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Birria Tacos

Birria tacos combine rich flavors and tender meat simmered in a spiced broth, wrapped in warm tortillas for an unforgettable meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the broth and meat
  • 7-8 cups hot water
  • 4 lbs chuck roast (cut into 4 large chunks) Choose high-quality meat
  • 2 lbs short ribs (bone in)
  • 1 large white onion (cut in half crosswise)
  • 1 bulb garlic (cut the narrow top off)
  • 1 large carrot (cut in half crosswise)
  • 5 pieces bay leaves (dried)
  • 8 pieces guajillo chiles (stems cut off and seeds removed)
  • 3 tbsp chicken bouillon
  • 1-2 tsp chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp salt Adjust to taste
For the tacos
  • 14-16 pieces white corn tortillas Fresh tortillas recommended
  • 2 cups quesadilla cheese (or any good melting cheese)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro (diced)
  • 1 large lime (juiced)
  • 1 large white onion (diced)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, add the chuck roast, short ribs, halved onion, garlic bulb, carrot, bay leaves, and guajillo chiles. Pour in hot water until everything is submerged. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Once boiling, stir in the chicken bouillon, oregano, cumin, and salt to taste. Ensure it doesn't boil too vigorously to avoid toughening the meat.
  3. After 30 minutes, skim off any impurities that rise to the surface for a clearer broth.
  4. Blend the softened guajillo chiles, onion, garlic, and carrot in a blender until smooth, adding some broth if necessary for consistency.
  5. Strain the blended mixture back into the pot, discarding solids.
  6. Season the broth with chili powder to taste and simmer for about 3 hours on low heat until the meat is tender.
  7. Once cooked, remove the meat and shred it using two forks, retaining some texture.
  8. Skim off grease from the broth, reserving it for frying the tortillas.
Assembly
  1. Heat the tortillas in the reserved grease over medium heat until warm and slightly crispy.
  2. Fill each tortilla with shredded meat, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

For deeper flavors, consider marinating the meat overnight. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, keep in an airtight bag for up to 3 months.