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–+ servings
Authentic Birria Tacos

Savor Authentic Birria Tacos like a Pro Chef at Home

Experience the richness of Authentic Birria Tacos with slow-cooked beef and crispy tortillas, perfect for sharing.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Adobo Paste
  • 4 pieces Guajillo chilies Substitute with dried pasilla chilies if needed.
  • 2 pieces Ancho chilies Alternatively, use mulato chilies.
  • 2 pieces De arbol chilies Crushed red pepper flakes can substitute.
  • 1 cup Chili soaking water Essential for blending.
  • 5 cloves Garlic cloves Fresh garlic preferred.
  • 1 piece Onion Yellow or white onion is best.
  • 1 cup Tomato Canned tomatoes can replace fresh.
  • 2 teaspoons Oregano Mexican oregano preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Regular paprika can substitute.
For the Tacos
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil Can substitute with olive oil.
  • 3 pounds Chuck beef Brisket or short ribs can be used.
  • 4 cups Beef stock Use homemade or low-sodium for best flavor.
  • 4 pieces Whole cloves
  • 1 piece Cinnamon stick
  • 2 pieces Bay leaves
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar White vinegar can substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 12 pieces Corn tortillas Flour tortillas can be used.
For Serving
  • 1 cup White onion (finely diced) Shallots can be a milder substitute.
  • 1 cup Coriander Parsley can substitute.
  • 2 cups Colby cheese (shredded) Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well.
  • 2 pieces Lime wedges
  • 1 cup Salsa Use your favorite.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Dutch oven
  • Saucepan
  • skillet
  • Fine sieve

Method
 

Birria Preparation
  1. Start by removing the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and de arbol chilies. In a saucepan, bring water to a simmer and add the chilies, soaking them for about 10 minutes until they're soft and fragrant.
  2. Transfer the soaked chilies into a blender along with garlic cloves, onion, tomato, and spices such as oregano, cumin, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Pour in the chili soaking water and blend until smooth.
  3. In a heavy, large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chuck beef chunks in batches, searing each piece for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
  4. Using the same pot, reduce the heat to medium and add the blended chili paste. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Return the seared beef to the pot, pouring in the beef stock along with cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and braise on low heat for about 2.5 hours.
  6. Once the meat is tender, carefully remove it from the pot, let it cool, and shred the beef into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Strain the braising liquid through a fine sieve into a bowl to separate the solids, preserving the liquid for dipping.
  8. Dip corn tortillas in the reserved red oil, heating them in a skillet. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef, cheese, diced onion, and coriander.
  9. In a clean skillet, heat more reserved oil and fry the filled tacos for 1.5 to 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  10. Arrange the crispy birria tacos on a platter, serving with a small bowl of the dipping consommé, lime wedges, and salsa.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tacosCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Don't forget to serve the birria tacos with fresh lime and your favorite salsa for added flavor.

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