Beef Birria Tacos

Mexican Birria Tacos with Rich Consomé

Birria, a beloved Mexican dish, combines slow-cooked meat with a rich, spiced sauce, yielding tender, flavorful results. Originating from the state of Jalisco, this birria recipe uses beef shank and short ribs, seasoned with a blend of dried peppers, roasted vegetables, and warming spices. Birria is perfect for creating tacos, especially when dipped in the flavorful consomé (sauce) and toasted on a skillet until golden and crispy.

Ingredients

• Meat
• 2 lbs. Beef Shank
• 2 lbs. Bone-in Beef Short Rib
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Peppers and Vegetables
• 3 Ancho Peppers
• 6 Guajillo Peppers
• 2 Large roasted tomatoes
• ½ Medium-size white onion, sliced
• 4 Garlic Cloves
• Spices and Herbs
• 4 Whole cloves
• ½ Teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ Teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 Teaspoon Mexican oregano
• ½ Teaspoon Marjoram
• 1-inch stick of Mexican cinnamon
• Liquids and Tortillas
• ½ Cup white vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Oaxacan melting cheese (for tacos)

Preparation of the Meat and Sauce

The success of birria depends on tender meat and a complex sauce with toasted and roasted spices and vegetables.

1. Season the Meat
   Start by seasoning the beef shank and beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Place them in a large baking dish and set aside while preparing the sauce.
2. Prepare the Peppers
   Clean the ancho and guajillo peppers by removing the seeds and stems. Toast them in a skillet over medium heat for a few seconds, just until they begin to release their aroma. Avoid burning them, as this can make the sauce taste bitter. Transfer the toasted peppers to a bowl and pour hot water over them, allowing them to soak for 20 minutes or until softened.
3. Roast the Onion and Garlic
   In the same skillet, roast the sliced onion and garlic cloves until they develop a slight char. This process brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce. Once roasted, set them aside.
4. Toast the Spices
   Toast the whole cloves, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns briefly in the skillet over medium heat, which intensifies their flavors. After toasting, place these spices in your blender along with the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and vinegar.
5. Blend the Sauce
   Once the peppers have softened, drain them and add them to the blender with the other ingredients. Blend until the mixture is smooth, adding a small amount of water if necessary to help the blending process. Season the sauce with salt to taste.

Marinating and Cooking the Meat

Allowing the meat to marinate helps it absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a more flavorful birria.

1. Marinate the Meat
   Pour the sauce over the beef shank and short ribs in the baking dish, ensuring that the meat is well-coated. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible.
2. Cook the Birria
   Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Place the baking dish in the oven, still covered with foil, and bake for about 4 hours. The meat is done when it becomes tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
3. Alternative Instant Pot Method
   If using an Instant Pot, place all ingredients, including the sauce, into the pot. Set it to “Stew” mode and cook for 50 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.

Preparing the Tacos

Birria tacos are assembled by dipping tortillas in the consomé, filling them with the tender meat and cheese, and toasting them until golden and crispy.

1. Prepare the Consomé and Tacos
   Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the sauce and shred it with a fork. Reserve the consomé (cooking liquid) for dipping the tortillas and serving as a dipping sauce with the tacos.
2. Dip the Tortillas
   Dip each corn tortilla into the consomé to lightly coat it, which will add flavor and help crisp the tortilla. Place the dipped tortillas on a hot skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the Cheese and Meat
   Sprinkle a layer of Oaxacan melting cheese over half of each tortilla, followed by a generous portion of the shredded meat. Fold the tortillas over and press gently to create a taco shape.
4. Cook Until Crispy
   Toast the tacos on both sides until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Continue this process until all the tacos are prepared.

Serving and Tips

Serve these flavorful birria tacos hot with a small bowl of the reserved consomé on the side for dipping. You can also garnish the tacos with fresh onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

Tips for the Best Birria Tacos

1. Marinate Overnight
   Marinating the meat overnight deepens the flavors, making the dish even more savory and aromatic.
2. Control the Spice Level
   Guajillo and ancho peppers add a mild heat. If you prefer a spicier birria, add a few dried arbol chiles to the sauce.
3. Use Fresh Tortillas
   Fresh corn tortillas work best for dipping and frying, as they have a better texture and hold up well during cooking.
4. Serve with Toppings
   Birria tacos pair well with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra zest and crunch.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meat for birria?
Yes, birria can be made with lamb, goat, or chicken as alternatives to beef. Each type will bring its own unique flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

How do I store and reheat leftover birria?
Store leftover birria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a bit of extra broth if needed to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

What is the best way to serve the consomé?
Serve the consomé on the side in small bowls, allowing each person to dip their tacos as desired. You can also drink the consomé as a soup with added garnishes.

Can I make birria in advance?
Yes, birria can be made a day ahead. In fact, the flavors will deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.

Is birria spicy?
Traditional birria has a mild to medium spice level. To adjust the spiciness, you can add or reduce the number of peppers in the sauce, or omit spicier chiles like arbol.

Conclusion
Birria tacos with consomé bring together rich, spiced meat, melty cheese, and crispy tortillas for an unforgettable meal. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy your homemade birria tacos and savor the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine!