Prepare yourself for an explosion of flavor with these authentic Beef Birria Tacos! This isn't your average taco night; we're diving deep into the rich, complex world of Mexican cuisine with a recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Mexico. Tender, slow-cooked beef, infused with a vibrant blend of chiles, spices, and aromatics, is the star of this show. The resulting consommé, a rich and savory broth, is just as crucial, adding another layer of depth to the already incredible tacos. Forget everything you thought you knew about tacos – this is a culinary experience you won't soon forget.
Get ready to elevate your taco game to the next level with this incredible recipe. We'll guide you through each step, from prepping the flavorful marinade to mastering the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside taco. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's begin with the step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Blender
- Fork
Ingredients
- Beef (ribs and diezmillo): 3.5 kg
- Dried thyme: 0.5 tsp
- Clove: 1
- Oregano: 0.25 tsp
- Coriander seed: 0.5 tsp
- Bay leaf: 1
- Large peppers: 12
- Ancho pasilla chiles: 2
- Garlic: 0.75 head
- Onion: 0.75
- Guajillo chiles: 10
- Tomatoes: 3
- Green tomatoes: 6
- Black chiles: 1
- Chiles de árbol: 8
- Olive oil
- White vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Salt
- Pepper
- Water: 3 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Birria Sauce and Cook the Beef
- Boil guajillo and ancho pasilla chiles for 3 minutes, then let cool.
- Heat olive oil, sauté onion, tomatoes, and garlic until soft (approx. 7 minutes).
- Add allspice, cloves, and a little water from the boiled chiles to the sautéed mixture.
- Blend the sautéed mixture with the cooled chiles, oregano, thyme, coriander seed, vinegar, and salt.
- Heat oil, add the blended sauce, and simmer for 7 minutes.
- Cut the beef into pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- In a pot with boiling water, add the sauce, seasoned meat, half an onion, half a head of garlic, and a bay leaf. Cook for at least 2.5 hours.
- After 2 hours, check the meat's tenderness. Add salt if needed and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.
- Once cooked, shred the beef.
Step 2. Make the Salsa
- Fry chiles de árbol until golden brown. Simmer tomatoes briefly. Blend the fried chiles, tomatoes, onion, and garlic.
Step 3. Prepare the Consommé
- In a pot with boiling water, add the sauce, seasoned meat, half an onion, half a head of garlic, and a bay leaf. Cook for at least 2.5 hours.
Step 4. Assemble the Tacos
- Fill tortillas with shredded beef, add consommé, salsa, cilantro, onion, and lime to taste.
Read more: Authentic Charro Beans Recipe: South Texas Style
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chiles to your preferred spice level.
- The amount of salt and pepper is to everyone’s taste.
- The amount of cilantro and onion is to everyone’s taste.
Nutrition
- Fat: 40-60g per serving
- Carbs: 20-30g per serving
- Protein: 40-50g per serving
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Birria?
While chuck roast is traditional, you can use other tougher cuts like brisket or shank. Just ensure it's slow-cooked to achieve tenderness.
2. How do I make the consommé extra flavorful?
Toasting your chiles before blending them adds depth. Also, simmering the consommé longer will intensify the flavor.
3. What's the best way to crisp up the birria tacos?
Fry them in a little of the consommé until golden brown and crispy. You can also broil them briefly for a quicker method.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Your incredibly flavorful and authentic Beef Birria Tacos, complete with their rich consommé for dipping, are now ready to be devoured. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite, so get ready for repeat requests!