add the neutral oil. When hot, add the meat and sear on all sides until browned. Transfer to a bowl.

To Make the Sauce

  • In another medium pot, add the dried chiles, halved white onion, garlic cloves, tomatoes, spices, and bay leaves, and add cold water until it covers everything. Place over medium heat and simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Pour through a strainer and transfer the solids to a blender. Add the apple cider vinegar and about 1 cup of beef broth or water, and blend until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Add salt to taste.

To Braise the Meat

  • Preheat the oven to 300F. Add the meat back to the pot and pour the sauce over it. Add the remaining 2 cups of broth or water to the pot. Place over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer and then immediately cover and transfer to the oven. Cook for about 3 hours, until the meat is tender.

To Assemble the Tacos

  • Mix together the cilantro, white onion, lime, and salt. Remove the meat from the sauce and shred using two forks. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip the tortilla into the broth and add it to the skillet. Pan fry on one side for about 30 seconds, add shredded meat and cheese, and cook until pan-fried on both sides.

Notes

Most of these ingredients can be found at a Latin supermarket. You can substitute other meats as noted in the tips. This dish can be made ahead, and the birria can be stored in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 46mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1g
Keyword Birria Tacos, braised meat, consomé, Oaxacan cheese, Tacos
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