Homemade Beef Birria

Method

1. 01
   Step 1Dry and season beef

   Make sure the chuck roast is completely dry. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.

   Beef chuckSaltBlack pepper
2. 02
   Step 2Toast the chiles15s

   Toast dried chiles on each side for about 15 seconds to help with acidity and boost flavor. Do not go over 15 seconds or it can get bitter.

   Note

   Watch carefully—over-toasting will make the sauce bitter.

   Chili pepper
3. 03
   Step 3Soak the chiles15 min

   Throw the toasted chiles into hot water, cover, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to soften.

   Chili pepper
4. 04
   Step 4Toast the cumin30s

   While waiting for the chiles, toast the cumin for 30 seconds to get a rich cumin flavor.

   Note

   Toasting makes a difference—don't skip this step.

   Cumin
5. 05
   Step 5Blend the sauce

   Add the softened chiles and toasted cumin into the blender. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and blend until smooth.

   Chili pepperCumin
6. 06
   Step 6Sear the beef

   Sear the seasoned beef until you get a nice brown crust on all sides. This gives the birria good flavor. Remove from the pot once ready.

   Beef chuck
7. 07
   Step 7Cook the sauce5 min

   Add the blended sauce to the pot, passing it through a fine mesh strainer. Scrape the brown bits and cook for about 5 minutes. Season with salt.

   Salt
8. 08
   Step 8Braise the beef2h

   Add the seared beef back into the pot. Pour in the remainder of beef broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let cook until the beef is fork tender, about 2 hours.

   Beef chuckBeef stock
9. 09
   Step 9Shred and serve

   Once the beef is fork tender, shred it. Add a little bit more of the birria sauce and it's ready to serve. Use for birria tacos, birria ramen, mac and cheese, or any other dish.

   Note

   The world is your oyster—get creative with how you serve it.

   Beef chuck