Birria Tacos Recipe
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors!
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
For the Meat & Marinade:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or brisket, short ribs, or goat meat
- 4 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 2 dried chipotle chiles
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 5 whole cloves or ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds or ¾ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 4 bay leaves
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 large white onion quartered
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp salt
- 2-3 cups beef broth or water
For the Tacos:
- 16-20 corn tortillas
- 1 cup white onion finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 4 limes cut into wedges
- 2 cups Oaxaca cheese shredded (or mozzarella/Monterey Jack)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chiles & Spices:
- Remove stems & seeds from dried chiles.
- Toast them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Soak them in hot water for 20-30 minutes.
- Toast cinnamon, peppercorns, cloves, and cumin seeds in the same pan for 2 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Marinade:
- Blend soaked chiles, toasted spices, garlic, onion, vinegar, salt, and 1 cup of soaking liquid until smooth.
- Strain through a sieve for a silky texture.
- Coat beef with marinade and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
3️⃣ Cook the Birria:
- Oven Method: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Transfer beef & marinade to a Dutch oven. Add broth or water to cover.
- Add bay leaves, bring to a simmer, cover, and bake for 3-4 hours.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 7-8 hours until fork-tender.
- Remove beef, shred with forks, and skim fat from consommé.
4️⃣ Assemble & Fry the Tacos:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Dip tortillas in reserved fat or consommé.
- Place on the skillet, add shredded meat & cheese, fold, and press lightly.
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side until crispy & golden brown.
- Serve hot with consommé, onion, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
✅ Quesatacos: Add extra cheese directly onto the skillet before placing the tortilla for an ultra-crispy cheesy crust! 🧀🔥
✅ Bone Marrow Birria: Add beef marrow bones for a richer consommé! 🦴
✅ Seafood Version: Swap beef for white fish & shrimp and cook for 15-20 minutes.
✅ Vegetarian Twist: Use roasted mushrooms instead of meat for a delicious plant-based version.
✅ Bone Marrow Birria: Add beef marrow bones for a richer consommé! 🦴
✅ Seafood Version: Swap beef for white fish & shrimp and cook for 15-20 minutes.
✅ Vegetarian Twist: Use roasted mushrooms instead of meat for a delicious plant-based version.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 25gFiber: 5g
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