Mexican Birria Recipe (the Best Beef Birria Tacos & Quesabirria)
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Mexican Birria is a dish that truly embodies the essence of comfort food. The process begins with creating a rich chili paste from dried Mexican chilies, which are toasted to bring out their deep flavors. This paste becomes the heart of the dish, infusing the beef with a complex, savory profile that is hard to resist.
The choice of beef cuts is crucial; tougher cuts like chuck or short ribs are ideal as they become tender and flavorful when cooked low and slow. The marination process, ideally done overnight, allows the spices to meld beautifully with the meat, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor.
Once cooked, the beef is shredded and can be served in tacos or as a hearty soup with the flavorful broth. Toppings like onions, cilantro, and cheese add freshness and texture, making each bite a delightful experience. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, as it not only feeds a crowd but also brings everyone together to enjoy a delicious meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this Birria recipe is approachable and rewarding. The combination of spices, the slow cooking method, and the rich flavors make it a dish that will surely impress your family and friends.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Remove stems and seeds from dried Mexican chili peppers.
Toast the peppers lightly in a hot pan for about 1-2 minutes per side.
Tip: Toasting the peppers enhances their flavor and loosens the oils in the skin.
Add very hot water over the toasted peppers and cover to steep for 20-30 minutes.
Add vegetable oil to a pan and cook chopped onion and tomatoes for about 5 minutes.
Stir in chopped garlic and cook until fragrant.
Tip: Marinating the meat overnight will build more flavor.
Transfer the onion, tomato, and garlic mixture to a food processor and add softened peppers.
Add Mexican oregano, salt, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar to the food processor.
Process the mixture until it forms a smooth paste.
Move the beef into a large bowl and rub it with the chili puree.
Cover the marinated meat and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Tip: Simmer the meat for at least 3 hours for it to be tender and shreddable.
Transfer the marinated meat to a large pot, add beef broth, and cover to simmer for at least 3 hours.
Remove the meat from the pot and shred it using forks.
Tip: Chilling the consommé allows the fat to harden on top, making it easier to skim off.
Skim off the fat from the top of the consommé.
Heat olive oil in a pan and add shredded meat to char slightly.
Dip corn tortillas in the consommé and cook them in the pan.
Tip: Letting the flavors meld overnight improves the taste of the dish.
Fill the tortillas with shredded meat and your favorite toppings.
Serve the tacos with consommé for dipping.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Birria is traditionally made with goat meat, but beef is a popular alternative.
- •Toasting dried chilies enhances their flavor and aroma.
- •Marinating the meat overnight allows for deeper flavor penetration.
- •Birria can be served as a soup or in tacos, often accompanied by fresh toppings.
