Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toast the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds per side, just until fragrant. Transfer them to a bowl and cover with hot water to soften for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, then sear the chuck roast and short ribs in batches until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, garlic, and tomatoes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly browned and softened.
- Drain the softened chiles and place them in a blender with the onion, garlic, tomatoes, beef broth, 1 cup water, cumin seeds, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cloves, vinegar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Blend until very smooth.
- Pour the chile sauce through a fine mesh strainer into the pot for a smoother consomé, pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Return the seared beef to the pot, then add the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and enough remaining water to almost cover the meat. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low heat for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the beef is very tender and shreds easily.
- Remove the beef from the pot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick, then taste the consomé and adjust salt if needed.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Dip each tortilla lightly into the top layer of the consomé, then place it on the skillet. Add shredded beef and a little cheese to one half of the tortilla, then fold it over.
- Cook the tacos for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until crisp, golden, and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the skillet only if needed.
- Serve the birria tacos hot with chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and small bowls of warm consomé for dipping.
Notes
For the richest flavor, let the consom e9 rest for a few minutes before skimming the top layer of fat for dipping the tortillas. Oaxaca cheese is traditional, but mozzarella works well as a substitute.
