Authentic Beef Birria

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Authentic Beef Birria.

1. Step 1

   Start by cutting the beef chuck into halves, then slice each half into 3- to 4-inch pieces.

2. Step 2

   For the beef short ribs, cut them in half through the middle, right down to the bone.

3. Step 3

   In a large soup pot, combine the beef chuck and short ribs, then sprinkle in kosher salt, oregano, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves.

4. Step 4

   Toss the meat gently for about 2 to 3 minutes until every piece is well-coated with those aromatic spices.

5. Step 5

   Cover the pot and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or even better, overnight to let those flavors meld beautifully.

6. Step 6

   Next, prepare the guajillo chilies by snipping off their stems, slicing them open, and discarding the seeds.

7. Step 7

   In a saucepan, warm up some olive oil over medium heat.

8. Step 8

   Add the guajillo chilies and sauté them for about 30 seconds until they release their fragrant aroma.

9. Step 9

   Then, toss in the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, stirring everything together.

10. Step 10

    Once the onions start to soften, add in the chopped tomatoes and a splash of water, bringing the mixture to a lively boil.

11. Step 11

    Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, allowing those flavors to deepen.

12. Step 12

    After simmering, turn off the heat and grab an immersion blender to purée the mixture until it’s smooth and velvety.

13. Step 13

    If you don’t have an immersion blender, a countertop blender works just as well—just blend in batches if needed.

14. Step 14

    Now, take the marinated meat out of the refrigerator and strain the puréed chili mixture into the pot with the beef.

15. Step 15

    Add in chicken broth, a splash of white vinegar, bay leaves, and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.

16. Step 16

    Bring this delightful concoction to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

17. Step 17

    Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and practically falling apart—this should take about 3 to 4 hours.

18. Step 18

    As it cooks, skim off any fat that rises to the surface; you can save this for making delicious birria tacos later.

19. Step 19

    When you’re ready to serve, place a few hearty chunks of beef in a soup bowl and ladle some of that rich, flavorful cooking liquid over the top.

20. Step 20

    For the finishing touch, garnish with diced white onion and fresh cilantro, and don’t forget to squeeze a bit of lime juice over the dish for that perfect zing.

21. Step 21

    Enjoy this comforting meal that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!.