Traditional Mexican Birria
Traditional Mexican Birria is a rich and savory stew that captures the essence of Mexican cuisine. This mouthwatering dish features tender beef marinated in a blend of guajillo chilies, garlic, and aromatic spices, then slow-cooked to perfection. Each bite wrapped in warm tortillas offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to Mexico. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknights, this birria is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 180 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow-cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
- 6 dried guajillo chilies, stems and seeds removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 2 limes (for serving)
Instructions
- Soak the guajillo chilies in hot water for 15 minutes until softened. Remove stems and seeds.
- In a blender, combine soaked chilies, garlic, onion, bay leaves, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth.
- Marinate the beef in the chili mixture for at least 2 hours (overnight recommended).
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Transfer marinated beef to a Dutch oven; add enough water to cover the meat. Cover and braise for about 3 hours until tender.
- Shred the beef using two forks within its juices and serve with warm tortillas. Garnish with cilantro and lime juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider searing the beef before braising it to develop a richer taste. Customize by adding vegetables like carrots or potatoes during cooking for an extra nutritional boost.