How to prepare birria meat? - Step by step

Carne birria is a traditional Mexican dish, known for its deep flavor and roots in home cooking. Originating in the state of Jalisco, birria has spread throughout Mexico and has gained popularity around the world due to its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Preparing carne birria at home may seem challenging at first, but with the right ingredients and a few helpful tips, anyone can enjoy this delicacy in the comfort of their home.

Birria has its roots in the state of Jalisco, in western Mexico, specifically in the Sierra de Amula region. Originally, this dish was prepared with goat meat, but over time, variants have been developed that use beef, pork or even chicken. Birria is a festive dish, commonly associated with family celebrations and special events such as weddings, baptisms, and religious festivals. Its popularity has transcended the borders of Jalisco, becoming a staple of Mexican cuisine throughout the country.

Essential Ingredients

To prepare carne birria, you will need the following ingredients:

Meat: The traditional choice is beef, preferably cuts such as shoulder, brisket or leg, which have a good balance of lean and fat. However, you can experiment with pork, lamb or chicken depending on your preferences.

Dried chiles: Guajillo, ancho and pasilla chiles are the most common to give it that spicy and smoky flavor characteristic of birria. These chiles also add depth of color to the broth.

Aromatics: Garlic, onion, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and bay leaves are some of the aromatics used to season the meat and birria broth.

Tomatoes and tomatoes: These ingredients are used to make the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and acidity to the dish.

Vinegar and cumin: Vinegar helps balance flavors and tenderizes the meat, while cumin adds an earthy and spicy touch.

Chicken or beef broth: Used as a liquid base to cook meat and create the flavorful and comforting broth of birria.

Chicken or beef broth: Optional but highly recommended to enhance the flavor of the broth.

Avocado Leaf and Oregano: These ingredients add a fresh, herbal flavor to the birria, enhancing the complexity of the flavors.

Step by Step Preparation Process

Step 1: Preparation of the chilies
Remove the seeds and veins from the dried chillies and soak them in hot water for about 15-20 minutes to soften them.
Once they are soft, drain them and set them aside.

Step 2: Preparation of the meat
Cut the meat into large pieces and season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large pot or casserole, brown the meat on all sides in a little hot oil. Remove the meat and set it aside.

Step 3: Preparation of the broth
In the same pot, add a little more oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden and fragrant.
Add the soaked chillies and cook them along with the onion and garlic for a few minutes.
Add the tomatoes, vinegar, cumin, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, bay leaves and chicken or beef broth.
Pour in the chicken or beef broth until all the ingredients are covered and let it boil.

Step 4: Cook the meat in the broth
Once the broth is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and return the browned meat to the pot.
Cook the meat over low heat for 2-3 hours, or until it is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
During cooking, be sure to check the liquid level and add more broth if necessary to keep the meat submerged.

Step 5: Serve
Once the meat is ready, remove it from the broth and shred it with a fork.
Serve the meat in deep plates and cover it with a little hot broth.
Accompany the birria with hot tortillas, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, lemon and hot sauce to taste.

Creative Variations

Birria is a versatile dish that lends itself to numerous variations and adaptations. Here are some ideas to experiment with this Mexican classic:

Birria Tacos: Use the shredded birria meat as a filling for golden or dorado tacos. Fry the meat-filled tortillas in hot oil until crispy and serve with onion, cilantro and salsa.

Birria Quesadillas : Fill flour tortillas with melted cheese and shredded birria meat to make delicious quesadillas. Serve with guacamole, sour cream and tomato sauce.

Birria Ramen : Add shredded birria meat to a bowl of hot ramen along with noodles, fresh vegetables, and a poached egg for a unique take on this Japanese dish.

Birria Tamales: Use birria meat as a filling for tamales, wrap it in corn dough and steam until cooked. Serve with red sauce and fresh cream.

Carne birria is a culinary treasure from Mexico that has captured the hearts and palates of people around the world. With its deep roots in tradition and its unmistakable flavor, birria is a dish worth discovering and enjoying. By following the steps and tips provided in this article, you can prepare your own version of carne birria at home and delight your loved ones with this delicious gastronomic creation. Enjoy!