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Birria Tacos

Delicious and aromatic Birria Tacos filled with tender beef, savory broth, and a blend of traditional Mexican spices.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lb beef chuck roast (cut into chunks) The star of the dish, this beef will become incredibly tender and juicy.
  • 1 tbsp grapeseed oil Perfect for searing the meat.
  • 7 dried ancho chilies (trimmed and de-seeded) Provide a smoky sweetness that is essential to the dish.
  • 5 dried guajillo chilies (trimmed and de-seeded) Add depth and mild heat to the flavor profile.
  • 4 dried chilies de arbor (trimmed and de-seeded) For an extra kick.
  • 1 onion (peeled and halved) Enriches the broth with sweetness.
  • 6 garlic cloves Infuses the dish with robust garlic flavor.
  • 4 tomatoes (on the vine) Brings brightness and acidity.
  • 1 tbsp black peppercorns Adds warmth and a hint of heat.
  • 1/2 stick cinnamon Adds warmth and complexity.
  • 1 tbsp Mexican oregano Provides an earthy, herbal note.
  • 4 cups beef stock Creates a savory base.
  • 2 tbsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper Enhances the garlic flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Cilantro (for garnish) Adds color.
  • to taste Onion (minced, for topping) Offers a crunchy contrast.
  • to taste Lime (for topping) Adds zesty brightness.
  • as needed Corn tortillas The traditional vessel for holding filling.
  • to taste Oaxaca cheese (or your favorite cheese) Melts beautifully inside the taco.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium pot, combine the dried chilies, halved onion, garlic cloves, fresh tomatoes, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, Mexican oregano, and enough cold water to cover everything. Set over medium heat and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the chilies are soft.
  2. Carefully pour the simmered contents through a strainer, collecting the liquid. Transfer the solid ingredients to a blender. Add about 1 cup of beef broth to the blender and blend until very smooth.
  3. Season to taste with salt and Bayou City Garlic Pepper.
Cooking
  1. Bring the beef chuck roast to room temperature, cut it into equal-sized chunks, and season generously with salt on all sides.
  2. Heat the grapeseed oil in a Dutch oven or a pot with an oven-proof lid over medium-high heat. Add the meat in batches, searing until browned.
  3. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Once all the meat is seared, add it back into the pot and pour the blended sauce over it.
  4. Add 2 cups of beef broth or water to the pot.
  5. Place the pot over medium heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, then cover and transfer to the preheated oven. Cook for about 3 hours until the meat is tender.
  6. Remove the meat from the sauce and shred it using two forks. Ladle some broth over the shredded beef to keep it moist.
Assembly
  1. Pour a bit of broth into a bowl and add a handful of diced onion and cilantro.
  2. Take a corn tortilla and dip it into the broth before placing it in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry for about 30 seconds.
  3. Add shredded beef and a sprinkle of Oaxaca cheese to one half of the tortilla, fold it over and cook until golden and melted, about 1 minute.
  4. Transfer the tacos to a plate and serve alongside warm broth for dipping.

Notes

Quality meat ensures tenderness. Experiment with different chili varieties. Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.