Mexican Birria Soup

Imagine the rich aroma of Mexican spices wafting through your kitchen as you prepare a pot of traditional Birria Soup.

It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s surprisingly easy to make, warming both the heart and soul.

The transformation of tender beef, vibrant chiles, and fragrant herbs into a flavorful broth feels like culinary magic.

Let’s bring this delicious Mexican classic to life and savor the warmth and depth it brings to the table.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 blender
• 1 strainer
• 1 large bowl
• 1 ladle

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
• 5 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and stemmed
• 3 dried ancho chiles, seeded and stemmed
• 1 onion, quartered
• 5 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 bay leaves
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Corn tortillas, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Sliced radishes, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Mexican Birria Soup, follow this timeline:

Timeline for Mexican Birria Soup

1. Preparation & Initial Steps (45 minutes)

• Reading the Recipe (5 minutes): Familiarize yourself with the entire recipe and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
• Soak Chiles (15 minutes): Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water to soften them.
• Prep Ingredients (10 minutes): While the chiles are soaking, quarter the onion, peel the garlic, and cut the beef chuck roast into large chunks.
• Blend Ingredients (10 minutes): Blend the soaked chiles with the onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and a little soaking liquid until smooth.
• Strain Mixture (5 minutes): Strain the blended mixture into a large pot and discard the solids.

2. Cooking (3 hours)

• Add Ingredients & Start Cooking (5 minutes): Add the beef chunks, bay leaves, beef broth, and vinegar to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring to a Boil (10 minutes): Heat the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Simmer (3 hours): Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 3 hours until the meat is tender.

3. Finishing Touches (40 minutes)

• Shred Meat (10 minutes): Remove the beef chunks from the pot and shred them using two forks.
• Return Meat & Stir (5 minutes): Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the broth.
• Resting (30 minutes): Let the soup rest for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Prepare Garnishes (5 minutes): Chop cilantro, slice radishes, and prepare lime wedges for serving.

4. Serving

– Serve & Enjoy: Serve the birria soup hot with corn tortillas, garnished with cilantro, radishes, and lime wedges.

This timeline outlines the steps you need to follow to prepare and cook Mexican Birria Soup efficiently, ensuring that you manage your time well throughout the process.

Recipe Instructions

Soak the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.

Blend the soaked chiles with onion, garlic, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and a little soaking liquid until smooth.

Strain the blended mixture into a large pot and discard the solids.

Add the beef chunks, bay leaves, beef broth, and vinegar to the pot.

Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover, cooking for 3 hours until the meat is tender.

Remove the beef chunks from the pot and shred them using two forks.

Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine with the broth.

Let the soup rest for 30 minutes before serving.

Serve the birria soup hot with corn tortillas, garnished with cilantro, radishes, and lime wedges.

Serving Tips

• Corn Tortillas: Serve alongside or in the soup for a traditional touch.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh and aromatic, it adds a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
• Sliced Radishes: Crunchy and slightly spicy, they provide a rejuvenating contrast to the rich soup.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens and enhances the flavors of the birria.
• Mexican Rice: A hearty side that complements the savory broth and tender beef.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican Birria Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Mexican Birria Soup, cool completely.

Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Reheating

To reheat Mexican Birria Soup, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals.

Stir in between.

Final Thoughts

Mexican Birria Soup is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for any occasion.

The combination of tender beef, rich spices, and aromatic chiles creates a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it at a gathering, this soup is sure to impress.

Remember to marinate the beef for enhanced flavor and consider making it a day ahead for an even richer taste.

Serve it hot with fresh corn tortillas and garnishes for an authentic Mexican experience.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the warmth this traditional dish brings to your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the Beef With Another Type of Meat?

You can substitute beef with lamb, goat, or chicken. Each option offers a unique flavor profile. Lamb and goat provide richness, while chicken brings a lighter taste. Adjust cooking times accordingly to guarantee tenderness and ideal flavor absorption.

What Can I Use if I Can’t Find Guajillo Chiles?

If you can’t find guajillo chiles, substitute with pasilla or New Mexico chiles for a similar mild heat and fruity flavor. Analyze the taste difference—they’ll provide a balanced profile without overpowering the dish’s essence.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of Birria Soup?

You can make a vegetarian birria by substituting beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, jackfruit, or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and keep the spices and chiles to maintain the dish’s authentic flavors.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Birria Soup?

You can pair birria soup with tangy coleslaw for crunch and acidity, or Mexican rice for a hearty balance. Try avocado slices for creaminess and black beans for added protein. Don’t forget tortilla chips for dipping!

How Can I Make the Soup Less Spicy?

To make the soup less spicy, reduce the number of dried chiles or remove their seeds. You can also add more beef broth or a splash of cream to mellow the heat without sacrificing flavor.