Birria Tacos
Birria tacos are a flavorful Mexican dish featuring tender, marinated beef in warm corn tortillas, often served with a rich consomé for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Chili Paste
- 4 pieces dried guajillo peppers
- 4 pieces dried ancho chiles
- 4 pieces chipotle peppers in adobo
- 1 piece onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup organic beef stock (or water)
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 2 Tbsps Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
For the Meat
- 3 lbs organic chuck roast beef, chopped into medium-large chunks
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 piece onion, diced
- 4 cups organic beef stock
- 2 cups water
For Assembly
- 12 pieces organic corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup Pico de Gallo
Instructions
Make the Chili Paste
- Remove stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho peppers.
- In a skillet, toast the peppers until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Blend the toasted peppers with onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef stock, apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, oregano, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and allspice until smooth.
Make the Beef
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Sear until brown.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
- Pour the chili paste over the meat and cover with beef stock and water.
Braise the Meat
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Cover the pot tightly and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Braise for about 3 hours or until the meat is fork-tender.
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the corn tortillas.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded beef, a sprinkle of Oaxaca cheese, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with Pico de Gallo and the rich broth for dipping.
Notes
For an authentic touch, introduce lime wedges to enhance the flavors. Consider marinating the beef overnight in the chili paste for elevated flavor. Use fresh tortillas for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo.