If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, then look no further than My Fave Birria Tacos. These tacos are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Rich, savory, and spicy, they’re the kind of tacos that make hearts flutter and taste buds sing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Every bite is a combination of smoky, savory, and spicy flavors that leave you craving more.
- Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are made for sharing and create the perfect centerpiece for a family gathering or friends’ night in.
- Versatility: Whether you’re using beef, lamb, or chicken, this recipe adapts beautifully to whatever meat you have on hand.
- That Dipping Sauce: Known as consomé, it transforms each taco into a delectable dipping delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to making My Fave Birria Tacos impressive yet approachable lies in its well-chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor that’s truly unforgettable.
- Dried Guajillo Peppers: These mild peppers add a sweet and rich flavor, laying the groundwork for our delicious chili paste.
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These smoky, spicy peppers add a robust kick and a hint of tang to the paste.
- Organic Chuck Roast Beef: Perfect for shredding, it provides a tender texture and a hearty base for the tacos.
- Oaxaca Cheese: Known for its gooey melting quality, this cheese brings an irresistible creaminess to every bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds brightness and a fresh herbaceous note that balances the richness of the tacos.
Variations
Embrace your culinary creativity by adjusting My Fave Birria Tacos to match your cravings or dietary needs. The options to personalize this dish are as diverse and fun as your imagination!
- Vegetarian: Swap out the meat for jackfruit or a blend of mushrooms for a scrumptiously plant-based version.
- Low Carb: Try lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a lighter take while keeping all the delicious flavors.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers based on your heat preference.
How to Make My Fave Birria Tacos
Step 1: Create the Chili Paste
Start by removing the stems and seeds from your dried chiles and soaking them in hot beef stock to soften. Then, blend together with onions, garlic, and spices to create a luxuriously smooth paste.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat a dutch oven and sear the beef chunks until they’re perfectly golden. Season thoroughly to lock in the flavor, and set aside once seared.
Step 3: Simmer and Braise
Use the same pot to sautée onions and integrate your chili paste. Add the beef back in with more stock and let everything braise slowly in the oven until the meat is fall-apart tender.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Dip corn tortillas into the flavorful consomme, then fry with a stuffing of shredded beef, cheese, and herbs until crispy and golden. Serve with a side of dipping broth for extra indulgence.
Pro Tips for Making My Fave Birria Tacos
- Secret to Tender Meat: Slow braising is your best friend. Give the beef time to absorb all those lovely flavors and become incredibly tender and juicy.
- Flavor-Packed Consommé: Don’t skimp on the broth! It’s what makes the dipping sauce so irresistible and unique.
- Perfect Tortilla Dip: Adjust the thickness of your consomme for easy dipping without making the tacos soggy.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for the freshest Oaxaca cheese to ensure it melts beautifully and adds that signature creamy touch.
How to Serve My Fave Birria Tacos
Garnishes
Top your birria tacos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and chopped onions to add a bright crunch that uplifts the warm richness of the tacos. Lime wedges on the side are a must for that touch of zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with a side of creamy guacamole and fresh pico de gallo. A light, refreshing Mexican slaw also complements the hearty tacos perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an Instagram-worthy presentation, stack the tacos in a circle on a large platter with the consomme in the center. Sprinkle diced onions and cilantro generously over the top for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover beef and dipping sauce in airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to four days. Keep them separate from the tortillas to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Birria meat can be frozen in airtight containers for up to three months. Simply reheat and enjoy when the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef in a pan with a little consomme on low heat. For the tacos, pop them in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and hot through.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat for the birria tacos?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, lamb or chicken are excellent alternatives that hold the spices beautifully.
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Is it possible to make My Fave Birria Tacos less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the number of chipotle peppers or use milder chiles to suit your heat preference.
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How can I keep the tacos crispy?
Fry them just until golden and serve immediately to maintain their perfect crispness.
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What can I do to make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat and consomme a day in advance, keeping them in the fridge separately from the tortillas.
Final Thoughts
My Fave Birria Tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a ticket to flavor heaven. Whether you’re hosting a party or indulging solo, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and discover your new favorite way to taco!
Print
My Fave Birria Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Braising
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delicious and flavorful Birria Tacos featuring tender braised beef in a spicy chili paste, served with crispy edges and a rich dipping consomme for an authentic Mexican street food experience.
Ingredients
Chili Paste:
- 4 dried guajillo peppers
- 4 dried ancho chiles
- 4 chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup organic beef stock
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
The Meat + Consomme [Dipping] Sauce:
- 3 lbs. organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 cups organic beef stock
- 2 cups water
Tacos:
- 12 organic corn tortillas
- Shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: diced onions, shredded lettuce, lime wedges
Instructions
- Make the Chili Paste: Remove stems and seeds from all dried ancho and guajillo chiles. In a medium-sized pot, bring beef stock to a boil. Add the chiles, cover, and sit for 15-20 minutes until softened. Transfer chiles with soaking liquid to a high-powered blender or food processor, add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with more beef stock or water if needed.
- Prepare the Meat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef chunks until golden on each side, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove meat and set aside. In the same pot, sauté diced onions until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add chili paste and cook 1-2 minutes. Stir in beef stock and water, then return seared beef to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
- Braise in the Oven: Transfer the Dutch oven into the oven and braise uncovered for about 2½ hours until beef is tender and shred-friendly. Remove from oven, shred beef with forks, ensuring the meat is moist and saucy for serving.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Reserve 1 cup of broth from the cooked beef. Add chopped cilantro to this broth and set aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
- Assemble the Tacos: Preheat a skillet or non-stick fry pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and wipe evenly with a paper towel. Dip each tortilla briefly in the consomme, then fry it in the skillet until crispy and golden. Fill with shredded beef, diced onions, cheese, and optional toppings. Fold and cook until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy on edges. Repeat for all tacos.
- Serve: Serve tacos hot, with the dipping consomme on the side for extra flavor and dipping.
Notes
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
- You can prepare the chili paste and braised beef a day ahead for easier assembly.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers or chili flakes.
- For gluten-free, ensure you use corn tortillas and confirm all processed ingredients are gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
