No one wants boring tacos! Elevate your culinary skills with our ultimate guide to making the most mouth-watering Beef Birria Tacos. Packed with flavor and sure to impress, this recipe is a game-changer you won’t want to miss!
This Best Beef Birria Tacos Recipe Will Change Your Taco Game Forever!
I thought I knew how to make beef tacos, but they were always just… okay. Then, I discovered a secret recipe that transformed my bland attempts into mouthwatering Birria Tacos, just like the ones from the best taco trucks!
The flavor was out of this world, and the effort was absolutely worth it. Dare to try this ultimate taco recipe!
What Are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos, also known as tacos de birria or sometimes referred to as quesabirria tacos, are a delightful Mexican dish that consists of braised meat nestled inside a corn tortilla. This tortilla is uniquely pan-fried in the flavorful fat that rises to the top of the birria.
The tacos are typically filled with melted Oaxacan cheese (quesillo), fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and finely chopped white onion. Additionally, they are often served with a small bowl of consomé on the side for dipping, which adds an extra layer of flavor to an already magical meal.
Beef Birria Tacos Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Ingredients
- 7-8 cups hot water
- 4 lbs chuck roast cut into 4 large chunks
- 2 lbs short ribs (bone in) or back ribs bone in
- 1 large white onion dry skins removed, cut in half crosswise
- 1 garlic bulb cut the narrow top off, no need to peel
- 1 carrot cut in half crosswise, then cut in half (4 large pieces of carrot)
- 5 bay leaves dried
- 8 guajillo chiles or dried chili (stems cut off and seeds removed)
- 3 tbsp chicken boullion or chicken cube stock
- 1-2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp mexican oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
Quesabirria Tacos
- 14-16 white corn tortillas
- 2 cups quesadilla cheese or any good melting cheese
Garnishes
- fresh cilantro diced
- fresh lime juice
- white onion diced
Instructions for Preparing the Dish
- Grab a very large pot! Prepare the ingredients, halve the onion, slice the carrots, cut the tip off the garlic bulb, cut off stem of peppers and remove seeds.
- Start by placing the meat, onion, garlic, carrots, bay leaves, and dried peppers into a large pot. Pour in enough water to fully cover all the ingredients.
- Next, enhance the flavor by adding chicken bouillon, oregano, cumin, and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the contents to cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to maintain an even flavor profile.
- After allowing the broth to simmer for approximately 30 minutes, it is important to skim the top to remove any impurities. These impurities, which come from the bones during the simmering process, appear as small bits of foam on the surface of the broth.
- Remove the peppers from the broth once they have softened. Then, transfer the peppers, along with the carrots, onion, and garlic, into a food processor or blender. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- If necessary, add a small amount of broth to achieve a smooth consistency. If your blender is not high-powered, you may need to strain the mixture to remove any bits of skin. To enhance both the flavor and appearance, gradually add chili powder until you achieve the desired deep red color.
- Continue simmering the stew until the meat becomes tender and easy to shred. This process typically takes around 3 hours or more. It’s important to remove the lid and stir the stew every 40 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Throughout the cooking process, make sure to taste the broth periodically and adjust the seasonings as necessary to achieve your desired flavor profile.
How to Make Quesabirria Tacos
- Remove the meat from the broth and finely chop or shred it.
- Use the leftover grease: Save the grease that comes to the top of the stew from cooking. Save it all and add the grease to a small/medium size skillet.
How to Fry Tortillas
- Prepare the Tortillas: Begin by dipping the corn tortillas into hot grease. Ensure they are well-coated to enhance flavor and crispiness.
- Heat the Skillet: Place the greased tortillas onto a large skillet or comal preheated over medium heat.
- Fry the Tortillas: Allow the tortillas to fry in the grease.
- Add Toppings: While the tortillas are frying, top each one with a generous amount of chopped birria beef and shredded cheese.
- Fold the Taco: Fold the tortilla in half to form a taco while it is still on the skillet. Press down gently with a spatula to help flatten and secure the taco.
- Continue Frying: Fry both sides of the taco until it is crisp and golden brown. This usually takes a few minutes per side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the tacos are crisp, remove them from the skillet and serve immediately. These crispy birria tacos are best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Birria Tacos
To serve birria tacos, always include a side of consommé—a flavorful bone broth that enhances the meal. Start by spooning some of the broth into a small bowl. Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and onion on top, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This not only pairs perfectly with the tacos but also serves as a delightful dipping sauce or a warm, soothing drink on its own.
How to make Beef Birria Tacos video:
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