Juicy Birria Tacos with Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Birria de Rez
01 -
2 pounds boneless chuck
02 -
1 pound oxtail or bone-in short ribs
03 -
1 teaspoon neutral oil (avocado or vegetable oil)
→ Sauce
04 -
7 ancho chiles (ends trimmed and de-seeded)
05 -
7 guajillo chiles (ends trimmed and de-seeded)
06 -
3 chiles de arbol (ends trimmed and de-seeded)
07 -
1 white onion (peeled and halved)
08 -
6 garlic cloves (peeled)
09 -
4 roma tomatoes
10 -
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
11 -
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
12 -
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
13 -
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
14 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
15 -
1/2 Mexican cinnamon stick
16 -
3 bay leaves
17 -
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
18 -
3 cups beef broth or water
→ Tacos
19 -
1/4 cup minced cilantro
20 -
1/4 white onion (minced)
21 -
Juice from 1 lime
22 -
Kosher salt
23 -
Corn tortillas
24 -
3 ounces Oaxacan cheese (or mozzarella)
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring the meat to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle liberally with kosher salt. Heat neutral oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear the meat in batches on all sides until browned. Transfer to a bowl.
02 -
Simmer dried chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, spices, bay leaves in water for 15 minutes. Strain and transfer solids to a blender. Add apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of broth. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt. Strain if necessary.
03 -
Preheat the oven to 300°F. Return the seared meat to the Dutch oven and pour the sauce over it. Add remaining 2 cups broth to the blender, swish, and pour into the pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and braise in the oven for about 3 hours until tender.
04 -
Mix cilantro, onion, lime juice, and salt. Shred the cooked meat. Dip tortillas in the broth fat and fry in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add shredded meat and cheese to tortillas, fold, and cook until crispy on both sides. Serve with broth.
# Notes:
01 -
Substitute goat or lamb for meat alternatives.
02 -
This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated.
03 -
For harder cinnamon sticks, remove prior to blending.
04 -
This recipe can be made in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for convenience.