Birria tacos have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This traditional Mexican dish is a staple of the country’s cuisine, and its rich flavors and tender meat have captured the hearts of foodies around the world. In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious birria tacos using a slow cooker, a method that’s perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a flavorful and authentic Mexican meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
What is Birria?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at what birria is and where it comes from. Birria is a traditional Mexican stew that originated in the state of Jalisco. The dish is typically made with goat meat, but beef and pork are also common variations. The meat is slow-cooked in a rich and flavorful broth made with a combination of spices, chilies, and tomatoes, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma.
A Brief History of Birria
Birria has a long and storied history in Mexico, dating back to the 16th century. The dish was originally made with goat meat, which was abundant in the region. Over time, other types of meat were added to the recipe, including beef and pork. Today, birria is enjoyed throughout Mexico and is a staple of the country’s cuisine.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker birria tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2 pounds beef brisket or beef shank, cut into large pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons lard or vegetable oil
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Sliced radishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream or Mexican crema (optional)
- Queso fresco or shredded cheese (optional)
You’ll also need a slow cooker, a blender or food processor, and a large Dutch oven or pot.
Preparing the Chilies
Before you start cooking, you’ll need to prepare the dried ancho and guajillo chilies. To do this, simply stem and seed the chilies, then place them in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, or until they’re soft and pliable. Once they’re soft, remove the chilies from the water and place them in a blender or food processor with 1/4 cup of the soaking liquid. Blend the chilies until they’re smooth, then set them aside.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment you need, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making slow cooker birria tacos:
Browning the Meat
The first step in making birria tacos is to brown the meat. To do this, heat the lard or oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the browned meat from the pot and set it aside.
Soaking the Chilies
While the meat is browning, you can start soaking the chilies. To do this, simply place the dried ancho and guajillo chilies in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes, or until they’re soft and pliable.
Assembling the Slow Cooker
Once the meat is browned and the chilies are soaked, it’s time to assemble the slow cooker. To do this, add the browned meat, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and blended chilies. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Shredding the Meat
After 8-10 hours, the meat should be tender and easily shredded. To shred the meat, simply remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it apart. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Assembling the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, simply warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Then, spoon some of the shredded meat onto a tortilla and top with sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with sour cream or Mexican crema and queso fresco or shredded cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making slow cooker birria tacos:
- Use a variety of meats: While beef is traditional in birria, you can also use goat meat, pork, or a combination of meats.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the slow cooker for an extra kick.
- Use different types of chilies: While ancho and guajillo chilies are traditional in birria, you can also use other types of dried chilies, such as mulato or pasilla.
- Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add a bright and tangy flavor to the tacos.
- Experiment with different toppings: While radishes, cilantro, and lime juice are traditional toppings for birria tacos, you can also try adding diced onions, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker birria tacos:
- Not browning the meat: Browning the meat is an important step in making birria tacos, as it adds flavor and texture to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
- Not soaking the chilies: Soaking the chilies is essential to rehydrating them and bringing out their flavor. Don’t skip this step!
- Overcooking the meat: While the meat should be tender and easily shredded, it’s possible to overcook it. Check the meat after 8 hours and shred it as soon as it’s tender.
Conclusion
Slow cooker birria tacos are a delicious and easy Mexican dish that’s perfect for busy home cooks. With its rich flavors and tender meat, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to make authentic and delicious birria tacos that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
What is Birria and how does it relate to Mexican cuisine?
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco. It is a hearty stew made with meat, usually goat or beef, in a rich and flavorful broth. The dish is often served with tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. Birria is a beloved part of Mexican cuisine and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.
In the context of the slow cooker birria tacos recipe, the birria is adapted to be made with beef and cooked in a slow cooker, making it an easy and convenient option for a weeknight dinner. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and fall-apart, making it perfect for shredding and serving in tacos.
What type of meat is best for slow cooker birria tacos?
The best type of meat for slow cooker birria tacos is beef, specifically beef brisket or beef shank. These cuts of meat are perfect for slow cooking as they become tender and fall-apart with long cooking times. The beef is also rich in flavor and has a nice texture that holds up well to shredding and serving in tacos.
Other types of meat, such as pork or chicken, can also be used for slow cooker birria tacos, but beef is the most traditional and flavorful option. If using a different type of meat, adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly to ensure the best results.
What are the essential spices and seasonings for slow cooker birria tacos?
The essential spices and seasonings for slow cooker birria tacos include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. These spices and seasonings give the birria its distinctive flavor and aroma. Additionally, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes can be added for some heat.
Other spices and seasonings, such as paprika, coriander, and cinnamon, can also be added to give the birria more depth and complexity. However, the essential spices and seasonings listed above are the foundation of the dish and should not be omitted.
Can I make slow cooker birria tacos ahead of time?
Yes, slow cooker birria tacos can be made ahead of time. The birria can be cooked in the slow cooker and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Simply reheat the birria and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.
In fact, making the birria ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become even more tender. Simply shred the meat and reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
What are some common toppings for slow cooker birria tacos?
Some common toppings for slow cooker birria tacos include diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, and shredded cheese. These toppings add freshness, creaminess, and flavor to the tacos.
Other toppings, such as diced radishes, sliced avocado, and pickled jalapeños, can also be added to give the tacos more texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to make the tacos your own.
Can I serve slow cooker birria tacos with other types of tortillas?
Yes, slow cooker birria tacos can be served with other types of tortillas, such as flour tortillas or corn tortillas with a sprinkle of cotija cheese. However, traditional birria tacos are served with corn tortillas, which have a more delicate flavor and texture.
If using flour tortillas, the tacos may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but they will still be delicious. Experiment with different types of tortillas to find your favorite.
Are slow cooker birria tacos spicy?
Slow cooker birria tacos can be spicy, depending on the level of heat desired. The recipe includes a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, which adds a moderate level of heat. However, the heat level can be adjusted to suit your taste.
If you prefer a milder flavor, omit the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the birria.