Description
Lamb Birria Tacos, a traditional Mexican dish featuring its rich lamb broth dip and crispy tortillas, brings richness and deep Mexican flavors to the taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Birria:
- 2 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried pasilla chilies, stemmed and seeded
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped onion and cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges
- Sliced radishes
- Salsa or hot sauce of your choice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the dried chilies for about 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant.
- Remove the chilies from the skillet and transfer them to a bowl. Cover with hot water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes until softened.
- Once softened, drain the chilies and transfer them to a blender along with the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, and a cup of the broth. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Cook the Lamb
- Season the lamb chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the seasoned lamb chunks to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour the blended chili mixture over the browned lamb and add the remaining broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 2-3 hours until the lamb is tender and falls apart easily.
Step 3: Shred the Lamb
- Once the lamb is tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the pot. Stir to combine the shredded lamb with the flavorful sauce.
- Continue to simmer, uncovered, for an additional 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or griddle until soft and pliable.
- Spoon some of the lamb birria onto each tortilla and fold it over.
- Serve the tacos with chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, sliced radishes, and your favorite salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Equipment
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Gotham Steel 8 Quart Large Stock Pot
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HexClad Hybrid Nonstick 6-Piece Fry Pan Set
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Notes
- If you prefer a spicier birria, you can add more dried chilies or include some of the chili seeds when blending.
- This lamb birria can also be made in advance and reheated before serving, allowing the flavors to develop even further.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Holidays