
Authentic Birria
Traditional Mexican birria with tender beef, rich spices, and a flavorful consommé.
30 mins
Prep Time
3 hours
Cook Time
6
Servings
Ingredients
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or goat meat)
- 6 dried guajillo chilies
- 4 dried ancho chilies
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth
- Salt to taste
- Corn tortillas (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Nutrition Facts
Instructions
Prepare the chilies: Remove stems and seeds from dried chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine soaked chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup beef broth. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the meat: Cut beef into large chunks. Coat the meat with the blended sauce and let it marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
Cook the birria: Transfer marinated meat and sauce to a large pot. Add remaining beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2.5-3 hours until meat is tender.
Shred the meat: Remove meat from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return shredded meat to the pot and simmer for another 10 minutes.
Serve: Skim excess fat from the consommé. Serve birria in bowls with consommé, garnished with cilantro and lime. Warm corn tortillas on the side for dipping.
Chef's Tips
- Meat Choice: Goat meat is traditional, but beef chuck roast is a great substitute if goat is unavailable.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to control the heat. Remove seeds for a milder flavor.
- Marination: For deeper flavor, marinate the meat overnight in the refrigerator.
- Consommé: The flavorful broth (consommé) is essential—serve it alongside the meat for dipping tortillas.
- Leftovers: Birria tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop. Reheat gently on the stove.