Birria Tacos: How to Make This Viral TikTok Recipe at Home

Birria Tacos

COOKINDO - Birria Tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that has recently gained popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok. The dish is made by slow-cooking beef or goat in a flavorful broth made with dried chilies and spices, then shredding the meat and serving it in a crispy tortilla with cheese and toppings like cilantro, onion, and lime. 

The result is a savory and spicy taco with a rich and complex flavor that has captured the attention of foodies and home cooks alike. The popularity of Birria Tacos has been attributed to their unique flavor profile, as well as their photogenic appearance and the trend of sharing food content on social media.

Birria Tacos are believed to have originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, specifically in the town of Cocula. The dish has been around for several centuries and has its roots in Spanish colonization, when goats were brought over by the Spanish and were generally considered a nuisance. 

During the era of the "Conquista", the cultural exchange between the Spaniards and the Mexicans changed the way they lived and ate, giving birth to new foods and traditions, including Birria. Today, Birria Tacos are a popular street food in Mexico and have gained widespread popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok, as a trendy and photogenic dish.

Birria Tacos are made with slow-cooked meat that is typically beef or goat, although some variations or chicken. The meat is cooked in a flavorful broth made with dried chilies, spices, and sometimes tomato and onion. The chilies used in the broth can vary, but commonly include guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies, which give the broth a rich and complex flavor.

The meat is then shredded and served in a crispy tortilla, which is often dipped in the broth before being fried to give it a reddish color and extra flavor. The tacos are typically topped with cheese, cilantro, onion, and lime, although other toppings like avocado, salsa, and crema can also be added. The result is a savory and spicy taco with a rich and complex flavor.

Here is a step-by-step guide for making Birria Tacos at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck roast or goat meat

• 4 cups beef broth

• 4 dried guajillo chilies

• 2 dried ancho chilies

• 2 dried pasilla chilies

• 1 onion, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• Corn tortillas

• Shredded cheese

• Chopped cilantro

• Chopped onion

• Lime wedges

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How To Make:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.

• Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies and place them in a bowl. Cover the chilies with boiling water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes, until they are softened.

• While the chilies are soaking, heat a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and sear it on all sides until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.

• Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it is softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

• Add the tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

• Drain the soaked chilies and add them to the pot, along with the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

• Return the meat to the pot and spoon some of the broth over the top. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the oven.

• Bake for 2-3 hours, until the meat is tender and falling apart.

• Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Dip each tortilla in the broth and then place it in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until crispy.

• To assemble the tacos, place some of the shredded meat on a tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, chopped onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.

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Here are some tips for getting the perfect flavor and texture when making Birria Tacos at home:

• Use a combination of dried chilies to give the broth a complex and rich flavor. Guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies are commonly used, but you can experiment with other varieties as well.

• Soak the dried chilies in boiling water before using them to soften them and make them easier to blend.

• Sear the meat before slow-cooking it to give it a nice crust and enhance the flavor.

• Slow-cook the meat for several hours until it is tender and falling apart. This will give it a melt-in-your-mouth texture and allow it to absorb the flavors of the broth.

• Dip the tortillas in the broth before frying them to give them extra flavor and a reddish color.

• Top the tacos with traditional toppings like chopped cilantro, chopped onion, and a squeeze of lime juice to balance the richness of the meat and broth.

• Serve the tacos with a side of the broth for dipping to enhance the flavor even more.

By following these tips, you can achieve the perfect flavor and texture for your homemade Birria Tacos.

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Here are some variations and substitutions for different dietary needs when making Birria Tacos:

• Vegetarian or Vegan Birria Tacos: You can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Birria Tacos by using jackfruit or mushrooms instead of meat. Simply cook the jackfruit or mushrooms in the same broth as the meat and follow the same instructions for assembling the tacos.

• Gluten-free Birria Tacos: Use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas to make the tacos gluten-free.

• Dairy-free Birria Tacos: Omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to make the tacos dairy-free.

• Low-carb Birria Tacos: Use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas to make low-carb Birria Tacos.

• Chicken or Pork Birria Tacos: If you don't like beef or goat meat, you can use chicken or pork instead to make Birria Tacos.

• Spicy or Mild Birria Tacos: Adjust the amount of chilies you use to make the broth more or less spicy, depending on your preference.

By making these variations and substitutions, you can customize Birria Tacos to meet your dietary needs and preferences.

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Here are some suggestions for serving and pairing Birria Tacos:

• Serve the tacos with a side of the broth for dipping to enhance the flavor even more.

• Offer a variety of toppings, such as chopped cilantro, chopped onion, lime wedges, avocado, salsa, and crema, to allow guests to customize their tacos.

• Pair the tacos with a refreshing drink, such as a margarita, a cold beer, or a glass of horchata.

• Serve the tacos as part of a larger Mexican feast, along with other dishes like guacamole, chips and salsa, and rice and beans.

• Offer a dessert that complements the spicy and savory flavors of the tacos, such as churros or flan.

By following these suggestions, you can create a delicious and well-rounded meal featuring Birria Tacos.

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Here are some ideas for sides, drinks, and desserts that complement Birria Tacos

Sides:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that pairs well with Birria Tacos.

• Refried Beans: A creamy and flavorful side dish that complements the spiciness of the tacos.

• Grilled Corn: A sweet and smoky side dish that adds some texture and flavor to the meal.

• Ceviche: A light and refreshing seafood dish that balances the richness of the tacos.

Drinks:

• Margarita: A classic Mexican cocktail that pairs well with spicy and savory flavors.

• Michelada: A beer-based cocktail that is perfect for sipping alongside tacos.

• Horchata: A sweet and creamy rice milk beverage that helps cool down the spiciness of the tacos.

• Agua de Jamaica: A refreshing hibiscus tea that is a popular drink in Mexico.

Desserts:

• Churros: A fried dough pastry that is often served with a chocolate dipping sauce.

• Flan: A creamy and sweet custard dessert that is popular in Mexico.

• Tres Leches Cake: A light and fluffy sponge cake that is soaked in three types of milk.

• Mexican Chocolate Pudding: A rich and chocolaty dessert that is spiced with cinnamon and chili powder.

By adding these sides, drinks, and desserts to your meal, you can create a complete and satisfying Mexican feast featuring Birria Tacos.

In this post, we discussed how to make Birria Tacos at home and provided tips for getting the perfect flavor and texture. We also suggested variations and substitutions for different dietary needs and preferences, as well as ideas for serving and pairing the dish with sides, drinks, and desserts.

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine and spicy flavors, we encourage you to try making Birria Tacos at home! With a few key ingredients and some simple techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Follow our tips and suggestions to get the perfect flavor and texture, and don't be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Whether you serve them as a main dish or as part of a larger Mexican feast, Birria Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy the delicious taste of Birria Tacos!.

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