Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step-by-Step Instructions for Birria Tacos
- Boil ½ cup of beef stock in a saucepan. Add 4 dried guajillo peppers and 2 dried ancho chiles, soaking them for about 15-20 minutes until soft. In a blender, combine the softened chiles, 4 cloves of garlic, ½ cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano, ½ teaspoon cumin, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Blend until smooth, creating a rich chili paste ready for flavoring the meat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Season 3 lbs of organic chuck roast with sea salt and black pepper, then sear the beef chunks in the hot oil until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Once browned, remove the beef and sauté ½ diced onion in the same pot for another 3 minutes until translucent.
- Return the seared beef to the Dutch oven, adding the chili paste from Step 1. Pour in 4 cups of organic beef stock and 2 cups of water, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Add in 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground allspice. Simmer the mixture for 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld before sealing with a lid.
- Transfer the covered Dutch oven to your preheated oven and braise for 2½ hours. This slow cooking process allows the beef to become incredibly tender and soak up all the aromatic flavors. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid level is sufficient, adding water if necessary. When fork-tender, carefully remove the pot from the oven and let it cool slightly before shredding the beef inside.
- While the meat cools, reserve some broth for dipping and heat oil in a pan for frying. Dip each corn tortilla quickly in the rich consomé, then fill them with shredded beef, sautéed onions, and a sprinkle of shredded Oaxaca cheese. Fold the tortillas in half and fry in hot oil until crispy and golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the tantalizing Birria Tacos garnished with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings like pico de gallo. Don’t forget a side bowl filled with consomé for dipping, amplifying every delicious bite and adding a comforting touch to your meal.
Nutrition
Notes
Consider marinating your meat in the chili paste overnight for even deeper flavor.
