Print

Crispy Birria Tacos Recipe with Rich Consommé Dipping Sauce

crispy birria tacos - featured image

These crispy birria tacos feature tender, slow-cooked beef with a smoky, flavorful consommé for dipping. The crispy tortillas and juicy meat create a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 3 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 1 dried chipotle chile (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 medium white onion, quartered
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • Chopped white onion and fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Soak the dried guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
  2. Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender with garlic cloves, quartered onion, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and about 1 cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth, adding more broth if needed.
  3. Pour the blended sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove any tough bits or seeds.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef chuck pieces on all sides, about 8 minutes per batch. Remove the meat and set aside.
  5. Return the meat to the Dutch oven. Pour the strained chile sauce over the meat, add bay leaves, and the remaining beef broth (about 3 cups). Bring to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook gently for 3-4 hours or until the meat is fork-tender and shreds easily.
  6. Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return shredded meat to the pot to soak up the consommé.
  7. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the consommé and keep it warm for dipping.
  8. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip each corn tortilla quickly into the consommé to coat, then place on the skillet. Sprinkle with shredded cheese if using, add a generous spoonful of shredded birria meat, and top with another tortilla. Cook about 2-3 minutes per side until the tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.
  9. Remove tacos and garnish with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve alongside warm consommé for dipping.

Notes

Do not rush the braising step for tender meat. Dip tortillas quickly in consommé before frying to achieve the signature crispy texture. Straining the sauce ensures a smooth consommé. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days; reheat gently with broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: birria tacos, crispy tacos, consommé, Mexican recipe, slow-cooked beef, comfort food, taco recipe