Mexican Birria Recipe

Authentic Mexican Birria Recipe is a vibrant and flavorful dish that encapsulates the essence of Mexican cuisine. This hearty meat stew, traditionally made with lamb, goat, or beef, boasts deep smoky flavors from a rich chili sauce. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting soup or savoring it in tacos, birria is perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or cozy family dinners.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

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
• Seasonings
• For the Meat
• How to Make Mexican Birria Recipe
• 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 Recipe
• As a Hearty Soup
• In Tacos
• With Rice and Beans
• With Corn Tortillas
• With Avocado Slices
• How to Perfect Mexican Birria Recipe
• Best Side Dishes for Mexican Birria Recipe
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Mexican Birria Recipe
• Reheating Mexican Birria Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Mexican Birria Recipe?
• How long does it take to make Mexican Birria Recipe?
• Can I use other meats for this birria recipe?
• What sides go well with Mexican Birria?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Rich: The combination of spices and slow-cooked meat creates a deliciously complex flavor profile.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy birria as a soup or use the meat in tacos for a fun twist on traditional meals.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this dish at parties or family gatherings, and watch everyone enjoy every bite!
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up this dish with ease.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium frying pan
• Food processor
• Measuring spoons
• Chopping knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering the meat and sauce together, ensuring even cooking and deep flavor development.
• Food processor: Perfect for blending the sauce smoothly, making it easy to incorporate all ingredients without lumps.
• Chopping knife: A sharp knife makes it easier to cut vegetables and meat into uniform pieces for better cooking results.

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

Seasonings

• 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

For the Meat

• 2 large roasted tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups beef stock, divided
• 3.5 pounds lamb shoulder, or substitute with beef shank or chuck roast

How to Make Mexican Birria Recipe

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 their skins darken slightly. Remove from heat and transfer them to 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 used for chilies, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and tomatoes. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Then add garlic and cook for an additional minute while stirring frequently.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

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

Step 4: Marinate the Meat

Cut your lamb (or beef) into large chunks. Place them in a large bowl and pour over prepared birria sauce. Rub it in well to coat evenly. Cover this mixture and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better!

Step 5: Cook the Birria

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

Step 6: Serve

For soup lovers: Serve braised birria in bowls alongside rich consomé (broth). For taco enthusiasts: Shred your cooked meat and serve on warm tortillas with consomé on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your authentic Mexican Birria!

How to Serve Mexican Birria Recipe

Serving Mexican birria is a delightful experience that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a hearty soup or in tacos, the rich flavors of this dish will please any palate.

As a Hearty Soup

• Serve the braised birria in bowls with the flavorful consomé (broth) for a comforting meal.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges to enhance the freshness.

In Tacos

• Shred the meat and fill warm tortillas for delicious birria tacos.
• Add onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

With Rice and Beans

• Pair birria with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• This combination provides a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.

With Corn Tortillas

• Offer small corn tortillas on the side to scoop up the birria or create mini tacos.
• Warm them on a skillet for added flavor and softness.

With Avocado Slices

• Include fresh avocado slices as a creamy complement to the spicy birria.
• The richness of avocado balances out the heat from the chilies.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Mexican Birria Recipe

To achieve an authentic and delicious Mexican birria, follow these helpful tips to enhance your cooking process.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh lamb shoulder or beef cuts for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavors, marinate the meat overnight instead of just two hours.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chiles de árbol based on your heat preference.
• Use Homemade Stock: If possible, make your own beef stock for richer taste in the broth.
• Strain Your Sauce: For a velvety texture, strain your sauce before adding it to the meat.
• Adjust Consistency: If your birria is too thick, add reserved chili soaking liquid or more stock gradually.

Best Side Dishes for Mexican Birria Recipe

Complementing your Mexican birria with side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomatoes and spices that pairs perfectly with birria.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that adds nutritional balance to your meal.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a tasty side option.
4. Cabbage Slaw: A light cabbage slaw adds crunch and freshness, providing contrast to rich birria flavors.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole serves as a dip that complements both soup and tacos beautifully.
6. Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa made with tomatillos enhances each bite with zesty goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mexican Birria requires care and attention. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your dish turns out delicious.

• Using stale spices: Fresh spices significantly enhance flavor. Always check the expiration dates before using spices like cumin or oregano.
• Skipping marination: Marinating the meat enhances its flavor and tenderness. Make sure to let it sit for at least two hours, preferably overnight.
• Overcooking the chilies: Toasting chilies too long can make them bitter. Keep an eye on them and toast only until slightly darkened.
• Not adjusting liquid levels: Each cut of meat is different in moisture content. Adjust beef stock as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
• Ignoring resting time: Allowing the birria to rest after cooking helps flavors meld together. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let the birria cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.

Freezing Mexican Birria Recipe

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Mexican Birria Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place birria in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Mexican Birria Recipe.

What is Mexican Birria Recipe?

Mexican Birria is a flavorful stew traditionally made with lamb or beef simmered in a rich chili sauce, perfect for serving as soup or tacos.

How long does it take to make Mexican Birria Recipe?

The total time is approximately 6 hours, including prep, cooking, and marination times.

Can I use other meats for this birria recipe?

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

What sides go well with Mexican Birria?

Consider serving with warm tortillas, rice, or a fresh salad to complement the rich flavors of birria.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Birria Recipe showcases deep flavors and versatility, making it perfect for various meals. Enjoy it as a hearty soup or transform it into mouthwatering tacos. Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or side dishes!