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Birria Tacos with Savory Consomme

Birria Tacos with Savory Consomme
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Experience bold, mouthwatering flavors with Birria Tacos and Savory Consommé, a classic Mexican dish featuring tender, slow-cooked beef or goat shank infused with traditional spices, folded into crispy corn tortillas, and served with a rich, spiced consommé perfect for dipping. This comforting and versatile recipe is ideal for cozy meals or social gatherings, delivering layers of savory depth and vibrant freshness in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 3 lbs beef or goat shank

Dried Chilies and Spices

  • 4 dried guajillo chilies
  • 3 dried ancho chilies
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt, to taste

Additional Flavorings and Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Finely chopped onions (for garnish)
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Tortillas and Cheese

  • Corn tortillas (as needed for serving)
  • Mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese, shredded (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chilies and Spice Blend: Soak dried guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for about 20 minutes until softened. Drain and blend them with garlic, onion, toasted cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt until smooth to form a fragrant, flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Meat: Coat the beef or goat shank thoroughly with the chili marinade, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Slow Cook the Meat: Place the marinated meat and bay leaves in a large pot or slow cooker. Add enough water to cover the meat. Simmer on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily shredded, and the broth is rich and aromatic.
  4. Strain and Prepare the Consommé: Remove the meat from the broth and strain the liquid through a fine sieve to get the consommé. Adjust seasoning with salt and fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors. Keep the consommé warm for dipping and serving.
  5. Assemble and Crisp the Tacos: Briefly dip corn tortillas into the warm consommé. Fill each tortilla with shredded meat and cheese if using. Pan-fry the filled tortillas lightly in a hot skillet until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese melts, yielding golden, flavorful tacos ready to serve.

Notes

  • Use cuts with good marbling such as beef chuck or shank for tender, juicy meat.
  • Marinating meat for a longer time intensifies the flavor and spice balance.
  • Simmer the meat low and slow for optimal tenderness and rich consommé.
  • Toast cumin, cloves, and cinnamon briefly before blending to amplify their aroma.
  • Serve consommé warm to enhance dipping and overall flavor experience.
  • To thicken consommé, mix in masa harina or cornstarch slurry and simmer until desired consistency.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat meat gently with consommé to prevent drying; heat consommé until steaming before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Birria, Tacos, Consommé, Mexican cuisine, slow-cooked beef, spicy tacos, comfort food

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/birria-tacos-with-savory-consomme/