Birria de Res

Introduction

Birria de Res is a traditional Mexican dish that has its roots in the state of Jalisco. Originally made with goat meat, the dish has evolved over the years to include beef, making it more accessible and popular among Mexican cuisine enthusiasts. Birria is known for its spicy, savory, and rich flavors that are achieved through a blend of aromatic spices and a slow-cooking process. Traditionally, the dish is served during festive occasions and is a staple in Mexican celebrations.

Ingredients

• Beef (chuck roast or short ribs)
• Dried guajillo chilies
• Dried ancho chilies
• Dried árbol chilies
• White vinegar
• Onion
• Garlic
• Bay leaves
• Cinnamon stick
• Cloves
• Black peppercorns
• Cumin seeds
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Salt
• Lime

Preparation

To begin making Birria de Res, gather all the ingredients. It's crucial to use a combination of different dried chilies like guajillo, ancho, and árbol to achieve the perfect balance of heat and smokiness. Here's how to prepare the mix for the dish:

Marinating the Beef

1. In a bowl, soak the dried guajillo chilies, dried ancho chilies, and dried árbol chilies in hot water until they are soft, approximately 10-15 minutes.
2. Drain the chilies and add them to a blender along with onion, garlic, white vinegar, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, thyme, oregano, and salt to taste.
3. Blend until smooth, adding a little soaking water if necessary to achieve a thick paste.
4. Rub the marinade thoroughly over the beef pieces and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for better flavor absorption.

Cooking Process

Simmering the Birria

1. Take the marinated beef out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
2. Transfer the beef along with the marinade to a large pot or Dutch oven.
3. Add enough water to cover the beef, around 6 to 8 cups depending on your pot.
4. Add a few bay leaves into the mixture.
5. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let the beef simmer for approximately 3-4 hours or until it is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
6. Check the pot occasionally to ensure the beef is submerged and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Raise the heat, if necessary, to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process, and skim off any impurities that float to the top for a clean broth.

Here's a cooking timer you can use to remind you to check the tenderness after 3 hours.

Serving Suggestions

Once the beef reaches the desired tenderness, remove the pot from heat. Remove the beef and shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat or bones. Serve the shredded meat in deep bowls. Pour some broth over the meat to make it juicy and flavorful. Sprinkle chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime over the top. Alternatively, you can serve Birria with warm corn tortillas on the side for assembling tacos. It also pairs well with rice or beans, adding to the heartiness of the meal. Enjoy your homemade Birria de Res with family and friends, bringing authentic Mexican flavors into your kitchen.

Conclusion

Birria de Res is a labor of love that brings together spicy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. By marinating the beef for long hours and slow-cooking it to tenderness, you're rewarded with a flavorful, aromatic meal sure to impress. Whether served as a stew or in tacos, Birria de Res offers a taste of Mexican tradition that's hard to forget.