Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBlack Smoke RotterdamBbq Birria Taco Recipe

Bbq Birria Taco Recipe

Time3h 40m
Serves6

Make Bbq Birria Taco Recipe in just 3h 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Birria Filling

BBQ Glaze & Finish

Method

Birria Filling

  1. 1

    Prep chilies

    Remove stems and seeds from guajillo and ancho chilies. Wipe gently with a damp cloth to remove dust.

  2. 2

    Toast chilies

    In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chilies 15–30 seconds per side until fragrant but not burned. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak 15 minutes until softened, then drain.

  3. 3

    Char vegetables

    In the same skillet, lightly char the quartered tomato and onion and the garlic (use skin-on for garlic) until blackened in spots (about 6–8 minutes), turning occasionally.

  4. 4

    Make adobo/braise sauce

    In a blender, combine softened chilies, charred tomato, charred onion, peeled garlic, chipotle in adobo, apple cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Add 1/2 cup of the beef stock and blend until very smooth. If too thick, add up to another 1/2 cup stock to reach a pourable puree.

  5. 5

    Brown the beef

    Cut the beef chuck into 3–4 large chunks. Pat dry and season with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a heavy Dutch oven or ovenproof pot over medium-high heat. Sear beef on all sides until deeply browned, 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer beef to a plate.

  6. 6

    Combine and simmer

    Reduce heat to medium. Pour the blended chile puree into the pot and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, to remove raw edge. Return beef to pot and add remaining beef stock plus bay leaves. Bring to a simmer, then cover and braise on low on the stovetop for 2.5–3 hours, or transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven for 2–3 hours, until meat is fall-apart tender.

  7. 7

    Shred and reserve consomme

    Remove beef from pot and shred with two forks, discarding bay leaves. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid and reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the braising liquid (consommé) to keep the shredded meat moist and for dipping later.

BBQ Glaze & Finish

  1. 8

    Make glaze

    In a small saucepan, combine BBQ sauce, honey, and lime juice. Warm over low heat, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Taste and adjust balance (more honey for sweetness, more lime for brightness).

  2. 9

    Glaze shredded beef

    Place shredded birria in a bowl and toss with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the BBQ glaze until evenly coated but still moist. Reserve remaining glaze for finishing. If the meat feels dry, add a few tablespoons of reserved consommé.

  3. 10

    Optional char/finish

    For a smoky-grilled finish, briefly sear small piles of the glazed meat in a hot cast-iron pan (1–2 minutes per side) or toss on a hot grill to get a bit of caramelization. This step is optional but gives a BBQ-char note.

Tacos & Assembly

  1. 11

    Warm tortillas

    Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high. Lightly brush each corn tortilla with a little vegetable oil (about 1/2 tsp per tortilla) and char 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted. Keep warm wrapped in a clean towel.

  2. 12

    Assemble tacos

    Place 2–3 tablespoons of the glazed shredded birria on each warmed tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of chopped onion, cilantro, and a little cheese if using. Fold and press gently.

  3. 13

    Serve with consommé and extra glaze

    Serve tacos with small bowls of the reserved consommé for dipping and extra BBQ glaze on the side for drizzling. Provide lime wedges to squeeze over tacos.

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