Beef or Lamb Birria Tacos
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Lamb Birria
- 2 lb boneless beef or lamb, cut into big chunks
- 3-4 dried guajillo chilies
- 2-3 dried ancho chilies
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp each, salt and pepper
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 2 cinnamon sticks (about 2 inches)
- 6-8 cups water
Consommé
- 2 cups reserved meat liquid
- ¼ cup reserved chili sauce
- ½ tsp ground cumin
To Serve
- Corn tortillas
- Red onion, diced
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Black Diamond Mexican Shredded Cheese
- Salsa (optional)
Directions
- Remove stems and seeds from dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Place them in a bowl, cover with hot water, and soak for 20 minutes to rehydrate.
- In a blender or food processor, combine rehydrated chilies, onion, garlic, ground cumin, ground cloves, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend to create a smooth chili paste. Reserve ¼ cup for consommé.
- Heat cooking oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat. Sear meat chunks until browned, then set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chili paste and cook briefly to release flavours. Return seared meat to the pot.
- Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and enough water to cover the meat (about 6 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours until meat is tender and can be easily shredded.
- Once the meat is tender, shred it with forks on a cutting board. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. Reserve 2 cups of the liquid aside and put the shredded meat back into the pot. Simmer until almost all the liquid is absorbed.
For the consommé
- In a separate pot, combine reserved meat broth, ¼ cup of the reserved chili sauce, and ground cumin. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavours.
To Serve:
- Heat the corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet.
- Place a portion of the shredded meat Birria on each tortilla.
- Top with diced onions, chopped fresh cilantro, and Black Diamond Mexican Cheese.
- Serve with lime wedges and the consommé (dipping broth) in a small cup or bowl.
- Optionally, provide salsa for those who prefer extra heat.
These Birria Tacos offer a unique twist on the classic recipe by using tender, flavourful meat. The consommé adds a rich and savoury element, making these tacos a delicious and innovative treat. Enjoy!