If you’ve ever craved a rich, flavorful, and comforting Mexican dish, then birria is the answer. This traditional recipe from the state of Jalisco has gained worldwide popularity, thanks to its deep smoky flavors, tender meat, and versatile serving style. Whether enjoyed as a stew or in crispy tacos dipped in consommé, this is a delicious birria recipe Mexican you’ll love making at home. Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or weekend feasts, birria is a true culinary masterpiece that combines culture, tradition, and mouthwatering taste.
What is Birria?
Birria is a slow-cooked Mexican stew traditionally made with goat meat, though beef and lamb are also popular choices. The meat is marinated in a blend of dried chiles, spices, and aromatics, then simmered until tender in a flavorful broth (consommé). The result? A dish that is hearty, aromatic, and irresistible.
Ingredients for Mexican Birria
To prepare authentic birria at home, gather the following:
For the Meat & Marinade:
3–4 lbs beef chuck roast, short ribs, or goat (cut into large chunks)
6 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed and seeded)
3 dried ancho chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles
4 garlic cloves
1 medium onion (halved)
2 tomatoes (roasted or boiled)
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo (optional for heat)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For Cooking:
6 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving:
Corn tortillas
Chopped onion
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Shredded cheese (optional for tacos)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast the dried chiles for a few seconds per side (don’t burn them).
Soak the chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a blender, combine softened chiles, roasted onion, garlic, tomatoes, chipotle (if using), vinegar, and spices.
Blend until smooth, adding a bit of soaking liquid if needed.
Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Coat the meat with the chile sauce.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Birria
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear the marinated meat until browned on all sides.
Add the remaining marinade, beef broth, and bay leaves.
Cover and simmer on low for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
(Tip: You can also cook it in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours or an Instant Pot for about 1.5 hours.)
Step 5: Shred & Serve
Remove the meat, shred it, and return to the pot.
Serve as a stew in bowls with broth, onion, cilantro, and lime.
Birria Tacos (Tacos de Birria) Variation
Birria has recently become famous in the form of tacos. Here’s how to make them:
Dip corn tortillas into the birria consommé.
Fry them lightly on a skillet.
Fill with shredded meat, cheese (optional), onion, and cilantro.
Fold and crisp on both sides.
Serve with a small bowl of consommé for dipping—pure flavor heaven! 🌮✨
Tips for Perfect Birria
Use Bone-In Meat: Adds richness to the consommé.
Adjust the Spice: Add more chipotle or arbol chiles if you like it spicy.
Make Ahead: Birria tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This delicious birria recipe Mexican you’ll love is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. With tender, flavorful meat and a savory consommé, birria brings authentic Mexican tradition right to your table. Whether served as a comforting stew or crispy tacos, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
So, grab your chiles, fire up your pot, and get ready to enjoy one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes at home. 🌮🥘💛
If you’ve ever craved a rich, flavorful, and comforting Mexican dish, then birria is the answer. This traditional recipe from the state of Jalisco has gained worldwide popularity, thanks to its deep smoky flavors, tender meat, and versatile serving style. Whether enjoyed as a stew or in crispy tacos dipped in consommé, this is a delicious birria recipe Mexican you’ll love making at home. Perfect for family dinners, festive gatherings, or weekend feasts, birria is a true culinary masterpiece that combines culture, tradition, and mouthwatering taste.
What is Birria?
Birria is a slow-cooked Mexican stew traditionally made with goat meat, though beef and lamb are also popular choices. The meat is marinated in a blend of dried chiles, spices, and aromatics, then simmered until tender in a flavorful broth (consommé). The result? A dish that is hearty, aromatic, and irresistible.
Ingredients for Mexican Birria
To prepare authentic birria at home, gather the following:
For the Meat & Marinade:
3–4 lbs beef chuck roast, short ribs, or goat (cut into large chunks)
6 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed and seeded)
3 dried ancho chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles
4 garlic cloves
1 medium onion (halved)
2 tomatoes (roasted or boiled)
2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo (optional for heat)
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 whole cloves
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For Cooking:
6 cups beef broth (or water with bouillon)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving:
Corn tortillas
Chopped onion
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Shredded cheese (optional for tacos)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chiles
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lightly toast the dried chiles for a few seconds per side (don’t burn them).
Soak the chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a blender, combine softened chiles, roasted onion, garlic, tomatoes, chipotle (if using), vinegar, and spices.
Blend until smooth, adding a bit of soaking liquid if needed.
Step 3: Marinate the Meat
Coat the meat with the chile sauce.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Birria
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear the marinated meat until browned on all sides.
Add the remaining marinade, beef broth, and bay leaves.
Cover and simmer on low for 3–4 hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender.
(Tip: You can also cook it in a slow cooker for 6–8 hours or an Instant Pot for about 1.5 hours.)
Step 5: Shred & Serve
Remove the meat, shred it, and return to the pot.
Serve as a stew in bowls with broth, onion, cilantro, and lime.
Birria Tacos (Tacos de Birria) Variation
Birria has recently become famous in the form of tacos. Here’s how to make them:
Dip corn tortillas into the birria consommé.
Fry them lightly on a skillet.
Fill with shredded meat, cheese (optional), onion, and cilantro.
Fold and crisp on both sides.
Serve with a small bowl of consommé for dipping—pure flavor heaven! 🌮✨
Tips for Perfect Birria
Use Bone-In Meat: Adds richness to the consommé.
Adjust the Spice: Add more chipotle or arbol chiles if you like it spicy.
Make Ahead: Birria tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Freeze for Later: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This delicious birria recipe Mexican you’ll love is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. With tender, flavorful meat and a savory consommé, birria brings authentic Mexican tradition right to your table. Whether served as a comforting stew or crispy tacos, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
So, grab your chiles, fire up your pot, and get ready to enjoy one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes at home. 🌮🥘💛