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Birria Tacos Recipe

I make this traditional Birria Tacos recipe by slow-braising lamb and beef with chilies and spices until tender. The rich, flavorful meat is then tucked into crispy tortillas, creating the ultimate Mexican dish. Once you try them, I’m sure these quesa tacos will become your new favorite.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
3 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 10 tacos
Calories: 296 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

  • ¼ recipe of birria consomé
  • 20 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • 1 peeled and small diced yellow onions
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 2 lemons

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Prepare the birria consomé but do not add the chopped meat back to the strained liquid in the pot.
  2. Making 1 taco at a time, lightly dip two corn tortillas into the top part of the consomé liquid and place on top of each other in a cast-iron skillet over medium to medium-high heat.
  3. Immediately, evenly sprinkle some of the cheese on top of the corn tortilla, followed by evenly adding some of the chopped meat to the one-half side of the taco on top of the cheese.
  4. At this point, you can also add diced onions and cilantro, but that part is optional.
  5. Cook for a minute or two and then fold the taco over to help form it. Cook for about one more minute.
  6. Repeat the process until all of the meat has been used.
  7. Serve each taco with a small bowl of the consomé liquid that has been garnished with lemon juice, diced onions, and cilantro.

Notes

  • My top tip for making the best Birria Tacos is to make sure there’s enough fat on top of the consomé before dipping the tortillas. That layer of fat is what gives the tacos their rich flavor and crispy texture, and if it’s missing, they won’t fry up the way they should. If I ever find the broth too lean, I just add a little oil or butter to the pan, and it works like a charm.
  • Take Your Time with the Broth: I let the consommé simmer for about three hours so the flavors can fully develop. It’s the key to a rich, deeply flavorful broth.
  • Don’t Skip Toasting the Chiles: I always dry-roast the chiles in a skillet before blending them. It brings out a deeper, smokier flavor that makes a huge difference.
  • Double Up on the Consommé: I always make extra consommé because it’s perfect for dipping, birria ramen, or even sipping on its own. Leftovers never go to waste.
  • Use the Right Tortillas: Corn tortillas work best because they hold up when dipped and fried. Flour tortillas are an option, but they won’t get as crispy.
  • Balance the Spice: If I want more heat, I add a roasted serrano or jalapeño to the sauce. When cooking for a crowd, I keep the spice mild and let everyone adjust with hot sauce.
  • Prevent Tearing: If the tortillas feel too delicate, I use two stacked together. It helps them hold up better when dipped in the broth.
  • Make-Ahead: The tacos are meant to be eaten right away, but you can make them up to 30 minutes ahead of time and keep them warm covered in foil at the lowest temperature in the oven.
  • How to Store: It is best to store the beef separately from the corn tortilla shells. Store the beef covered for up to 6 days in its liquid or consomé. This will freeze very well covered for up to 6 months in its liquid, or consomé. Thaw in the refrigerator for 1 day before reheating.
  • How to Reheat: Place the desired amount of beef in its liquid, or consomé, in a medium-size pot and heat over low heat until hot. You can also heat in the microwave until hot.

Nutrition Information

Calories 296kcal (15%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 20mg (7%) Sodium 466mg (19%) Potassium 153mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 160IU (3%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 73mg (7%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10tacos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 296

% Daily Value*

Calories 296kcal 15%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 20mg 7%
Sodium 466mg 19%
Potassium 153mg 3%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 160IU 3%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 73mg 7%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.