Birria tacos have become a sensation around the world due to their delicious combination of tender, juicy meat and crispy, cheese-filled tortillas. This birria tacos recipe will guide you through the steps to make this popular dish at home. Traditionally from Jalisco, Mexico, birria was made with goat or lamb, but today, beef birria tacos are the most common variation. In this guide, you’ll learn how to create the perfect birria tacos, complete with consomé for dipping.
Whether you’re making these tacos for lunch or dinner, their rich flavors and textures are sure to impress your family or guests. Let’s dive into what makes this dish special and why it’s worth the time and effort.
What Are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos are a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican birria stew and tacos. Birria is a slow-cooked meat stew, typically made with goat or lamb, but now commonly prepared with beef. For a deeper look into the best cuts of meat, explore What Cuts of Meat are in Birria Tacos?. The tacos are filled with shredded birria meat, pan-fried until crispy, and served with consomé, a rich broth made from the birria juices, for dipping.
The tacos gained popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok, and became a culinary trend. It isn’t surprising that birria tacos rose to fame, given their rich, deep flavors and the fun, interactive way they’re eaten. Moreover, the combination of slow-cooked meat, crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and dipping broth creates a unique experience that is both comforting and exciting.
If you’re interested in learning more about the origins of this delicious dish, check out The History of Birria for a detailed exploration of its cultural significance in Mexican cuisine.
Why You Should Make Birria Tacos
If you’re still wondering whether you should try this birria tacos recipe, here are a few reasons why it’s worth the effort:
- Rich, complex flavors: The slow-cooked birria meat absorbs all the spices and flavors, making every bite of the tacos an explosion of savory goodness.
- Versatility: You can experiment with different meats like goat, lamb, or chicken depending on your preference. You can also adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a family dinner, or a party with friends, birria tacos are a crowd-pleaser that can fit any meal.
To ensure you get the best results, choosing the right ingredients, especially the chiles, is essential. For more information on selecting chiles for this recipe, visit Choosing the Right Chiles for Birria.
Key Ingredients for Birria Tacos
A successful birria tacos recipe relies on high-quality ingredients. Below is a list of the essential components that you’ll need to make this dish authentic:
- Meat: Beef is the most common choice for birria tacos. You can use beef chuck, short ribs, or oxtail for a rich, flavorful stew. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional approach, you can use goat or lamb.
- Dried chiles: The distinct flavor of birria comes primarily from the combination of dried guajillo, ancho, and chiles de árbol. These chiles provide a deep, smoky flavor with just a hint of heat.
- Spices: To further add complexity to the dish, you’ll need Mexican oregano, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, bay leaves, and Mexican cinnamon sticks.
- Other essential ingredients: Additionally, white onion, garlic, roma tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar will help balance the stew’s flavors with a bit of acidity and sweetness.
- Cheese: Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella is used in the tacos to add a creamy, melty texture.
- Corn tortillas: These are essential for creating the crispy exterior of the tacos. Corn tortillas hold up better when fried compared to flour tortillas.
Ingredient Tips:
- Dried chiles should be de-seeded and stems removed to keep the heat manageable and prevent any bitterness in the stew.
- If you can’t find Mexican oregano or Mexican cinnamon, you can substitute them with regular oregano or cinnamon, but the flavor won’t be as authentic.
- Use high-quality beef to ensure the meat remains tender and flavorful after the long cooking process.
How to Prepare Birria Meat
1. Prepare the Meat
Before starting the cooking process, bring your meat to room temperature. This allows for even cooking and better flavor absorption. Generously season the meat with salt and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before searing. If you’re using beef chuck or short ribs, cut the meat into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
2. Sear the Meat
Searing the meat is an essential step in building the flavor base for the birria stew. Heat some oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, and sear the meat on all sides until browned. This caramelizes the surface of the meat, locking in the juices and adding depth to the stew. Once the meat is seared, set it aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Making the Birria Stew
3. Prepare the Sauce
The sauce is the heart of the birria tacos recipe. To make it, you’ll need to rehydrate the dried chiles and blend them with a mixture of tomatoes, onion, and garlic. For more details on the sauce, check out What is the Sauce Made of for Birria Tacos?. Follow these steps:
- In a medium pot, combine the dried guajillo, ancho, and chiles de árbol with the halved onion, garlic, and roma tomatoes.
- Cover everything with water and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the chiles soften and the flavors meld together.
- Transfer the softened chiles, tomatoes, and other ingredients to a blender. Add a cup of beef broth or water and blend until the sauce is smooth.
- For an extra-smooth sauce, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any bits of chile skin.
4. Combine Meat and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring the meat and sauce together. Return the seared meat to the pot, then pour the chile sauce over the meat. Add the Mexican oregano, cumin, coriander seeds, and bay leaves to the pot. Then, pour in enough beef broth to cover the meat halfway, ensuring the meat stays moist as it cooks.
5. Slow Cooking the Birria
Cover the pot and simmer the birria stew on low heat for 3-4 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the meat to tenderize and absorb all the flavors from the chiles and spices. As a result, you’ll end up with incredibly tender meat perfect for making birria tacos.
If you prefer using a pressure cooker or slow cooker:
- Instant Pot: Set to high pressure for 50 minutes. This method will save time while still delivering tender, flavorful birria.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on high for 6-7 hours, or on low for 8-10 hours. This is a convenient option if you want to set it and forget it.
How to Make Birria Tacos
Now that your birria is ready, it’s time to assemble and fry the tacos. This is where the magic happens! The slow-cooked birria meat combined with crispy tortillas makes these tacos irresistible.
6. Shred the Meat
Once the meat is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to reserve the consomé (the flavorful broth) for dipping. The shredded birria meat will serve as the filling for your tacos, giving them their distinct rich flavor.
7. Prepare the Consomé
The consomé is undoubtedly one of the highlights of birria tacos. First, ladle some of the broth into a separate bowl for dipping. Next, to enhance its flavor, add a little lime juice, chopped cilantro, and diced onions to the broth. As a result, the tanginess of the lime and the freshness of the cilantro balance out the richness of the broth, creating a perfect complement to the tacos.
8. Fry the Tacos
Here’s how to fry the tacos to get that perfect crispy texture:
- Dip the corn tortillas into the fat that rises to the top of the birria broth. Consequently, this will give them a beautiful color and a crispy exterior.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, and add the tortillas to the skillet.
- Place a small handful of the shredded birria meat and Oaxacan cheese (or mozzarella) onto each tortilla. In addition, this will help the tacos achieve a rich, flavorful filling.
- Fold the tortillas in half, creating a taco shape, and fry until the outside is crispy and the cheese is melted. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side. These crispy tacos are now ready to be dipped into the consomé.
Serving Suggestions
Now that your birria tacos are ready, it’s time to serve them with all the necessary accompaniments. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your birria tacos experience:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges. The freshness of the cilantro and onions adds a burst of flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich birria meat.
- Serve with a side of consomé. This dipping broth is essential for an authentic birria tacos experience. Dip each taco into the broth before taking a bite for an extra layer of flavor.
- Consider adding traditional Mexican sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a refreshing aguas frescas to balance the richness of the tacos. For more ideas on sides, check out What Goes With Birria Meat: A Complete Guide.
Variations and Tips
There are endless ways to customize this birria tacos recipe. Here are some ideas to help you make the recipe your own:
- Experiment with different meats: While beef is the most popular choice, you can also make goat birria tacos or lamb birria tacos for a more traditional flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use chicken.
- Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the number of chiles de árbol in the recipe. For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the chiles or add extra chiles de árbol.
- Try different cheeses: While Oaxacan cheese is the traditional choice, mozzarella works well too. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar for a different flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare in advance: The birria stew can be made up to two days ahead. Simply shred the meat and store it in the refrigerator, along with the broth. When ready to serve, reheat the meat and broth, and proceed with assembling and frying the tacos.
- Freezing birria: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the shredded birria meat and consomé for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
FAQs About Birria Tacos
1. What is the origin of Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos originate from Jalisco, Mexico, where birria was traditionally made with goat or lamb and served as a stew, not in tacos.
2. Are Birria Tacos Spicy?
Birria tacos can be spicy depending on the chiles used. However, you can adjust the heat level by controlling the number of chiles de árbol in the recipe.
3. What types of meat can be used for Birria Tacos?
Common meats include beef, goat, lamb, and chicken. Beef is the most popular choice in modern birria tacos, but goat and lamb are more traditional.
4. How long does it take to make Birria Tacos?
It takes about 4-5 hours in total, including preparation and cooking time. However, using an Instant Pot can speed up the process.
5. Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the birria meat in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The tacos can be assembled and fried just before serving.
Conclusion
This birria tacos recipe combines the richness of slow-cooked meat with the satisfying crunch of crispy, cheese-filled tortillas. Whether you opt for beef, goat, or chicken, the result is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. Above all, serve these tacos with a side of consomé for dipping, and garnish with cilantro, onions, and lime for an authentic Mexican dining experience. Whether you’re making birria tacos for a family dinner or a special event, they’re sure to be a hit!