How to Make Mouthwatering Quesabirria Tacos

Are you a fan of tacos? Then you must try the latest craze in the taco world – quesabirria tacos! With its delicious combination of tender shredded beef, melted cheese, and flavorful broth, it’s no wonder why these tacos have become so popular. And the best part? You can easily make them in your own kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make quesabirria tacos in relaxed English.

To start, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. The key ingredient in quesabirria tacos is beef, preferably a tougher cut like chuck roast or beef shank. You’ll also need spices like cumin and chili powder, as well as garlic and onion. Cheese is another important element, typically a Mexican melting cheese like Oaxaca or Chihuahua. And for dipping, you’ll need a flavorful beef broth. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

What You’ll Need to Make Quesabirria Tacos at Home

Before you get started, gather all the necessary ingredients to make the perfect quesabirria tacos. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

1. Beef Chuck Roast: The beef chuck roast is the main ingredient of the quesabirria tacos, and you need to make sure you get a good quality one. Look for a cut with a good amount of fat and marbling, as this will add flavor to your tacos.

2. Dried Ancho Chili Peppers: The ancho chili peppers add a smoky and earthy flavor to the beef. They’re a must-have ingredient in traditional Mexican cooking and are readily available in most grocery stores.

3. Garlic: Garlic is another essential ingredient to add flavor to your beef. It’s best to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder or pre-minced garlic for the best flavor.

4. Cumin: Cumin adds a warm and earthy flavor and is commonly used in Mexican cooking.

5. Oregano: Oregano adds an herby and slightly bitter flavor and is essential to the traditional flavor of quesabirria tacos.

6. Bay Leaves: Bay leaves add a subtle woodsy flavor to the beef.

7. Chicken Broth: The chicken broth adds depth and richness to the broth and helps to keep the beef moist.

8. Salt & Black Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential to add flavor to the beef. Be sure to season generously.

9. Corn Tortillas: Quesabirria tacos are typically made with corn tortillas, which add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the tacos.

10. Shredded Oaxaca Cheese: This type of cheese is traditionally used in quesabirria tacos and has a mild flavor and a stretchy texture when melted.

Preparing the Beef

How to Prepare the Beef for Quesabirria Tacos

1. Preheat your oven to 325F.

2. Cut your beef into large chunks and season generously with salt and pepper.

3. Heat up a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

4. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pot and sear the beef until browned on all sides. This will take roughly 10 minutes.

5. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

6. In the same pot, toast the dried ancho chili peppers over medium heat for a minute or until fragrant.

7. Remove the peppers from the pot and place them in a bowl of hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes or until softened.

8. Drain the water from the bowl and remove the stems and seeds from the peppers.

9. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves to the pot.

10. Saute the spices for a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.

11. Add the beef back to the pot and pour in the chicken broth.

12. Cover the pot with a lid and place it in the oven for 3-4 hours or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.

13. Remove the pot from the oven and let the beef cool slightly.

14. Shred the beef with a fork and set it aside.

Making the Quesabirria Tacos

How to Make the Quesabirria Tacos

1. Heat up a griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Dip a corn tortilla into the beef broth and place it on the griddle.

3. Add a generous amount of shredded beef and shredded Oaxaca cheese to the tortilla.

4. Fold the tortilla in half and press down gently with a spatula, making sure the cheese melts.

5. Cook the taco for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until the tortilla is crispy and golden.

6. Repeat this process until you’ve made as many tacos as you’d like.

7. Serve the tacos with a side of the beef broth for dipping or drizzling.

8. Garnish with cilantro, diced onion, and a lime wedge, if desired.

9. Enjoy your delicious homemade quesabirria tacos!

The Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Quesabirria Tacos

The first step to making quesabirria tacos is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Beef: The main ingredient in quesabirria tacos is beef, traditionally made with beef shank or brisket. Make sure you buy enough for the number of people you’ll be serving.

2. Tortillas: Corn tortillas are best for quesabirria tacos since they can hold up to the juicy meat and broth. You’ll need about 2-3 per person.

3. Cheese: Queso Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese is typically used in quesabirria tacos. This cheese melts really well and adds a creamy texture to the tacos.

4. Consomme: The consomme is the broth that the beef is cooked in. It’s an essential component of the taco and adds a ton of flavor. You’ll need beef broth, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices.

5. Guajillo Chiles: These chiles are used in making the consomme and add spice and complexity to the dish. You’ll need about 4-5 dried guajillo chiles.

6. Spices: You’ll also need a blend of spices to season the beef. These include cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

7. Lime: Lime wedges are often served with quesabirria tacos to add a burst of acidity and freshness.

8. Onions and Cilantro: These are used as garnishes to add a little crunch and freshness to the tacos.

9. Avocado: Some people like to add sliced avocado to their quesabirria tacos for an extra creamy and rich flavor.

10. Oil: You’ll need oil for frying the tortillas and searing the beef.

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making the best quesabirria tacos you’ve ever tasted!

Where to Find Queso Blanco and Oaxaca Cheese

Now that you know how to make your own homemade birria, it’s time to talk about the cheeses that are essential to take your tacos to the next level. Queso Blanco and Oaxaca Cheese are the two types of cheeses that you should consider using.

Queso Blanco is a Mexican cheese that is perfect for melting. It is a salty cheese with low acidity, which makes it ideal for blending with other cheeses. You can find this cheese at any Latin American store or online.

Oaxaca Cheese, often referred to as Mexican string cheese, is another excellent option. The cheese is mild in flavor and melts quickly, making it perfect for quesabirria tacos. You can purchase this cheese online or at most grocery stores.

Dipping Sauce for Quesabirria Tacos

Dipping sauce is an important element when it comes to birria tacos. For a rich and flavorful dipping sauce, consider making a consomme. A consomme is a broth that is made with different spices and meat trimmings. It is perfect for dipping your tacos in, and it will take your birria tacos to a whole new level.

To make a consomme, start with a simple beef broth. Add in some oregano, garlic, bay leaves, and onion, then let it simmer for a few hours. Once the broth is ready, strain it and serve it in bowls for dipping. You can also add in some fresh cilantro or lime juice to enhance the flavor profile of the consomme.

Choosing the Right Tortillas for Quesabirria Tacos

When it comes to tortillas for your quesabirria tacos, always choose corn tortillas. Corn tortillas add more flavor to your tacos than flour tortillas do, and they hold up better in the frying process.

You can find corn tortillas at any local grocery store or Latin American store. Make sure to warm up your tortillas before serving so that they are pliable and easier to fold.

Additional Toppings for Quesabirria Tacos

Now that you have the essentials for your quesabirria tacos, it’s time to talk about toppings. Here are some suggestions for you to try:

– Diced onions and cilantro are a classic garnish for birria tacos. They add freshness and color to your dish.

– Salsa is another great topping for birria tacos. You can make your own or purchase a premade salsa from the store.

– Guacamole is a creamy and delicious addition to any taco. You can make your own guacamole by mashing up a ripe avocado and adding lime juice, salt, and other seasonings to taste.

Tips on Serving Quesabirria Tacos

To make sure that your quesabirria tacos are a hit, here are some tips that you should keep in mind:

– Serve your tacos immediately after frying for the crispiest texture.

– Set up a dipping station for the consomme and make sure to serve your tacos with napkins.

– Don’t overfill your tacos, or they will be difficult to eat.

– Encourage your guests to customize their tacos with additional toppings and sauce to suit their taste.

In conclusion, making quesabirria tacos may seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and techniques, anyone can make delicious and authentic tacos at home. Follow the tips outlined in this guide, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing your friends and family with your culinary skills.

Enjoy Your Delicious Quesabirria Tacos!

Now that you know how to make your own quesabirria tacos, get creative with your toppings and enjoy your delicious creation! Don’t forget to share with your friends and family and make it a fun and memorable experience. Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we hope you come back soon for more tasty recipes and cooking tips. Happy cooking and bon appétit!