You love crispy tacos filled with tender meat and rich Mexican flavors? This pork birria tacos recipe is one you need to try. Pork birria tacos are juicy, cheesy, and served with a flavorful consommé for dipping.
What Are Pork Birria Tacos?
The short answer: Pork birria tacos are Mexican tacos made with slow-cooked shredded pork that has been braised in a rich sauce made from dried chiles, garlic, tomatoes, and spices.
The meat is stuffed into tortillas, often with cheese, then folded and fried until crispy. The tacos are served with the cooking broth, known as consommé, for dipping.
Pork Birria Tacos Recipe
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings25
minutes2
hours520
kcal2
hours25
minutesIngredients for Pork Birria Tacos Recipe
- For the Pork Birria
3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
4 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
2 dried chipotle peppers
1 medium onion, quartered
6 garlic cloves
3 medium tomatoes
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons salt
4 cups beef broth
2 bay leaves
- For the Tacos
12 corn tortillas
2 cups Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Diced white onion
Lime wedges
Directions: How to Make Pork Birria Tacos
- Prepare the Chiles
Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Place them in hot water for about 15 minutes until softened. This helps create a smooth and flavorful sauce. - Make the Birria Sauce
Add the softened chiles, tomatoes, onion, garlic, vinegar, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to a blender.
Blend until completely smooth. The sauce should have a rich red color and a thick consistency. - Sear the Pork
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the pork pieces on all sides.
This step adds extra flavor to the finished dish. - Slow Cook the Pork
Pour the blended sauce over the pork. Add the beef broth and bay leaves. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for about 3 hours or until the pork becomes fork tender. - Shred the Meat
Remove the pork from the cooking liquid. Use two forks to shred the meat. Return some of the shredded pork to the broth to keep it moist. - Prepare the Consommé
Strain the cooking liquid if desired. This rich broth becomes the consommé served with the tacos. Keep it warm until serving time. - Assemble the Tacos
Dip each tortilla lightly into the top layer of the consommé. Place it on a hot skillet. Add cheese and shredded pork. Fold the tortilla in half. Cook until golden and crispy on both sides. - Serve
Top with cilantro and diced onion. Serve immediately with warm consommé and fresh lime wedges.
How Long Does It Take to Make Pork Birria Tacos?
This recipe requires patience, but most of the cooking time is hands-off.
- Preparation: 25 minutes
- Slow cooking: 2 hours
- Taco assembly: 15 minutes
Total time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Best Pork Cuts for Birria Tacos Recipe
Pork shoulder is the most popular choice because it becomes tender during long cooking.
Other good options include:
- Pork butt
- Boneless pork country ribs
- Pork picnic roast
These cuts contain enough fat to stay juicy and flavorful.
What to Serve with Pork Birria Tacos
These tacos pair well with many side dishes.
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Street corn
- Guacamole
- Fresh salsa
- Chips and queso
- Pickled onions
A cold drink like Horchata or Agua Fresca also complements the rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 31g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 870mg |
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This recipe delivers everything people love about birria tacos. The slow-cooked pork is rich and tender, the tortillas become perfectly crispy, and the flavorful consommé takes every bite to the next level. Once you try them, they may become one of your favorite taco recipes.
