Birria Tacos – Comfort Food Meals

Is there anything better than unwrapping a warm taco to reveal a world of flavor inside? If you’re like me, you know the power of a good taco. But today, let’s raise the stakes with birria tacos. Just thinking about them makes my mouth water. 

And the best part? They pair beautifully with a refreshing horchata or a simple side of Mexican rice. Picture yourself taking a bite of a juicy, tender taco drizzled with a sprinkle of lime juice, crunching on fresh toppings. Suddenly, everything feels right with the world.

What are Birria Tacos?

Let’s dive into the deliciousness. Birria tacos originated in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico. Traditionally, birria is a stew made with various meats—usually goat, but beef is popular too. 

The meat marinates in a rich, spicy sauce, slow-cooked until tender. The tacos come alive when you fry those corn tortillas until they’re crisp, then stuff them with that juicy, flavorful meat, and top with plenty of fresh ingredients.

You Might Also Like These Recipes!

• Steakhouse Steak Rub
• No Yeast 2 Ingredient Bread
• Cabbage Rolls with Tomato Sauce

The Ingredients

So, what will you need to create this flavor-packed dish? Here’s a simple breakdown:

For the Birria:

• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck
  
• 1 pound oxtail or bone-in short ribs
  
• 3 chiles de árbol
  
• 7 ancho chiles
  
• 4 Roma tomatoes
  
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  
• 1 large white onion
  
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
  
• 3 cups beef broth or water (divided)
  
• 7 guajillo chiles
  
• 1/2 Mexican cinnamon stick
  
• 1 small piece of star anise
  
• 2 bay leaves
  
• 6 garlic cloves
  

For the Tacos:

• 3 ounces Oaxacan cheese or shredded mozzarella
  
• 1/4 white onion, finely minced
  
• Corn tortillas
  
• Juice of 1 lime
  
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
  
• Kosher salt, to taste
  

How to Make Birria Tacos

Now, let’s get our hands dirty! The process of making birria tacos is simple but rewarding.

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by trimming any excess fat from your beef chuck and oxtail. This will give you a tastier final product. Season the meat with salt and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Next, let’s focus on that sauce. In a pan over medium heat, dry roast the chiles de árbol, ancho chiles, and guajillo chiles for a couple of minutes. You just want to enhance their flavor without burning them.

Then, combine the roasted chiles, tomatoes, onion, oregano, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, vinegar, black peppercorns, and 1 1/2 cups of beef broth in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

In a large pot, heat the neutral oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear it until browned on all sides. This step adds a depth of flavor that you won’t want to skip. Pour the blended sauce over the meat, add enough broth to cover everything, and toss in the cinnamon stick, star anise, and bay leaves.

Step 4: Slowly Cook the Mixture

Bring the mix to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 3 hours, or until the meat becomes tender and falls apart easily.

Step 5: Shred the Meat

Once your meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using forks. Can you smell that? It’s pure bliss! Return the shredded meat to the pot so it can soak up more sauce while you prepare the tacos.

Step 6: Prepare the Tacos

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry a corn tortilla for a few seconds on each side. Start layering: add meat, then top with Oaxacan cheese, minced onions, and cilantro. Fold the tortilla and cook on each side until the cheese melts and the taco crispifies a bit.

Notes

Here are some handy tips to elevate your birria tacos:

• Choose Quality Meat: Invest in good cuts. Chuck and oxtails provide the best flavor.
  
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Take your time with the simmering. The longer, the better.
  
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices according to your palate. Want it hot? Add more chiles.
  
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshness always makes a difference, especially in toppings.
  
• Garnish Generously: Extra lime and cilantro brighten the dish immensely!
  

Storage Tips

Birria tacos can be stored in an airtight container in your fridge for about 3 days. To enjoy later, warm up the meat mixture and assemble fresh tacos with new tortillas. You can even freeze the meat for up to 3 months. Just thaw and heat it up when you’re ready to feast.

Nutrition Information

• Calories per Taco: Approximately 360 kcal
  
• Protein: 24g
  
• Fat: 18g
  
• Carbohydrates: 28g
  

That’s right. Delicious and packed with protein, birria tacos make for a satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to dig in, consider these options to enhance your taco experience:

• Add a Side of Refried Beans: Rich and creamy, they complement tacos perfectly.
  
• Serve with Sliced Avocado: It adds creaminess that balances the spice.
  
• Pair with Pickled Red Onions: Tangy and crunchy, they brighten every bite.
  
• A Side of Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice makes for a delicious, hearty meal.
  
• Don’t Forget the Salsa!: A fresh salsa provides zest and enhances the overall taste.
  

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Birria Tacos?

Got some dietary preferences? Here are some tasty alternatives:

• Pork Shoulder: A fantastic substitute for beef, providing a different flavor profile.
  
• Lamb: For that gamey flavor, go for tender lamb shanks.
  
• Vegetarian Option: Use jackfruit as a meat alternative for a plant-based version.
  
• Chicken Thighs: They absorb flavors well and provide a juicy texture.
  
• Mushrooms: Use a mix of portobello and shiitake for a meaty, umami flavor.
  

Conclusion

Birria tacos are more than just food; they tell a story. The layers of flavors speak to tradition and community. Each bite takes you on a journey—past the kitchen door and into the heart of social gatherings. 

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a novice, making birria tacos is a rewarding experience. Gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll feel like a culinary hero. Happy cooking!

You Might Also Like These Latest Recipes!

• Homemade Cherry Jam Recipe
• Steakhouse Steak Rub
• No Yeast 2 Ingredient Bread