Mexican Birria

Authentic Mexican Birria is a dish that brings warmth and comfort, perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a hearty soup or wrapped in warm tortillas, this traditional meat stew offers a delightful combination of smoky flavors and tender meat. Its versatility makes it ideal for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or simply a cozy dinner at home. The rich, aromatic sauce elevates the dish, making it truly special.

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sauce
• For the Meat
• For Broth
• For Garnish
• How to Make Mexican Birria
• Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
• Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
• Step 3: Make the Sauce
• Step 4: Marinate the Meat
• Step 5: Cook the Birria
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Mexican Birria
• As a Soup
• In Tacos
• With Rice and Beans
• As Quesabirria
• How to Perfect Mexican Birria
• Best Side Dishes for Mexican Birria
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Mexican Birria
• Reheating Mexican Birria
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Mexican Birria?
• How do I make my Mexican Birria spicier?
• Can I use different meats for Mexican Birria?
• Is Mexican Birria gluten-free?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The blend of chilies and spices creates a deep, smoky taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy birria as a soup or transform it into delicious tacos for a fun meal.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can create this authentic dish without hassle.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Marinating overnight enhances the flavor, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dish will impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Mexican birria, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you will need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Food processor
• Large bowl
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the birria slowly to ensure tender meat and rich flavors.
• Food processor: Helps create a smooth sauce by blending all ingredients evenly.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife: Necessary for safely preparing your ingredients with precision.

Ingredients

Authentic birria is a traditional meat stew from the Mexican state of Jalisco, made with lamb, goat, or beef cooked low and slow in a flavorful chili sauce. Perfect for enjoying as a soup or in tacos, birria is a rich and hearty dish with deep, smoky flavors.

For the Sauce

• 5 ancho peppers, stems and seeds removed
• 5 guajillo peppers, stems and seeds removed
• 2-3 chiles de árbol (optional, for spicier flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 3 large tomatoes, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 tablespoon sea salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 large roasted tomatoes, chopped

For the Meat

• 3.5 pounds lamb shoulder (or substitute beef shank or chuck roast)

For Broth

• 4 cups beef stock, divided

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

PIN THIS!

How to Make Mexican Birria

Step 1: Prepare the Chilies

Heat a large pan to medium heat. Dry-toast the ancho, guajillo, and optional chiles de árbol for 1-2 minutes per side until the skins darken slightly. Remove from heat and place them in a large bowl. Cover the chilies with hot water and let them steep for 20 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and tomatoes; cook for 5 minutes until softened. Then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute while stirring frequently.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Transfer the cooked onion, tomatoes, and garlic to a food processor. Add the softened chilies (reserve their soaking liquid), seasonings (oregano, salt, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, and black pepper), apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of beef stock. Blend until smooth. For an even smoother sauce, strain it through a fine sieve to remove any bits.

Step 4: Marinate the Meat

Cut the lamb (or beef) into large chunks and place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared birria sauce over the meat while rubbing it in to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—preferably overnight—for better flavor.

Step 5: Cook the Birria

Add the marinated meat along with all of its sauce to a large pot. Add roasted tomatoes and remaining 3 cups of beef stock. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat for about 3 hours or until meat is fork-tender and easy to shred. If necessary, add more beef stock or some reserved chili soaking liquid to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

For soup: Serve braised birria in bowls with consomé (broth).
For tacos: Shred meat and serve on warm tortillas with consomé on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican birria!

How to Serve Mexican Birria

Serving Mexican birria is an art that enhances its rich flavors. This versatile dish can be enjoyed in various ways, allowing you to savor its depth whether as a comforting soup or a delicious taco.

As a Soup

• With Consomé: Serve the birria in bowls alongside the flavorful broth for a warm and hearty meal.
• Garnished with Herbs: Top with fresh cilantro and diced onions for added flavor and freshness.

In Tacos

• Shredded Meat Tacos: Use warm tortillas to hold the tender, shredded birria meat, making a delightful handheld meal.
• Dipping in Broth: Serve with a side of consomé for dipping, enhancing each bite with flavorful broth.

With Rice and Beans

• Side of Spanish Rice: Pair birria with seasoned Spanish rice for a filling combination.
• Refried Beans: Offer creamy refried beans as a side dish to complement the richness of the birria.

As Quesabirria

• Quesabirria Tacos: Melt cheese inside tortillas with shredded birria, then grill until crispy for a cheesy twist.
• With Salsa Verde: Add a fresh salsa verde on top for an extra kick of flavor.

How to Perfect Mexican Birria

Perfecting Mexican birria involves attention to detail that elevates this dish to new heights. Here are some essential tips:

• Boldly Toast Your Chilies: Toasting chilies deepens their flavor, giving your sauce a richer base.
• Marinate Longer for Flavor: Allowing the meat to marinate overnight infuses it with intense flavors that enhance the final dish.
• Use Quality Meat Cuts: Opt for well-marbled cuts like lamb shoulder or beef shank for tender and juicy results.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Cook low and slow; this method breaks down the meat fibers, resulting in fall-apart tenderness.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasonings during cooking, especially salt, to ensure perfect seasoning balance.

PIN THIS!

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Birria

Pairing side dishes with Mexican birria can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this rich stew:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices makes a perfect accompaniment.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and balance out the meal’s flavors.
3. Corn Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas are ideal for scooping up birria or enjoying alongside it.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa add texture and freshness.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a cooling contrast to the spicy flavors of birria.
6. Pickled Onions: Tangy pickled onions add brightness and crunch, enhancing each bite of birria.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Birria can be a rewarding experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.

• Skipping the marination: Marinating your meat overnight intensifies its flavor. Don’t rush this step; it makes a significant difference.
• Not using enough spices: The rich flavors come from spices like cumin and oregano. Ensure you measure these carefully to avoid blandness.
• Overcooking or undercooking the meat: Cooking the meat until it’s fork-tender is essential. Check for tenderness around the 3-hour mark, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Ignoring chili preparation: Toasting chilies enhances their flavor. Make sure to properly toast and steep them for the best sauce.
• Serving without broth: Birria is typically served with its consomé. Don’t forget to include this luscious broth for added richness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Mexican Birria in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Mexican Birria

• To freeze, place cooled birria in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Mexican Birria

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place birria in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of beef stock if it seems dry.

PIN THIS!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mexican Birria?

Mexican Birria is a traditional stew from Jalisco made with lamb, goat, or beef, cooked in a flavorful chili sauce.

How do I make my Mexican Birria spicier?

You can add more chiles de árbol or include hotter varieties of peppers to enhance the heat level.

Can I use different meats for Mexican Birria?

Yes! While lamb is traditional, you can substitute beef shank or chuck roast based on your preference.

Is Mexican Birria gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe does not contain any gluten ingredients. Always check labels when using packaged items.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Birria is not only delicious but also versatile; it can be enjoyed as a hearty soup or transformed into tasty tacos. Feel free to customize it with different meats or spice levels to suit your taste!

---