Birria Quesadillas Tacos are a delicious and comforting dish, originating from Mexico and gaining popularity worldwide. This dish combines tender beef birria, flavorful chili sauce, melted cheese, and corn tortillas, resulting in a savory and satisfying meal. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, birria quesadillas tacos offer a burst of flavors and textures that delight the palate.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Birria:
- 8 cups of water
- 4 bay leaves
- 3 lbs pot roast beef
- 5 lbs beef shanks
- Whole head of garlic
- 1 onion
- Optional – beef bones with marrow if you’re not using beef shanks
- 1 tablespoon of salt
For the Sauce:
- 5 anchos chiles
- 5 guajillo chiles
- 2 pasilla chiles
- 3–4 Chiles de Arbol (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or 2 inches fresh ginger peeled
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 inch of stick
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves or 5 whole cloves
- ½ a medium onion
- 8 garlic cloves
- 1 canned chipotle pepper
- 1 cup chili pod cooking liquid
- 3–4 Roma tomatoes
- Salt to taste
For the Quesa Taco:
- 24 corn tortillas
- 4 cups shredded Chihuahua or mozzarella cheese or other mild melting cheese
- 1 cup diced onion
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- Several lime wedges
Directions:
- Preparation of Beef Birria:
- Chop the pot roast into smaller chunks and add them to a large pot with beef shanks and water.
- Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt.
- Cook for at least 3 ½ hours until the meat is tender.
- Preparation of Sauce:
- Prepare the dried chilies by removing seeds and veins.
- Boil the chilies, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- Blend softened chilies with spices, vinegar, onion, garlic, chipotle pepper, tomatoes, and cooking liquid until smooth.
- Add the sauce to the pot with the meat and cook until tender.
- Assembly of Quesa Tacos:
- Warm a griddle or non-stick pan.
- Dip tortillas in rendered beef fat and place on the griddle.
- Fill half of each tortilla with shredded beef and cheese, then fold.
- Crisp on both sides for about 2 minutes each.
- Consomé for Dipping:
- In a small bowl, combine beef broth, chopped meat, diced onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime.
- Serve the tacos with a cup of consomé for dipping.
Tips:
- Wear gloves when handling hot chilies to avoid skin irritation.
- Skim the impurities from the top of the beef broth while cooking.
- Adjust the spice level of the sauce by adding or reducing the number of chili peppers.
- Customize the toppings for the quesadillas tacos according to your preference.
- Serve the tacos and consomé hot for the best flavor experience.
Conclusion:
Birria Quesadillas Tacos offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts. With tender beef birria, spicy chili sauce, melted cheese, and warm corn tortillas, this dish is a celebration of Mexican culinary tradition. Whether enjoyed as a meal for gatherings or as a comforting treat at home, birria quesadillas tacos are sure to satisfy cravings and leave taste buds wanting more.
- Can I Substitute or Omit Certain Ingredients in the Birria Sauce?
- Yes, you can customize the birria sauce to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you prefer less heat, you can reduce the number of spicy chili peppers or omit them altogether. Similarly, if you cannot find specific types of dried chilies listed in the recipe, you can substitute them with other varieties that are available to you. Additionally, if you’re following a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can explore alternatives such as using vegetable broth and replacing the beef with mushrooms or jackfruit for a meatless version of the dish.
- How Do I Ensure That the Meat Becomes Tender and Flavorful?
- Achieving tender and flavorful meat for your birria quesadillas tacos requires patience and attention to detail during the cooking process. Firstly, it’s essential to use cuts of beef known for their tenderness, such as pot roast beef and beef shanks. Secondly, allow the meat to simmer in the seasoned broth for at least 3 ½ hours, or until it becomes soft and easily falls apart. This slow cooking process allows the flavors from the spices and aromatics to infuse into the meat, resulting in rich and succulent birria.
- Can I Prepare the Birria Sauce in Advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the birria sauce ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. After blending the ingredients into a smooth puree, you can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. When ready to use, simply thaw the sauce if frozen and reheat it gently on the stovetop before adding it to the simmering meat. Preparing the sauce in advance allows you to save time on the day of cooking and ensures that you have a flavorful base ready to go.
- What are Some Serving Suggestions for Birria Quesadillas Tacos?
- Birria quesadillas tacos are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit different preferences. Alongside the tacos, you can offer a selection of traditional Mexican condiments and garnishes, such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa verde or roja. Additionally, consider serving the tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. For dipping, the consomé made from the beef broth can be served in small cups or bowls alongside the tacos, allowing diners to enjoy the rich and flavorful broth alongside each bite.