Birria Tacos

Switch up taco night with these Birria Tacos (quesabirria). Their crispy tortilla, melty cheese, slow-cooked birria, and flavorful consommé dipping sauce will have you going back for seconds, and likely thirds. These tacos are perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or even special occasions. With their rich flavors and tender beef, they stand out from traditional tacos and will impress anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of slow-cooked beef and spices creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy these tacos as a main meal or serve them at parties. They fit right in at any occasion!
• Comfort Food: The warmth and richness of the birria provide a comforting experience that is perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy to Make: Though it takes some time, the cooking process is straightforward, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Dipping Delight: The accompanying consommé sauce enhances the flavor of each taco, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Below are the key items you’ll need to prepare your Birria Tacos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• large pot
• blender
• cutting board
• sharp knife
• slotted spoon
• serving dishes

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: This tool helps create a smooth sauce from the chiles and tomatoes, ensuring a rich flavor for your birria.
• Large Pot: A heavy pot is essential for slow-cooking the beef evenly while retaining moisture and flavor throughout the process.

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 3-inch chunks)
• 10 guajillo chiles
• 5 ancho chilies
• 3 arbol chilies
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 white onion (quartered)
• 6 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 3 bay leaves

For Assembling Tacos

• corn tortillas (or cassava flour tortillas)
• diced white onion
• roughly chopped cilantro
• Oaxacan cheese

How to Make Birria Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chiles

Begin by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Then transfer them to a bowl of hot water to soak for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Blend Marinade Ingredients

Once softened, add the soaked chiles along with Roma tomatoes, quartered onion, unpeeled garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and bay leaves to your blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Marinate the Meat

Place your beef chuck roast chunks in a large pot. Pour the blended marinade over the meat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Beef

After marinating, cook on low heat for about 8 hours or until the meat is tender. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker to shorten this time significantly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Once cooked, shred the beef using two forks. Heat corn tortillas on a skillet until warm. Fill each tortilla with shredded birria meat and top with diced onion, cilantro, and Oaxacan cheese.

Step 6: Serve with Consommé

Serve your Birria Tacos with a small bowl of reserved consommé on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delightful dish that can be customized in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco night experience.

With Traditional Toppings

• Diced White Onion – Adds a fresh crunch and enhances the flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro – Provides a burst of freshness with each bite.
• Lime Wedges – Squeeze some lime juice for zesty brightness.

With Consommé Dipping Sauce

• Hot Consommé – Serve your birria tacos alongside a bowl of warm consommé for dipping, enhancing the flavors.

As Quesabirria

• Cheesy Delight – Add melty Oaxacan cheese to each taco before folding for an extra cheesy experience.

With Salsa Options

• Spicy Salsa Verde – A tangy green salsa that pairs perfectly with the richness of birria.
• Roasted Tomato Salsa – A smoky option that complements the deep flavors of the beef.

Accompanied by Rice and Beans

• Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great side.
• Refried Beans – Creamy beans provide a hearty balance to your meal.

Pin

How to Perfect Birria Tacos

Perfecting birria tacos takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve taco greatness.

• Choose Quality Meat – Selecting a well-marbled beef chuck roast ensures tenderness and rich flavor.
• Soak Chiles Properly – Allow guajillo and ancho chiles to soak until soft for better blending into your sauce.
• Cook Low and Slow – Simmering the meat for hours allows flavors to meld beautifully and results in tender meat.
• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance the overall taste of your tacos.
• Crisp Tortillas – Fry tortillas until golden brown for added texture and flavor before adding fillings.

Best Side Dishes for Birria Tacos

Pairing side dishes with birria tacos can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime.
2. Guacamole – Creamy avocado dip that adds richness and pairs well with crispy tacos.
3. Pico de Gallo – Fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime; perfect for adding freshness.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with your choice of salsa make for a great appetizer.
5. Cabbage Slaw – A crisp slaw adds brightness and crunch alongside hearty tacos.
6. Spanish Rice – Seasoned rice cooked in tomato sauce complements the flavors of birria beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making birria tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you perfect your recipe.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the beef to marinate can result in bland flavor. Make sure to marinate your meat for at least a few hours or overnight for the best taste.
• Using Regular Chiles: Substituting other types of chiles for guajillo, ancho, or arbol can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Stick with these specific varieties to achieve that authentic taste.
• Overcooking the Meat: Cooking the meat too quickly can make it tough instead of tender. Slow-cook the beef until it falls apart easily to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Neglecting the Consommé: Forgetting to prepare the dipping sauce means missing out on that delicious flavor boost. Always serve your birria tacos with a side of consommé for dipping.
• Not Using Enough Cheese: Skimping on cheese can make your tacos less satisfying. Use plenty of Oaxacan cheese for that gooey, melty experience that makes birria tacos irresistible.

Pin

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Birria Tacos

• Place cooled tacos in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• You can freeze them for up to 3 months for longer storage.

Reheating Birria Tacos

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about birria tacos, here are some common questions answered.

What are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are delicious Mexican street food made with tender, slow-cooked beef, crispy tortillas, and often served with a flavorful consommé for dipping.

How do I make my own Consommé?

To create your own consommé, use the cooking liquid from the beef after it’s been slow-cooked. Strain it and serve it hot alongside your tacos.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can make birria using chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since chicken cooks faster than beef.

What toppings go well on Birria Tacos?

Diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime juice are popular toppings that enhance the flavors of birria tacos beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Birria tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience filled with comforting flavors and textures. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different toppings or even try variations using other meats. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a favorite!