What is quesabirria?
Quesabirria is a combination of the Spanish words “queso” (cheese) and “birria” (a spicy goat or beef stew). Traditional birria is slow-cooked until tender and flavored with various spices, making it incredibly flavorful. Quesabirria tacos take this essence and elevate it by adding melty cheese and crisping it up in a tortilla.
What ingredients will I need?
To make quesabirria tacos, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 ½ pounds of beef chuck roast (or any other beef of your choice)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon of paprika
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– 2 cups of shredded cheese (traditionally Oaxaca or Monterrey Jack)
– Cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil)
How do I prepare the meat?
Start by trimming any excess fat from the beef and cutting it into smaller chunks. Season the beef liberally with salt and pepper. In a large pot, heat some oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef on all sides. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
How do I make the consommé?
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent. Return the beef to the pot and add in the bay leaves, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, and enough water to cover the meat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender.
How do I assemble the tacos?
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla and top it with a generous amount of the shredded beef. Fold the tortilla in half, pressing it lightly to seal. Cook the taco until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crispy. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
How do I serve and enjoy the tacos?
Serve the quesabirria tacos hot with a side of the consommé for dipping. You can garnish them with finely chopped onion, fresh cilantro, or squeezed lime juice for an added burst of flavor. Dip each taco into the consommé just before taking a bite to experience the full flavor and deliciousness of this delectable dish.
Creating restaurant-style quesabirria tacos at home is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can relish the scrumptious flavors of tender beef, melted cheese, and an aromatic consommé that is perfect for dipping. So, roll up your sleeves, follow this easy-to-follow recipe, and embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Enjoy!