Birria tacos, a flavorful Mexican dish, have taken the food world by storm in recent years. Originating from the state of Jalisco, this deliciously rich dish is made by braising meat in a fragrant, spiced broth and then filling it into crispy corn tortillas. The combination of savory, smoky, and spicy flavors makes Birria tacos the perfect comfort food, whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The meat—typically beef—slow-cooked to perfection, absorbs all the incredible spices, creating a tender and juicy filling that’s dipped in a rich, flavorful broth. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly satisfying to make and eat.
This take on Birria tacos combines the goodness of slow-braised beef with a balance of spices, chilies, and fresh garnishes. Whether you’re new to this Mexican dish or a seasoned pro, this recipe will have you craving more. What makes Birria tacos so special is the harmonious blend of chili peppers and seasonings that infuse the beef with deep, savory flavors while providing a slight smoky kick from the chipotle peppers. The broth is used both to cook the meat and for dipping the tacos before they are fried to a crispy, golden finish. Once topped with fresh cilantro and melted Oaxaca cheese, these tacos become a flavor explosion. If you’re looking to make something truly special, look no further than these irresistible Birria tacos.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Authentic Flavor
This recipe captures the authentic flavors of traditional Birria tacos, complete with smoky, spicy broth and tender beef. It’s an easy way to bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen.
2. Customizable Spiciness
You can adjust the heat level by varying the number of chipotle peppers or chilies in the recipe, ensuring it’s perfect for you or your family’s spice tolerance.
3. Tender, Juicy Meat
The beef chuck roast slowly braised in the spices and broth becomes incredibly tender and juicy. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful and succulent it becomes.
4. Crispy, Golden Tacos
The combination of dipping the tortillas in the rich broth and frying them creates the perfect crispy edges, which makes each bite satisfying and crunchy.
5. Delicious and Hearty
This dish is a full meal in itself—hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, perfect for serving to family or guests. It’s a meal that guarantees satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
- Dried guajillo peppers
- Dried ancho chiles
- Chipotle peppers in adobo
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves
- Crushed tomatoes
- Organic beef stock (can be substituted with water)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Bay leaves
- Mexican oregano
- Dried thyme
- Cumin
- Ground cinnamon
- Smoked paprika
- Ground allspice
- Organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion, diced
- Organic beef stock
- Water
- Organic corn tortillas
- Shredded Oaxaca cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Variations
- Vegetarian Birria Tacos: Replace the beef with jackfruit or mushrooms for a plant-based version. Use vegetable broth to maintain the flavor profile.
- Add More Heat: If you prefer your tacos extra spicy, add more chipotle peppers or even some fresh chilies to the broth.
- Cheese Options: While Oaxaca cheese is ideal, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Taco Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as diced onions, radishes, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Paste
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle peppers. Place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until they soften. Once softened, blend the peppers with garlic, onions, crushed tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, Mexican oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice to make a smooth paste.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef chunks with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Brown the beef on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Broth
In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for a few minutes until soft. Add the chili paste and cook for another 5 minutes. Pour in the beef stock and water, and add the bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
Step 4: Braise the Beef
Return the browned beef to the pot and cover. Reduce the heat to low, and let the meat simmer for about 3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily shreds.
Step 5: Shred the Beef
Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard any excess fat.
Step 6: Prepare the Tacos
In a separate pan, heat the tortillas. Dip each tortilla into the broth and fry them in a little oil until crispy.
Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
Fill the tortillas with the shredded beef and top with Oaxaca cheese. Fold the tortillas and toast them lightly until the cheese melts.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro and serve with a side of the rich broth for dipping.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a slow cooker: If you don’t have time to simmer on the stovetop, you can cook the beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
- Don’t skip the broth: The broth is key to giving the tacos their authentic taste and texture. Be sure to let it reduce and concentrate while cooking.
- Fry the tortillas in batches: If making a large batch of tacos, fry the tortillas in batches to ensure they get crispy and evenly cooked.
- Season well: Taste the beef and broth before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve
Serve your Birria tacos with a side of the delicious dipping broth, freshly chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of lime juice. You can also offer additional toppings such as diced onions, radishes, and avocado slices for a refreshing crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shredded beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also store the broth separately in a container for the same amount of time.
Freezing
To freeze, place the beef and broth in separate freezer bags or containers. The beef will keep for up to 3 months, and the broth will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef and broth on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or stock if needed to thin the broth.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat for Birria tacos?
Yes, you can substitute the beef with lamb or goat for a more traditional flavor, or even use chicken for a lighter option.
2. Is there a non-spicy version of this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the chipotle peppers and adjust the seasoning to your liking for a milder version.
3. Can I make Birria tacos ahead of time?
Yes, the beef can be cooked in advance, and the tacos can be assembled and heated before serving.
4. What if I don’t have all the chili peppers listed in the recipe?
If you can’t find guajillo or ancho peppers, you can substitute with other dried peppers like pasilla or mulato for a similar flavor profile.
5. Can I use store-bought tortillas?
Yes, but fresh organic corn tortillas are recommended for the best texture and flavor.
6. How do I make the tacos extra crispy?
After dipping the tortillas in the broth, make sure to fry them in enough oil to get them golden and crispy.
7. What other toppings can I use?
In addition to cilantro, you can try adding diced onions, radishes, avocado, or a drizzle of crema.
8. Can I make this in a pressure cooker?
Yes, a pressure cooker can speed up the cooking process—braise the beef for about 40-45 minutes under pressure.
9. How do I store leftover Birria tacos?
Store the tacos in an airtight container and consume within 1-2 days. The filling can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days.
10. Can I freeze the assembled tacos?
While it’s best to freeze just the filling and broth, you can freeze assembled tacos wrapped tightly in foil, then reheat them in the oven.
Conclusion
Birria tacos are a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines tender beef, smoky spices, and crispy tortillas. This recipe brings all the traditional elements of Birria right into your kitchen, offering a rich and savory experience with every bite. With its versatility and deep flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special celebration, these tacos will surely impress and delight your guests. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious taste of authentic Birria tacos!