Birria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Birria is a traditional Mexican stew known for its rich, bold flavor and tender meat. Typically made with beef or goat, it’s simmered in a fragrant blend of dried chiles, spices, and aromatics until melt-in-your-mouth tender. Often served as a stew or used to make birria tacos, this dish is perfect for special occasions or a flavorful weekend meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef chuck roast or goat meatancho chilesguajillo chilesarbol chileswhite oniongarlic clovesbay leavesclovesblack peppercornsoregano (preferably Mexican)thymeground cuminapple cider vinegarbeef brothsalt and peppercorn tortillas (if making tacos)

directions

Remove stems and seeds from the dried chiles, then toast them briefly in a dry skillet to bring out their flavor.

Soak the toasted chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.

In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, garlic, vinegar, spices, and some of the soaking liquid. Blend until smooth.

Cut the meat into large chunks and season with salt and pepper.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, sear the meat on all sides until browned.

Pour the blended chile sauce over the meat, add sliced onions, bay leaves, and beef broth to cover.

Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours until the meat is very tender and shreds easily.

Remove the meat from the pot and shred with forks. Skim excess fat from the broth.

To make tacos, dip tortillas in the top layer of fat from the broth, fry lightly on a hot skillet, add shredded meat, fold, and fry until crispy. Serve with a cup of broth for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 3-4 hours
Total time: 4-4.5 hours

Variations

Use lamb or a mix of meats for different flavor profiles.

Add cinnamon sticks or chocolate for a hint of sweetness and depth.

Serve birria as a stew topped with onions, cilantro, and lime.

Make quesabirria by adding melted cheese to the tacos before folding and frying.

storage/reheating

Store birria in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Tacos can be reheated in a skillet for crispiness.

FAQs

What does birria taste like?

Birria has a deeply savory, slightly spicy flavor with hints of smokiness and richness from the slow-cooked meat and spices.

Can I make birria in a slow cooker?

Yes, after searing the meat and blending the sauce, you can cook everything in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Can I use chicken instead?

Yes, chicken thighs work well for a lighter version of birria.

Is birria spicy?

It can be mildly to moderately spicy depending on the chiles used. You can adjust the number of arbol chiles to control the heat.

What’s the best meat for birria?

Beef chuck roast is a popular and accessible option, but goat is traditional.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, birria tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

What are birria tacos?

Birria tacos are crispy tacos filled with birria meat and usually served with a side of consommé (broth) for dipping.

Do I need to marinate the meat?

Marinating overnight enhances flavor but is optional if you’re short on time.

How do I make the broth red and flavorful?

The color and flavor come from the dried chiles and their soaking liquid, so don’t skip toasting and blending them well.

Is birria gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free corn tortillas and confirm your broth and spices are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Birria is a rich, comforting dish that showcases the depth and complexity of Mexican cuisine. Whether served as a stew or in crispy tacos with dipping broth, its bold flavors and tender meat are sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, birria is a recipe worth savoring and sharing.

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