How To Make La Birria Tacos – The Most Popular Mexican Dish – Easy And Tasty!

La birria tacos, a culinary masterpiece from Jalisco, Mexico, have captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. If you’re yearning to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen, this comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to ensure your tacos are bursting with flavor.

Ingredients for the Birria

• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded and stemmed
• 2 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and stemmed
• 2 dried pasilla chiles, seeded and stemmed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups beef broth

Ingredients for the Tacos

• 12 corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges, for garnish
• Consommé, for dipping

Instructions

#1. Prepare the Birria

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Brown the beef cubes in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
• Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
• Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened.

#2. Make the Chile Paste

• Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
• Soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 15 minutes, or until softened.
• Blend the softened chiles with the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of the beef broth until smooth.

#3. Combine the Birria and Paste

• Return the beef to the pot and add the chile paste.
• Stir to combine and cook for 5 minutes.
• Add the remaining beef broth and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fall-off-the-bone tender.

#4. Prepare the Consommé

• Strain the birria, reserving both the meat and the broth.
• Bring the broth to a boil in a separate pot and reduce heat to low.
• Simmer the broth for at least 30 minutes to concentrate the flavors.

#5. Assemble the Tacos

• Heat the tortillas in a skillet or on a griddle until warm and pliable.
• Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of birria meat.
• Top with chopped white onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

#6. Serve with Consommé

• Serve the tacos with a side of consommé for dipping.
• Enjoy the flavorful and tender birria tacos with every bite.

Tips for the Best La Birria Tacos

• Use high-quality beef for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t skip the step of toasting the chiles. This enhances their flavor and aroma.
• Simmer the birria for as long as possible to allow the flavors to develop.
• Warm the tortillas before assembling the tacos to prevent them from tearing.
• Serve the tacos with a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes.

Troubleshooting

Problem: My birria is too spicy.
Solution: Use fewer chiles or remove the seeds for less heat.

Problem: My beef is not tender enough.
Solution: Simmer the birria for longer, or use a slow cooker for maximum tenderness.

Problem: My tortillas are soggy.
Solution: Warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet before assembling the tacos.

Variations

• Birria de Res: The classic beef birria recipe.
• Birria de Chivo: A goat meat variation that is popular in some regions.
• Birria de Pescado: A seafood variation made with fish or shrimp.
• Birria de Vegetales: A vegetarian version made with vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and zucchini.

Conclusion

With these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you can now confidently embark on your culinary journey to create authentic and mouthwatering la birria tacos in your own kitchen. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful and satisfying dish, and savor every bite of the Jalisco tradition.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the birria ahead of time?
A: Yes, the birria can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: How long can I store the leftover birria?
A: Leftover birria can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I freeze the birria?
A: Yes, the birria can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply store it in an airtight container in the freezer.