Birria Taco Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen

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Introduction:

Welcome to taco heaven! If you’ve been craving the rich, savory, and utterly irresistible flavors of Beef Birria, you’ve come to the right place. These Beef Birria Tacos are loaded with tender, flavorful meat, deliciously, melted cheese, and garnished with fresh cilantro and tangy lime—making them the ultimate treat for any taco night. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe will guide you through creating mouthwatering Birria tacos that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

I have done a ton of traveling and I’ve had the privilege of trying Birria in Mexico, Southern California, and Texas. Traditionally this dish is made with Goat or Lamb, but commonly in the US, it’s made with Beef. Birria rose to fame by going Viral on social media a lot over the last few years, but it’s been around in Mexican cuisine for 100s of years.

Origins of Birria Tacos: A Culinary Journey from Jalisco to the World

Birria tacos, a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, have a rich history that traces back to the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. Their origins are deeply rooted in traditional Mexican cooking and culture, and they have evolved over time to become a global phenomenon. Let’s take a delicious dive into the history and origins of these iconic tacos.

The Birth of Birria

**1. Ancient Beginnings: Birria’s origins can be traced back to the early colonial period in Mexico, where indigenous culinary practices began to blend with Spanish influences. The term “birria” is derived from the Spanish word “birria,” meaning “a mess” or “a mixture,” which reflects the dish’s humble beginnings as a stew made from a mix of meats and spices.

**2. Regional Roots in Jalisco: Birria is particularly associated with the state of Jalisco, where it became a celebrated dish. Traditionally, birria was made with goat meat, which was a popular choice in Jalisco due to its availability and flavor. The dish was prepared with a mix of dried chilis, spices, and herbs, creating a rich, spicy stew that was often enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.

The Traditional Birria Preparation

**1. Ingredients and Cooking Methods: Traditional birria involves marinating meat (typically goat, but sometimes beef or lamb) in a mixture of dried chilis, garlic, spices, and vinegar. The meat is then slow-cooked in a pot or an earthenware vessel until it becomes tender and infused with the complex flavors of the marinade. The result is a flavorful stew with a deep, reddish-brown color and a rich, savory taste.

**2. Serving Styles: Originally, birria was served as a stew with its own broth, often accompanied by tortillas, rice, and beans. The combination of the tender meat and flavorful broth made for a hearty and satisfying meal.

The Rise of Birria Tacos

**1. The Taco Twist: In recent years, Birria has undergone a transformation, evolving into a popular taco filling. This evolution is particularly associated with the Birria de res (beef Birria) variant, which has become a favorite both in Mexico and internationally. The beef version of Birria is often used for tacos, where the flavorful meat is served in warm corn tortillas and topped with cheese, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

**2. The Trend Goes Global: Birria tacos, often known as “quesabirria” when filled with melted cheese, gained widespread popularity due to their irresistible combination of tender, spiced meat and gooey cheese. Social media played a significant role in this trend, with food enthusiasts sharing their experiences and recipes, leading to a surge in popularity and the global spread of this delicious dish.

Cultural Significance

**1. Celebration and Community: Birria has always been more than just food; it’s a symbol of celebration and community. In Jalisco, Birria is often served during festivals, weddings, and family gatherings, reflecting its role as a dish meant to bring people together.

**2. Preserving Traditions: As Birria tacos continue to gain popularity worldwide, they also serve as a way to preserve and celebrate Mexican culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed in a traditional setting or as a modern twist, Birria tacos offer a taste of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

In summary, Birria tacos have evolved from a traditional Mexican stew with humble beginnings to a globally recognized and adored taco filling. Their journey from Jalisco to the world showcases the dynamic nature of food and how it can transcend borders, bringing people together through shared flavors and culinary experiences.

Let’s Get Cooking:

Begin by organizing your ingredients and knocking out all of your necessary measurements in advance – so the cooking process is smooth.

Today we are using a 3 lb Chuck Roast. Cut it into smaller pieces as seen below and salt them heavily.

If using dried chilis, start by removing the stems and seeds from the Arbol, Ancho, and Guajillo chilis. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, turning frequently to avoid burning. Once they’re fragrant, place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20 minutes to soften. Drain the chilis once done. If you’re using chipotle chilis in adobo sauce, skip this step.

If you’re having trouble locating the dried chilis, look online for the closest international market. If you don’t feel like going through all of that trouble, (it’s worth it though, lol) – just grab a can of chipotle peppers in adobo from your local grocery store near the taco sauce.

As always, it’s important to sear your meat and ensure you get a nice crust. This will ensure you have added texture, color, and flavor!

Prepare the Beef:

Season the chuck roast (or short ribs) generously with AP seasoning. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step builds a deep flavor that will permeate your Birria.

That’s what you want to see!

Make the Spice Paste:

In a blender or food processor, combine the softened chilis (or chipotle chilis in adobo sauce), tomato paste, brown sugar, garlic paste, and a small amount of beef stock. Blend until smooth. This rich, aromatic paste will be the base of your birria’s flavor.

Cook the Birria: (Below for slow cooking method)

Remove the seared beef from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the spice paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Return the beef to the pot along with the cinnamon stick, bay leaves, marjoram, thyme, cumin, chipotle chile powder, and the remaining beef stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.

If using an Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker, add all of the ingredients to the pressure cooker and set the device for high pressure and timer for 55 minutes.

Shred the Beef:

Once the beef is tender, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the broth.

Assemble the Tacos:

Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or on a hot griddle until they are warm and pliable. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded beef. Top with Queso Melt or Oaxaca Shredded Cheese, and let the cheese melt slightly.

Garnish and Serve:

Top your tacos with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side for added tang.

Tips for the Perfect Birria Tacos

1. Use High-Quality Beef: Chuck roast or short ribs provide a rich flavor and tender texture. Make sure to sear the meat well for the best results.
2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add extra chipotle chile powder or even a splash of hot sauce.
3. Make Ahead: The Birria can be made a day in advance. The flavors deepen and develop even further when it’s allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator.

Enjoy these Beef Birria Tacos with a side of your favorite salsa or some crispy tortilla chips. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just indulging in a special treat, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Bon appétit!

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