- Which chilies should I use?
- Guajillo and Ancho are essential for color and flavor. If unavailable, try sweet paprika mixed with chipotle, but originals are best.
- Why is tortilla falling apart?
- Use corn tortillas and don't soak too long, just a quick dip in fat before frying.
Quesabirria Tacos with Lamb
Birria started in Jalisco and conquered the world. This isn't a simple taco: meat is braised until butter-soft in spicy broth (consommé), then tortillas are dipped in this fatty, orange liquid before frying. The result is a crispy, juicy, cheesy miracle eaten by dipping into leftover broth. Get ready to get messy!
Ingredients
2.5
lbs
Lamb Shoulder
12
pcs
Corn Tortillas
3
pcs
Dried Guajillo Chilies
2
pcs
Dried Ancho Chilies
1
head
Garlic
1
pc
Onion
1
tbsp
Dried Oregano
1
tsp
Cumin
2
cups
Beef Broth (or water)
8
oz
Cheese (Oaxaca or Mozzarella)
1
bunch
Fresh Cilantro
2
pcs
Limes
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Blender for marinade
- Large pot for cooking
- Skillet for frying
Allergen Information
Milk (Cheese)
Instructions
1
✓
Remove seeds and stems from chilies. Boil in water for 10 minutes to soften. Blend boiled chilies with onion, garlic, spices, and a little water into a smooth sauce.
Tip: Rehydrating chilies is important for a creamy marinade. Discard seeds if you dislike heat.
2
✓
Cut meat into large chunks, salt, and coat in sauce. Marinate at least 1 hour (or overnight).
Tip: Acids and enzymes in marinade start tenderizing fibers.
3
✓
Place meat and marinade in pot, add broth. Simmer covered on low for about 3 hours until meat is fork-tender.
Tip: The fat collecting on top is liquid gold – used for frying later!
4
✓
Remove meat, shred. Reserve liquid (consommé) for dipping, topped with onion and cilantro.
Tip: Taste broth; season if needed. It should be intense.
5
✓
Dip tortilla in the top fat layer of broth. Toss in hot skillet, top with cheese and meat. Fold and fry until crispy on both sides.
Tip: Frying in fat waterproofs the tortilla so it stays crispy despite juicy meat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs Lamb Shoulder
- 12 pcs Corn Tortillas
- 3 pcs Dried Guajillo Chilies
- 2 pcs Dried Ancho Chilies
- 1 head Garlic
- 1 pc Onion
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 2 cups Beef Broth (or water)
- 8 oz Cheese (Oaxaca or Mozzarella)
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro
- 2 pcs Limes