Ingredients
Scale
For the Birria Stew:
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast or short ribs (or a mix of both)
- 1 lb beef shank (for extra richness, optional)
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and stemmed
- 2 dried ancho chiles, seeded and stemmed
- 2 dried chipotle chiles
- 1 medium white onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 whole cloves
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups beef broth or water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
For the Tacos:
- 15 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles and Sauce
- Toast the Chiles: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Soak the Chiles: Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, oregano, cumin, and 1 cup of the soaking liquid. Blend until smooth and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Sear the Meat: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and sear it on all sides until browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Remove the meat and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Stew
- Deglaze the Pot: Pour the blended chile sauce into the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, to deepen the flavors.
- Add the Broth: Return the meat to the pot and add the beef broth or water. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, bay leaves, and additional salt to taste.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Prepare the Meat and Consommé
- Shred the Meat: Remove the meat from the stew and shred it using two forks. Set aside.
- Strain the Broth: Strain the stew to remove solids, creating a rich consommé. Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Keep the consommé warm for serving and dipping.
Step 5: Make the Tacos
- Dip the Tortillas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each tortilla into the consommé to coat it lightly with the flavorful broth.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place the tortilla on the skillet and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Add a generous portion of the shredded birria meat. Fold the tortilla in half and press gently.
- Fry Until Crispy: Cook the taco on each side for 2-3 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the tacos hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges.
- Dip and Enjoy: Serve with a small bowl of consommé on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 tacos plus stew
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g