Succulent Birria Tacos Recipe with Beef, Pork, Chicken or Shrimp Using Our Special Seasoning

Birria tacos have become a beloved dish for many food lovers, known for their rich, flavorful meat and the satisfying dip into warm consommé. Whether you prefer beef, pork, chicken, or shrimp, this recipe will guide you through making authentic birria tacos using our special birria seasoning blend. This seasoning brings out deep, smoky, and spicy notes that make every bite unforgettable.

Birria is traditionally a Mexican stew, but when served as tacos, it transforms into a handheld delight filled with juicy, tender meat and crispy tortillas. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to choose your favorite protein while keeping the seasoning consistent for that signature birria taste.

Birria tacos with beef and consommé

What Makes Birria Tacos Special

Birria tacos stand out because of their slow-cooked meat and the rich broth called consommé. The meat is marinated and cooked until it falls apart, soaking up the flavors of the birria seasoning. The tortillas are dipped in the consommé before frying, giving them a crispy texture and a burst of flavor.

Our special birria seasoning combines dried chilies, spices, and herbs that create a balance of heat, smokiness, and earthiness. This blend works perfectly with any protein, making it easy to customize your birria tacos.

Choosing Your Protein: Beef, Pork, Chicken, or Shrimp

Each protein offers a unique texture and flavor profile for birria tacos:

• Beef: The classic choice, often using chuck roast or short ribs. Beef becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.

• Pork: Shoulder or butt cuts work well, offering a slightly sweeter and fattier taste.

• Chicken: A lighter option, chicken thighs provide moist and flavorful meat.

• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with the spicy seasoning.

  
  

You can prepare the birria with any of these proteins using the same seasoning and cooking method, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Ingredients You Will Need

• 2 pounds of your chosen protein (beef chuck, pork shoulder, chicken thighs, or shrimp)

• 3 tablespoons of our special birria seasoning

• 4 dried guajillo chilies

• 2 dried ancho chilies

• 1 white onion, quartered

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 bay leaves

• 4 cups beef or chicken broth (depending on protein)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Corn tortillas

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Diced onions

• Lime wedges

• Shredded cheese (optional)

  
  

Preparing the Birria Seasoning Paste

1. Remove stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chilies.

2. Toast the chilies lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Soak the toasted chilies in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.

4. In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding a little soaking water if needed to create a thick paste.

   
   

This paste is the heart of the birria flavor and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Cooking the Birria Meat

For Beef, Pork, or Chicken

1. Rub the birria seasoning paste all over the meat, ensuring it is well coated.

2. Place the meat in a large pot or slow cooker.

3. Add the bay leaves and broth, covering the meat.

4. Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours (or 6-8 hours in a slow cooker) until the meat is tender and shreds easily.

5. Remove the meat and shred it with forks.

6. Strain the cooking liquid to use as consommé.

   
   

For Shrimp

1. Toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons of the birria seasoning paste.

2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

3. Use the remaining consommé or broth for dipping.

   
   

Assembling the Birria Tacos

1. Heat corn tortillas on a skillet until soft.

2. Dip each tortilla briefly into the warm consommé.

3. Place the tortilla on the skillet and add a generous amount of shredded meat or cooked shrimp.

4. Add shredded cheese if desired and cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is crispy.

5. Fold the tortilla and serve with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

6. Serve the consommé on the side for dipping.

   
   

Tips for Perfect Birria Tacos

• Use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture.

• Don’t skip dipping the tortillas in consommé; it adds flavor and helps crisp them.

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer chilies in the seasoning paste.

• Leftover birria meat can be used in quesadillas or burritos.

• For extra richness, add a splash of lime juice to the consommé before serving.

  
  

Variations to Try

• Add diced pineapple or pickled jalapeños for a sweet and spicy contrast.

• Use a slow cooker for hands-off cooking and tender meat.

• Make a birria taco bowl by serving the meat over rice with toppings.

• Try different cheeses like Oaxaca or mozzarella for melting.

  
  

Birria tacos are a versatile and satisfying meal that you can customize to your taste. Using our special birria seasoning ensures every bite is packed with authentic flavor, whether you choose beef, pork, chicken, or shrimp. Enjoy the process of slow cooking or quick sautéing, and savor the delicious results with friends and family.