How to Make Birria Tacos
To get a taste of Mexico’s exciting and delectable food at home, birria tacos are just what you need. Even though these are famous thanks to a viral trend, they have deep roots in Jalisco and are made with slow-cooked, tender meat marinated in spices, folded with cheese into corn tortillas, and dunked into consommé. If you’re organizing a meal for family or making dinner with friends, birria tacos will provide plenty of flavor and warmth. This guide will teach you all the steps, from checking out the different types of meat for tacos to making the traditional sauce and assembling your perfect taco. Explore the growing popularity of birria tacos and get instructions for preparing them in your kitchen with no fuss.
Introduction: What Are Birria Tacos?
Lately, birria tacos have become very popular and can be found on menus everywhere, from food trucks to home kitchens. Birria tacos originated in Jalisco, Mexico, and are made of slow-cooked meat, spiced broth, and crunchy tortillas. You can easily make birria tacos at home using a few ingredients and giving them some time to cook.
In this guide, you will find out how to make delicious birria tacos at home from start to finish. We’ll explain the things you need, how to cook them, the best way to get great results, and why each ingredient is important. This recipe will help anyone become an expert in making birria tacos.
Why You’ll Love Making Birria Tacos at Home
- Authenticity: By preparing the food yourself, you are sure to use a standard recipe.
- Customization: Use as much or as little spice, meat, or broth as you prefer.
- Cost-effective: It is cheaper to make birria tacos at home than order them from a restaurant.
- Comfort Food: Slow-cooked ingredients in the dish are welcoming and so delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Birria Tacos
I have explained the ingredients in three main sections below: meat, marinade, and tacos are all important parts of making birria.
the Meat:
- You can use 2 lbs of beef chuck roast or short ribs, though traditionally goat or lamb are also used.
- 1 lb beef oxtail or shank to make the meal richer and gel-like
the Marinade (Birria Base):
- 5 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- If desired for more flavor, add 2 dried pasilla chiles.
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 large white onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 medium tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican preferred)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas
- I also topped the nachos with chopped white onion and cilantro.
- Lime wedges
- Add a bit of shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese (it will make your nachos taste great, though it’s not needed).
- You can use either cooking oil or beef tallow when frying.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Birria Tacos at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Dried Chiles
Separate the stems and seeds from all the dried chiles you have. Over a medium heat, lightly toast the tortillas on a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until they smell delicious. It intensifies the dish’s full flavors.
Tip: Always pay attention not to burn your chiles, or the marinade could turn bitter.
Step 2: Soak and Blend the Chiles
After toasting the chiles, place them in hot water for about 15–20 minutes so they get soft. Meanwhile, you should roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic until they are charred.
After that, mix the chiles together with the roasted vegetables, vinegar, and the rest of the spices. Blend the beef broth with the rest of the ingredients until smooth. Press the sauce through a sieve to give it a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Place the beef in a large bowl or bag, and then pour the marinade all over it. Ensure the meat is covered all over so all the spices and coatings stick on. Cover and let the fajita mixture sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet leave it overnight.
Ingredient Benefit: Vinegar and spices work together to soften the beef and add a lot of flavor to it.
Step 4: Cook the Birria
Place the beef and all marinade in a pot or Dutch oven. Next, pour in the rest of the beef broth and a bay leaf. Drop the temperature all the way down to a simmer for 3–4 hours after the stew has come to a boil.
Optional Method: It’s possible to cook a chicken in an Instant Pot (it needs 45–50 minutes on high pressure) or a slow cooker (just leave it on low for 6–8 hours).
Cook the meat until it is done then shred it with a fork and replace it in the soup to take in the flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the Consommé
The stock you cooked the meat in can also be served as a yummy dipping sauce. You can skim any fat from the liquid and strain the broth to get it smoother if you’d like.
You can use leftover consommé to dip your food and some more as the frying oil for your tacos.
Step 6: Assemble and Fry the Tacos
Heat up a skillet or a griddle on the stove over medium-high heat. After dipping the tortilla in the broth, put it on the preheated pan, sprinkle it with cheese and shredded meat, and continue with the next tortilla. In half and put it over heat, keeping a close eye on it so it gets golden brown and crispy.
Repeat for all tacos.
Pro Tip: A non-stick skillet or a seasoned iron skillet will allow your tacos to get evenly crispy and help prevent sticking.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Serve your birria tacos hot with:
A bowl of consommé for dipping
Chopped onions and cilantro
Lime wedges for freshness
Tips for Making the Best Birria Tacos at Home
- Marinate Overnight: Leaving the meat in the marinade for a longer period results in better flavor.
- Use Multiple Cuts of Meat: Blending fatty and lean pieces of meat gives the stock more taste and weight.
- Add Cheese: Using melted cheese helps give the dish more substance.
- Skim Fat: Use the fat separated from the consommé to pan-fry the tacos for better flavor.
- Double the Batch: You can freeze birria and enjoy it later on.
Ingredient Benefits Explained
Dried Chiles (Guajillo, Ancho, Pasilla)
Both of these chiles add a rich smoky flavor and a small amount of heat to the marinade. Carrots are packed with antioxidants and also contain a lot of vitamin A.
- Source: Masterclass on Dried Chiles
Beef Chuck & Oxtail
Chuck roast gets nice and tender when you cook it slowly, and oxtail helps make the soup tasty and thick with collagen and flavor.
- Source: The Spruce Eats on Beef Cuts explains what cuts of beef are best to use for different types of meals by teaching you which ones are tender, good for steak, or good for roasts.
Garlic and Onion
Aromatics add the basis of flavor and also help by providing anti-inflammatory effects.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Helps make the meat tender and less rich overall. It also aids digestion.
Common Questions About Birria Tacos
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Chicken birria is lighter compared to the regular one. Adjust cooking time by letting the vegetables simmer in the pot for 30 to 45 minutes.
Can I make birria tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely. On the next day, birria tastes its best. You can keep the meat and consommé apart, and warm them up whenever you’re hungry.
Are birria tacos spicy?
They are moderately spicy. You can lower the flaming hotness by either using less dried chiles or getting rid of all their seeds.
What’s the best cheese for birria tacos?
Mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese melt easily and will get all gooey and stretchy.
Nutritional Overview (Per Taco Estimate)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Note: Depending on how many and what ingredients you use, the nutrition can change as well.
Why Birria Tacos Are More Than a Trend
Birria tacos are more than just what you see on social media; they showcase the real Mexican way of cooking. Rooted in community and comfort, birria has always been a meal made for special events and now more people all over the world are falling in love with it for the right reasons.
Cooking birria at home lets you feel connected to Mexican culture and enjoy a tasty meal. Plus, when you make your own soup, you can pick what goes in it and end up with something healthier.
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to make birria tacos at home, you can make and eat this popular Mexican food any day you want. The process might take a couple of hours, but what you get in return is tasty meat, crunchy tortillas, and soup that really hits the spot.
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or you’re just looking for a good weekend meal, making birria tacos is a simple way to make your family and friends really happy. So get out your ingredients, get started with the instructions, and enjoy a really delicious taco.
Simple times can mean the most to us, and I’m grateful you have been sharing your life with me.🎉🎉🎉
“In every step we take, and every story we share, lies the true flavor of life.”👼👼👼👼
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