Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

Instant Pot Birria Tacos are a delightful treat that combines cheesy tortillas with tender, juicy meat, all served with a savory broth for dipping. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, these tacos are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: The Instant Pot makes cooking a breeze with its quick pressure cooking feature.
• Rich Flavor: A blend of spices and chiles creates a deep, delicious flavor profile.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as tacos or serve the meat with rice or beans for a complete meal.
• Great For Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and freeze leftovers for busy weeknights.
• Fun Dining Experience: Dipping the tacos into the broth adds an interactive element to your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe, gather your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Blender
• Large frypan or griddle
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This electric pressure cooker reduces cooking time significantly while enhancing flavors.
• Blender: Blending the sauce to a smooth consistency ensures that all flavors meld beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded, and deveined
• 4 guajillo chiles (or New Mexico chiles), stemmed, seeded, and deveined
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 4 plum tomatoes, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup water (or beef broth or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (if using water or homemade broth)
• 2 cups cold water (or chicken broth or beef broth)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

For the Meat

• Adobo (from above)
• 1 pound bone-in beef short ribs (or oxtails or shanks)
• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
• 6 cups water (or beef broth or chicken broth)

For Serving

• 24 Corn tortillas
• 16 oz shredded Monterey Jack (or Queso Oaxaca)
• Diced onion
• Minced cilantro

How to Make Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Chiles and Prepare the Sauce

1. Heat the oil in your Instant Pot on Sauté mode – High until shimmering.
2. Add the ancho and guajillo peppers. Toast for about 1 minute.
3. Stir in onion, tomatoes, garlic cloves, spices (cinnamon, bay leaf, black pepper, cumin, coriander, oregano, cloves), water, and salt.
4. Lock the lid and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes; then quick release.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

1. Pour contents from the Instant Pot into a blender.
2. Add 2 cups cold water and white vinegar.
3. Securely cover the blender lid with a towel to avoid hot splashes.
4. Blend until completely smooth for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

1. Wipe out the Instant Pot or use another inner pot if available.
2. Season beef short ribs and chuck with salt; place in pot.
3. Pour in blended adobo sauce and stir well to coat meat.
4. Add 6 cups of water; stir again then lock the lid.
5. Pressure cook on high for 45 minutes; allow natural pressure release for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Shred Beef and Prepare Tacos

1. Unlock lid; use a slotted spoon to remove beef and place it on a platter.
2. Shred beef using two forks.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

1. Heat frypan over medium-high heat; warm tortillas one at a time until softened.
2. Dip each tortilla into the broth then return to griddle; top with shredded cheese first then beef.
3. Fold tortillas in half and cook until golden brown on both sides.

Final Step: Serve!

Ladle out broth into mugs for dipping alongside your assembled birria tacos topped with diced onion and cilantro. Enjoy this flavorful dish!

How to Serve Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

Serving your Instant Pot Birria Tacos is as important as making them. The right accompaniments enhance the flavors and create a delightful dining experience. Here are some ideas to elevate your taco night.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Diced Onion: Freshly chopped onion adds a crunchy texture and sharp flavor that complements the tacos.
• Minced Cilantro: This herb brings brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the beef.

Pair with Broth

• Consommé Dipping Sauce: Serve the rich broth alongside for dipping. Its warm, savory flavor enhances every bite of taco.

Offer Additional Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice for a zesty kick.
• Avocado Salsa: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and cilantro adds a smooth contrast to the tacos.

Include Sides

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime makes for a delicious side.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful, they are perfect for scooping or spreading alongside your tacos.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

Perfecting your Instant Pot Birria Tacos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips for making these tacos truly exceptional.

• Bold Seasoning: Ensure you toast your spices properly to release their flavors before adding them to the dish.
• Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef chuck or short ribs; they provide better flavor and tenderness after cooking.
• Smooth Adobo Sauce: Blend the adobo until completely smooth to ensure it coats the meat evenly during cooking.
• Natural Pressure Release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally enhances tenderness in the meat.
• Tortilla Technique: Warm tortillas before dipping them in broth; this prevents tearing and ensures they hold more filling.
• Cheese Choice: Use a good quality cheese like Monterey Jack or Queso Oaxaca for maximum flavor and melting qualities.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

Complement your Instant Pot Birria Tacos with delicious side dishes that enhance the meal. Here’s a list of options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds a hearty touch alongside tacos.
2. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and a creamy texture that pairs well with tacos.
3. Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that adds richness; serve it with tortilla chips for crunch.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa offer a delightful pre-meal snack.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
6. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage can add crunchiness and freshness to balance out rich flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Birria Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Bold Ingredients: Using the wrong kind of beef can change the flavor and texture of your tacos. Always choose cuts like beef chuck or short ribs for the best results.
• Bold Skipping Seasoning: Not seasoning your meat well can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to use enough salt and spices to enhance the flavors.
• Bold Overcooking Tortillas: Overcooking tortillas can make them tough. Warm them just until they’re pliable, not crispy.
• Bold Ignoring Broth Quality: Using low-quality broth will affect the taste of your tacos. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth for better flavor.
• Bold Forgetting the Dipping Sauce: Serving without a broth dip misses out on a key part of the experience. Always ladle out broth for dipping when serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and warm the tacos for about 2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Instant Pot Birria Tacos.

What is an Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe?

Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe features tender, flavorful beef cooked quickly in a pressure cooker, served in corn tortillas with a rich broth for dipping.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken cooks faster than beef.

How do I make vegan birria tacos?

For a vegan version, use jackfruit or mushrooms as your base and replace broth with vegetable broth.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to assemble and serve the tacos.

Final Thoughts

The Instant Pot Birria Tacos Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or toppings based on your preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy authentic flavors right at home!