Smoked Beef Birria Tacos

Smoked Beef Birria Tacos

24 servings
Smoked Birria tacos are a major upgrade to taco night. Smoked then braised beef cheeks and ribs are the star of the show bringing nothin but flavor in each and every bite!

Ingredients

  • beef cheeks
    2 lb
  • beef short ribs
    2 lb
  • white onion
    ½ large
  • garlic
    5 cloves
  • ancho chiles
    3
  • guajlo chiles
    3
  • chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
    2
  • roma tomatoes
    2
  • water
    4 c
  • beef broth
    4 c
  • cinnamon sticks
    3
  • bay leaves
    2
  • shredded oaxaca cheese
    1 c
  • cilantro
    ¼ c
  • diced onion
    ¼ c
  • yellow corn tortillas
    8

Directions

  1. 1

    Trim the excess fat and silver skin off of the meat, then season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder.

  2. 2

    Smoke them at 250°F for 2 hours

  3. 3

    Place the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and peppers in a dutch oven with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then shut the heat off and let them sit for 15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Remove vegetables and place in a blender with 1 cup of braising liquid and blend.

  5. 5

    Place the smoked meat in a dutch oven and pour in the blended vegetables and add in beef broth.

  6. 6

    Simmer on low heat for 2-3 hours until the meat is fall apart tender.

  7. 7

    Remove meat from the dutch oven, shred it and place it in a separate bowl with some consume

  8. 8

    Dip the tortillas in the consume then place in the hot skillet. Add Oaxaca Cheese, smoked meat, cilantro and onion then close the tortilla and cook for 1-2 minutes each side.

  9. 9

    Serve with a bowl of consume from the dutch oven and enjoy!

Smoked Beef Birria Tacos

Smoked Beef Birria Tacos

320 min24 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a taco night that transcends the ordinary? These Smoked Beef Birria Tacos are a game-changer, elevating a beloved dish into an unforgettable culinary experience with layers of rich, smoky flavor.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the smoked then braised approach to the beef. By first smoking beef cheeks and short ribs, you infuse them with an incredible depth of flavor before slowly braising them into tender perfection. This two-step technique ensures every bite is packed with complex, savory notes that plain braising simply can't achieve.

Expect a taco experience bursting with robust, meaty flavors that are both smoky and deeply savory. The beef, slow-cooked to an incredibly tender shred, forms the heart of these tacos, complemented by the mild, melty stretch of shredded Oaxaca cheese. Fresh cilantro and diced onion provide a crucial bright, pungent contrast, cutting through the richness. This main dish is surprisingly approachable despite its impressive flavor profile, culminating in a satisfying meal perfect for sharing.

Customization & Variations

Want to tailor your birria? While beef cheeks and short ribs offer unparalleled richness, you could experiment with other cuts of beef, though they may alter the texture. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers in adobo. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the anchos and guajillos. For an extra kick, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be stirred into the braising liquid.

These Smoked Beef Birria Tacos are ideal for a festive taco night or when you want to impress guests with an incredibly flavorful main dish. Serve them piping hot, garnished generously with fresh cilantro and diced onion, perhaps alongside a vibrant salsa or a squeeze of lime.

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