Birria tacos

Birria tacos are filled with a popular slow-cooked chilli stew. A range of different chilis are required to create the right taste. In this recipe the tacos are first covered in the sauce and then filled with the mozzarella and meat. The bread is fried until crispy and served with sour cream, coriander and onion.
Ingredients
Birria tacos
Beef rib
|
1 kilo |
---|---|
Salt
|
2 tsp |
Large yellow onion
|
1 |
Garlic cloves
|
4 |
Cherry tomatoes
|
250 g |
Tomato purée
|
1 tbsp |
Ancho chillies
|
3 |
Dried chillies de árbol
|
2 |
Dried guajillo chillies
|
3 |
Dried pasilla chillies
|
2 |
Beef stock
|
1 l |
Cinnamon stick
|
1 |
Coriander seeds
|
1 tbsp |
Peppercorns
|
1 tbsp |
Oil for frying
|
Serve with
Red onion
|
1 |
---|---|
Mango
|
1 |
Avocados
|
2 |
Lime fruit
|
1 |
Small tortillas
|
16 |
Mozzarella
|
300 g |
Sour cream
|
300 ml |
Fresh coriander
|
Instructions
Birria tacos
How do you make sure birria tacos don’t go soggy?
Fresh tortillas are an important trick in avoiding sogginess as they absorb less moisture. Make sure not to add too much sauce before frying too, as it will weaken the structure.
How do you get the bitterness out of birria tacos?
Using too many chillies can make your birria bitter so be sure to stick to the recipe and experiment carefully. Cooking the sauce for too short a period can also result in a bitter undertone.
Can you overcook birria tacos?
Overcooking birria is difficult but not impossible: once the meat pulls apart easily, it’s time to remove it from the mixture.
How do you make birria less greasy?
Birria is a fatty dish so a little grease is to be expected and, while you can substitute the meat for a less fatty cut, it will have an impact on the flavour.
Why is my birria sticking to the pan?
A non-stick pan with a small amount of oil should be enough to stop your birria tacos from sticking to the pan. Avoid using a cast iron pan in particular as they are more likely to be sticky.
A Jaliscan comfort food champion
Birria originates in Jalisco state, western Mexico. The stew was popular at special occasions but is now commonly sold with tacos by street food vendors. Since the 1970s it has been growing in popularity in the US, with a recent TikTok trend raising its profile even further.
How adobo can you go?
In Mexico the complex marinade made of a wide range of chillies is known as adobo, coming from the Spanish verb “adobar” (to marinate). Typically used in meat or seafood based dishes, the often thick paste can be thinned out and transformed into a flavour-packed sauce for stews or dipping sauce.
Splendid side dishes
Birria tacos can shine on their own, but if a side dish is needed common accompaniments include cilantro lime rice (a Mexican favourite), fresh tomato salsa or a cool cucumber salad. Refried beans, Mexican street corn, or a creamy coleslaw are also traditional favourites that go well with this dish.
The secret to slow cooking birria tacos
There’s no substitute for time in the pursuit of the tastiest birria. If you have an entire day, you can even use a slow cooker for around eight hours at low heat. Either way, patience is key to get the most out of your sauce.
