Birria tacos, traditionally made with beef, are a flavorful and popular Mexican dish. Adapting the recipe to pork can result in delicious and tender tacos. Here’s a detailed guide for preparing Pork Birria Tacos. Please note that preparation time can vary based on factors such as the cut of pork and your cooking method.
Pork Birria Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the Birria:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 3 dried guajillo chilies
- 3 dried ancho chilies
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups beef or pork broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Tacos:
- Corn tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced onions
- Lime wedges
- Salsa or hot sauce of your choice
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chilies:
- Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Place the chilies in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes until they become soft.
- Once softened, blend the chilies with minced garlic, chopped onion, cumin, coriander, and a bit of broth until you get a smooth paste.
2. Cook the Pork:
- Season the pork chunks with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the pork pieces until browned on all sides.
- Add the chili paste to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring to coat the pork.
- Pour in the broth and add bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the pork is tender and can be easily shredded.
3. Shred the Pork:
- Once the pork is tender, use forks or tongs to shred it in the pot. Allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
- Heat the corn tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet.
- Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded pork.
- Top the tacos with chopped cilantro and diced onions.
- Serve with lime wedges and your choice of salsa or hot sauce on the side.
Expected Preparation Time
Approximately 3-4 hours.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 out of 5 stars)
Note
The longer you let the birria simmer, the more flavorful it becomes. You can also prepare this dish a day in advance for even richer flavors.
These Pork Birria Tacos are a delicious and savory treat. The tender shredded pork combined with the aromatic chili sauce and traditional taco toppings makes for a flavorful meal. Enjoy!