Print

Crispy Authentic Birria Tacos Recipe with Rich Consommé

crispy authentic birria tacos - featured image

These crispy authentic birria tacos feature tender, slow-cooked beef with a smoky chili sauce, served with a rich consommé for dipping. Perfect for a flavorful and comforting meal with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs for extra richness)
  • 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 white onion, quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Corn tortillas (small 5-inch size preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Diced white onion (optional topping)
  • Lime wedges (to squeeze over before eating)
  • 2 cups cooking liquid from the birria meat
  • Additional beef broth if needed to adjust consommé consistency
  • Salt to taste (for consommé)

Instructions

  1. Remove stems and seeds from dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Soak in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. Drain and transfer to a blender.
  2. Add quartered onion, garlic cloves, cinnamon stick, cloves, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar to the blender. Blend until smooth, adding soaking water or beef broth as needed to form a thick sauce. Strain through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother consommé if desired.
  3. Cut beef chuck roast into large chunks. In a hot skillet, sear the meat on all sides until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Place seared meat in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Pour chili sauce over the meat, add bay leaves and 2 cups beef broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until meat is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  5. Remove meat and shred using two forks, discarding large fat pieces. Skim fat from cooking liquid and strain to obtain a clean consommé.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Briefly dip each corn tortilla into the consommé, then place in skillet. Sprinkle shredded meat and cheese on one half, fold the tortilla, and cook until cheese melts and tortilla is crispy and golden on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  7. Serve tacos hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and diced onion, with a side bowl of consommé for dipping. Squeeze lime wedges over tacos before eating.

Notes

Do not skip browning the meat to enhance flavor. Avoid soaking tortillas too long in consommé to prevent sogginess; a quick dip is sufficient. Strain consommé for a silky texture. Use a bit of oil or butter when crisping tortillas for a golden crust. Prep toppings ahead for quick assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: birria tacos, crispy tacos, consommé, slow cooked beef, Mexican street food, authentic birria, easy birria recipe, beef tacos