# Birria Tacos: Flavorful, Cheesy, and Mouthwateringly Juicy
Birria tacos have captivated food lovers, and rightfully so. These tacos are not only mouthwatering but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making them an ideal choice for your weekly dinner lineup. With their savory, cheesy stuffing and deep flavors, birria tacos are bound to become a staple in your home.
## What Exactly are Birria Tacos?
Birria is a classic Mexican meal, generally prepared as a spicy and savory stew featuring beef or goat. The meat is slow-cooked to achieve tenderness and richness. The creative twist is when this delightful meat is encased in a taco shell, dipped into the stew, and then toasted until crisp. This technique has sparked the popularity of birria tacos, establishing them as a favorite for taco evenings.
## Beef Birria Tacos
Though goat is the traditional choice for birria, many opt for beef due to its accessibility. Beef shank is suggested for its robust taste, but alternatives like sirloin or short ribs can also be utilized. The preparation method stays consistent, no matter which meat you select.
## The Enchantment of Dipping and Frying
The secret to crafting the ultimate birria tacos is found in the dipping and frying technique. By immersing the tortilla in the stew and frying it in the fat, the flavor and texture are enhanced, resulting in a crunchy shell that enhances the whole taco experience. While this is typically done with butter or lard, using the fat from the stew brings an added depth of flavor.
## Ingredients for Birria Tacos
Essential ingredients for birria tacos can easily be sourced from your nearby grocery store:
– **Beef:** Opt for beef shank for superior flavor, and consider mixing in a leaner cut like sirloin.
– **Dried Guajillo Peppers:** These add an authentic Mexican taste. If not available, consider other dried peppers such as ancho or pasilla.
– **Chipotle Peppers in Adobo:** These offer a spicy-sweet profile and are readily found.
– **Mexican Oregano:** This type is generally fresher and more flavorful than the regular oregano available in spice sections.
## How to Create Birria Stew
Preparing birria stew is a straightforward process:
1. **Soak the Peppers:** Boil water, remove it from heat, and let the dried guajillo peppers soak.
2. **Season the Meat:** Chop the beef into cubes and season with salt and pepper.
3. **Create the Marinade:** Blend together the marinade components, including the soaked peppers, until smooth.
4. **Marinate the Beef:** Let the beef marinate for no less than two hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
5. **Make the Stew:** Sauté onions until they turn golden, add the marinated beef, cover with chicken stock, and simmer until tender.
## How to Assemble Birria Tacos
Once your stew is prepared, putting together the tacos is a breeze:
1. **Shred the Meat:** Shred the cooked beef and optionally fry it for additional crunchiness.
2. **Warm the Tortillas:** This helps make them flexible for folding.
3. **Dip and Fill:** Dip the tortillas in the stew, then fill with beef, onions, cilantro, and cheese.
4. **Fold and Fry:** Fry the tacos until they are crispy and serve with a side of stew for dipping.
## Instant Pot, Dutch Oven, or Slow Cooker
You can make birria stew using different methods:
– **Instant Pot:** Quick and preserves flavor.
– **Dutch Oven:** Simmer on low for 4-6 hours.
– **Slow Cooker:** Combine all ingredients and let cook on low for 8 hours.
## The Tortillas
For birria tacos, choose small corn tortillas. If high-quality tortillas are hard to find, consider brands like La Tortilla Factory or Mission Foods. Always warm your tortillas prior to filling to avoid tearing.
## Quesabirria Tacos
For an extra cheesy variation, try quesabirria tacos. Just add shredded Oaxaca cheese before folding and