Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRubamba RestaurantBirria Colombian Arepa Recipe

Birria Colombian Arepa Recipe

Inspired by Rubamba Restaurant
Time3h
Serves6

Hand made shredded brisket + consomme' & finished with fresh avocado.

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Ingredients

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Arepa Dough

Method

Prepare the Birria

  1. 1

    Soak the Chiles

    In a bowl, soak the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften.

  2. 2

    Blend the Sauce

    In a blender, combine the soaked chiles (remove stems and seeds), garlic, cumin, oregano, and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.

  3. 3

    Cook the Brisket

    In a large pot, place the brisket, blended sauce, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 hours until the meat is tender.

  4. 4

    Shred the Brisket

    Once cooked, remove the brisket from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat using two forks.

  5. 5

    Strain the Consommé

    Strain the cooking liquid through a fine mesh sieve to separate the solids from the broth. Reserve the broth as consommé for serving.

Make the Arepa

  1. 6

    Mix the Dough

    In a large bowl, combine the pre-cooked cornmeal, warm water, salt, and butter (if using). Mix until a soft dough forms.

  2. 7

    Shape the Arepas

    Divide the dough into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then flatten into a disk about 1/2 inch thick.

  3. 8

    Cook the Arepas

    Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the arepas for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Assemble the Dish

  1. 9

    Fill the Arepas

    Take each cooked arepa and fill it with shredded brisket. Spoon some consommé over the top.

  2. 10

    Add Toppings

    Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

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