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Authentic Birria Tacos

Mouthwatering Authentic Birria Tacos for Your Next Feast

Experience the taste of Authentic Birria Tacos with a delicious blend of slow-cooked beef and spices, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Adobo Paste
  • 3 Guajillo Chilies substitute with pasilla chilies for a milder taste
  • 3 Ancho Chilies can be swapped with dried mulato chilies
  • 2 De Arbol Chilies use dried cayenne or chili flakes if unavailable
  • 1 cup Chili Soaking Water use to blend the adobo paste
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves no substitutions recommended
  • 1 medium Onion use yellow onion for best results
  • 2 Tomato can substitute with a tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 tbl Oregano Mexican oregano preferred
  • 1 tsp Cumin no substitutions recommended
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground is best
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika use regular paprika with a touch of cayenne if unavailable
For the Beef Filling
  • 2 lbs Chuck Beef alternatives include short ribs or brisket
  • 4 cups Beef Stock homemade or low-sodium store-bought is optimal
  • 3 Whole Cloves
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves
  • 2 tbl Apple Cider Vinegar white wine vinegar can be a substitute
  • 1 tbl Salt adjust to taste
For the Tacos
  • 12 Corn Tortillas flour tortillas are an alternative
  • 2 cups Colby Cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack can also be used
  • 1 cup Fresh Coriander substitute with parsley if necessary
  • 2 Lime Wedges optional but highly recommended
  • 1 cup Salsa choose your favorite variety

Equipment

  • heavy pot
  • Dutch oven
  • blender

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Adobo Paste: Remove stems and seeds from chilies, simmer in water for 10 minutes, blend with garlic, onion, tomato, and spices.
  2. Sear Beef: Heat oil, season chuck beef chunks with salt, and sear in hot oil for 8-10 minutes.
  3. Cook Paste: Add adobo paste to the pot, cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Braise Beef: Return beef, add stock, spices, and vinegar, simmer for 2.5 hours.
  5. Shred Beef: Remove and cool beef, shred into bite-sized pieces and mix with reserved braising liquid.
  6. Prepare Tortillas: Dip corn tortillas in oil, add beef, cheese, and onion, fold.
  7. Fry Tacos: Fry filled tacos in oil for 1.5-2 minutes on each side.
  8. Serve: Plate tacos with consommé for dipping, garnish with coriander and lime.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftover birria tacos in an airtight container; freeze the filling and consommé for long-term storage. Reheat carefully for the best texture.

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