Fresh tortillas are an important trick in avoiding sogginess as they absorb less moisture. Make sure not to add too much sauce before frying too, as it will weaken the structure.
Using too many chillies can make your birria bitter so be sure to stick to the recipe and experiment carefully. Cooking the sauce for too short a period can also result in a bitter undertone.
Overcooking birria is difficult but not impossible: once the meat pulls apart easily, it’s time to remove it from the mixture.
Birria is a fatty dish so a little grease is to be expected and, while you can substitute the meat for a less fatty cut, it will have an impact on the flavor.
A non-stick pan with a small amount of oil should be enough to stop your birria tacos from sticking to the pan. Avoid using a cast iron pan in particular as they are more likely to be sticky.
Birria originates in Jalisco state, western Mexico. The stew was popular at special occasions but is now commonly sold with tacos by street food vendors. Since the 1970s it has been growing in popularity in the US.
In Mexico the complex marinade made of a wide range of chillies is known as adobo, coming from the Spanish verb “adobar” (to marinate). Typically used in meat or seafood based dishes, the often thick paste can be thinned out and transformed into a flavor-packed sauce for stews or dipping sauce.
Birria tacos can shine on their own, but if a side dish is needed common accompaniments include cilantro lime rice (a Mexican favorite), fresh tomato salsa or a cool cucumber salad. Refried beans, Mexican street corn, or a creamy coleslaw are also traditional favorites that go well with this dish.
There’s no substitute for time in the pursuit of the tastiest birria. If you have an entire day, you can even use a slow cooker for around eight hours at low heat. Either way, patience is key to get the most out of your sauce.
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