Instant Pot Birria Tacos: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Instant Pot Birria Tacos has become a popular sensation for good reason. This delicious dish features tender meat, a rich and flavorful broth, and an enticing array of toppings that make each taco burst with flavor. If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of savory and spicy, then you’re in for a treat. This recipe will transform your ordinary taco night into an extraordinary feast that will leave everyone asking for more.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy corn tortilla, its edges perfectly fried, filled with juicy, marinated beef, and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Each bite brings together a medley of spices and textures that make your taste buds rejoice. The amazing part? With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delectable dish in a fraction of the time it usually takes!

With the rise in popularity of birria tacos, more people are searching for an easy way to recreate this street food experience at home. This recipe not only offers a step-by-step guide but also shares tips and tricks to ensure your birria tacos turn out phenomenal every single time. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe one you need to try!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Instant Pot Birria Tacos involves a bit of prep but is overall a quick process. Here’s a breakdown of the overall time commitment:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Natural Release: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

These times may vary depending on your familiarity with the recipe and the Instant Pot itself, but this should give you a good estimate.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chuck roast or short ribs, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3-4 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 2-3 dried pasilla chiles, stems and seeds removed
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Corn tortillas
• Chopped onion and cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Instant Pot Birria Tacos is a straightforward process if you follow these easy steps:

1. Prepare the Chiles: In a dry skillet, toast the guajillo and pasilla chiles over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.

1. Blend the Marinade: In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, quartered onion, garlic cloves, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

1. Sear the Meat: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a bit of oil and sear the meat chunks until browned on all sides. This step adds depth to the flavor.

1. Add the Marinade: Once the meat is seared, pour the blended marinade over the meat in the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.

1. Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and seal it. Set to high pressure for 45 minutes.

1. Natural Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10-15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

1. Shred the Meat: Open the lid and remove the meat. Use two forks to shred it apart. Skim off any excess fat from the broth.

1. Heat the Tortillas: While the meat cools a bit, you can heat corn tortillas in a skillet until they are warm and slightly crispy.

1. Assemble Tacos: Place some shredded meat on each tortilla, then top with chopped onions and cilantro.

1. Serve with Broth: Serve the tacos with a bowl of the flavorful broth for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve

To make the most of your Instant Pot Birria Tacos, consider these serving tips:

1. Presentation: Arrange the tacos on a large platter, garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. This makes for an inviting presentation.

1. Accompaniments: Serve alongside sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

1. Broth Pairing: The broth can be served in small bowls for dipping; this enhances the taco experience significantly.

1. Customize Toppings: Offer a selection of toppings such as avocado slices, radishes, or salsas to give your guests options to personalize their tacos.

By paying attention to how you serve these tacos, you add an extra touch of flavor and enjoyment, ensuring they leave a memorable impression on everyone at the table. Enjoy your culinary journey with Instant Pot Birria Tacos!

Additional Tips

• Use Quality Meat: For the best flavor, choose a well-marbled cut of beef. Chuck roast or short ribs work wonderfully for birria tacos.
• Marinate Ahead: If time allows, consider marinating the meat overnight. This intensifies the flavors and results in even more tender tacos.
• Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to add more or fewer chiles based on your heat preference. Guajillo chiles are mild, while pasilla can have a slight kick.
• Broth Boost: Enhance the broth by adding a few bay leaves or a pinch of smoked paprika during cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Crispy Tortillas: Fry the corn tortillas briefly in oil before assembling the tacos for added crispiness and flavor.

Recipe Variation

Explore these exciting variations to make your Instant Pot Birria Tacos unique:

1. Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with jackfruit or mushrooms for a plant-based option. Use vegetable broth for the sauce.
2. Chickens Tacos: Chicken thighs can be used instead of beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly, reducing it to about 25 minutes under pressure.
3. Cheesy Tacos: Add cheese, such as Oaxaca or mozzarella, inside the tortillas before adding the meat. Melt it slightly for extra gooeyness.
4. Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or shredded carrots into the taco filling for some added nutrition and texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep any leftover birria and broth in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the shredded birria and broth separately for up to 3 months. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before freezing to avoid freezer burn.
• Reheating: When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Heat the meat and broth on the stovetop until warmed through.

Special Equipment

To prepare Instant Pot Birria Tacos efficiently, you'll need:

• Instant Pot or pressure cooker
• Skillet for toasting chiles and frying tortillas
• Blender for the marinade
• Cutting board and knife for prepping ingredients
• Serving dishes for tacos and broth

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Birria Tacos recipe offers an incredible way to enjoy a traditional dish in less time. The flavorful meat, crispy tortillas, and rich broth create a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these tacos are sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds. With a few simple tips and variations, you can make each batch unique and memorable. Dive into your cooking adventure today!