Birria Tacos

Step 1

Transfer dried chiles to a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, cover and lower heat to simmer for 15 minutes. Drain and set chiles aside.

Step 2

In a skillet over medium high heat toast the garlic, bay leaves, sesame seeds, peppercorns and cloves. Sesame seeds should be a light brown and spices aromatic.

Step 3

Transfer toasted garlic and spices, thyme, oregano, ginger and cumin, drained chiles, water and vinegar to a blender and puree. Add water as needed for a smooth, thick paste consistency (See Note 3). Strain through a sieve and discard any debris if needed (I use a Vitamix that does a great job, so no need to strain). This can be made 1 week in advance stored covered in refrigerator.

Step 4

Season lamb or beef all over liberally with salt. Searing meat first is optional (I prefer the browned meat myself, but to save time skip this step). Sear meat all over in a Dutch oven or large skillet with a little oil. Work in batches so the meat sears and doesn't steam due to over crowding pot.

Step 5

Remove meat if seared and or place salted meat into the Instant Pot along with onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves and peppercorns. Pour in half of the adobo paste, and cover with water by 1 inch. Cook on Meat/Stew setting, High, for 45 minutes. Allow for Natural steam release.

Step 6

Remove the meat, reserving the cooking liquid, and shred. Transfer shredded meat back into the Instant Pot and cover to keep warm. Set reserved cooking liquid aside.

Step 7

To a skillet over medium high heat, add the cascabel chiles. Cook and turn often, chiles should turn a bright red color, for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, roasted tomatoes and remaining half of the adobo paste and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 8

Transfer tomato chile mixture and half of the reserved cooking liquid to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a sieve and discard any debris if needed.

Step 9

To the Instant Pot add half the strained chile puree to the shredded meat. Set to Saute and cook meat and chile sauce, uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 10

Add the remaining half the strained chile puree to the remaining half of the reserved cooking liquid, this is your consommé for dipping. Thin with water or beef stock if needed.

Step 11

Dip tortilla in consommé and pan fry with some oil, turning to cook both sides. Add some birria and shredded Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack to each tortilla to warm. Using a spatula, remove from pan and top with cilantro, onion and pickled onions (optional). Serve with a cup of the consummé to dip the tacos in. Tear tacos in half and dip into sauce. Can be eaten as a stew as well.

Step 12

Season lamb or beef all over liberally with salt. Searing meat first is optional (I prefer the browned meat myself, but to save time skip this step). Sear meat all over in a Dutch oven with a little oil. Work in batches so the meat sears and doesn't steam due to over crowding pot.

Step 13

Add all meat to the Dutch oven along with the onion, garlic cloves, bay leaves and peppercorns. Pour in half of the adobo paste and cover with water by 1 inch. Cover with lid and transfer to oven. Bake for 3 hours, or until the meat is very tender and pulls easily with a fork.

Step 14

Remove the meat, reserving the cooking liquid, and shred. Transfer shredded meat back into the Dutch oven and cover to keep warm. Set reserved cooking liquid aside.

Step 15

To a skillet over medium high heat, add the cascabel chiles. Cook and turn often, chiles should turn a bright red color, for about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, roasted tomatoes and remaining half of the adobo paste and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 16

Transfer tomato chile mixture and half of the reserved cooking liquid to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain through a sieve and discard any debris if needed.

Step 17

To the Dutch oven add half the strained chile puree to the shredded meat. Simmer meat and chile sauce, uncovered for 20 minutes.

Step 18

Add the remaining half the strained chile puree to the remaining half of the reserved cooking liquid, this is your consommé for dipping.

Step 19

Dip tortilla in consommé and pan fry with some oil, turning to cook both sides. Add some birria and shredded Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack to each tortilla to warm. Using a spatula, remove from pan and top with cilantro, onion and pickled onions (optional). Serve with a cup of the consummé to dip the tacos in. Tear tacos in half and dip into sauce. Can be eaten as a stew as well.