Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsTune-Up CaféLocal Lamb Barbacoa Tacos Recipe

Local Lamb Barbacoa Tacos Recipe

Inspired by Tune-Up Café
Time3h
Serves6

With a Chile de arbol sauce, cilantro onions, cotija cheese, radish, spinach, rice and refried beans

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Ingredients

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Taco Filling

Chile de Arbol Sauce

Sides

Method

Cook the Lamb

  1. 1

    Prepare the Lamb

    In a large pot, combine the lamb shoulder, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, bay leaves, and water. Bring to a boil.

  2. 2

    Simmer

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2-3 hours, or until the lamb is tender and easily shredded.

  3. 3

    Shred the Lamb

    Remove the lamb from the pot, let it cool slightly, and then shred it with two forks.

Make the Chile de Arbol Sauce

  1. 4

    Soak Chiles

    In a small saucepan, boil water and soak the dried chile de arbol for about 10 minutes until softened.

  2. 5

    Blend the Sauce

    In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, garlic cloves, lime juice, salt, and 1 cup of the soaking water. Blend until smooth.

Prepare Tacos

  1. 6

    Warm Tortillas

    Heat the corn tortillas on a skillet until warm and pliable.

  2. 7

    Assemble Tacos

    Fill each tortilla with shredded lamb, then top with cilantro, onion, cotija cheese, radish, and spinach.

  3. 8

    Serve

    Serve tacos with a side of rice and refried beans, drizzling with chile de arbol sauce to taste.

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