Birria Tacos Recipe
Introduction:
Birria tacos are a delicious and savory Mexican dish that originates from the state of Jalisco. Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat, but beef and lamb are also commonly used. The slow-braised meat is seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs, giving it a deep, rich flavor. After cooking, the tender meat is shredded and served in tortillas with a side of consomé (broth) for dipping. This dish has gained significant popularity, especially for taco lovers who enjoy rich, flavorful fillings. Birria tacos can be enjoyed as a street food or as part of a hearty meal with family and friends.
Ingredients:
- For the Birria:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs (or goat/lamb if preferred)
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried pasilla chilies
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 4 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped onions
- Lime wedges
- Radishes, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
- For Consomé (Broth for Dipping):
- Strained liquid from the birria
- Optional: Add more seasoning like salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chilies:
- Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies. Toast the chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Once toasted, place them in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes or until they soften.
- Make the Marinade:
- While the chilies are soaking, add garlic, onion, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, oregano, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Once the chilies are soft, add them to the blender with a little of the soaking water. Blend everything until smooth, adding more soaking water or broth if needed to create a paste-like consistency.
- Marinate the Meat:
- Rub the chili paste all over the beef (or goat/lamb) and marinate for at least an hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Birria:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides until it’s seared.
- Add the remaining marinade, bay leaves, vinegar, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
- Let the meat cook for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreddable. Check the liquid level periodically, adding more broth or water as needed.
- Shred the Meat:
- Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard any bones if using bone-in cuts.
- Make the Tacos:
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Briefly dip the tortillas in the broth (consomé) to soak them, then fry them in the skillet for a couple of minutes on each side until crispy and golden brown.
- Place the shredded birria meat on the warm tortillas, and garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lime. You can also dip the tacos in the consomé for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the birria tacos hot, alongside a small bowl of consomé for dipping, and enjoy the richness of the flavors.
Nutrition Benefits of Birria Tacos:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (approx. 2 tacos) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Vitamin C | 5% of Daily Value (DV) |
| Calcium | 3% of Daily Value (DV) |
| Iron | 10% of Daily Value (DV) |
Health Benefits:
- High Protein: Birria is rich in protein, which is essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and immune function.
- Rich in Iron: Beef (or lamb/goat) is a good source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and is vital for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Good Source of Healthy Fats: The fats from the meat provide essential fatty acids for energy and cell function.
- Fiber: The inclusion of vegetables like onions and cilantro adds a boost of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Birria tacos contain small amounts of important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C from the fresh toppings and consomé, which helps boost immunity and fight inflammation.
Enjoy these delicious birria tacos as a tasty and hearty meal with significant nutritional benefits!