Birria tacos have become incredibly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This delicious Mexican dish features tender, flavorful meat wrapped in a warm tortilla, topped with onions, cilantro, and a side of rich, savory broth. While traditionally made with beef, this recipe showcases a mouthwatering twist using pork shoulder. Let’s dive into the best and easiest birria tacos recipe with pork shoulder.
To start, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 pounds of pork shoulder, trimmed of excess fat and cut into chunks
– 1 onion, roughly chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
– 2 teaspoons of paprika
– 2 teaspoons of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 4 cups of beef or chicken broth
– 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder pieces and brown them on all sides.
2. Once the pork is browned, add the onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Pour in the broth and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2-3 hours until the pork is tender and easily shreds.
5. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the pot and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the birria pork in warm tortillas, topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a side of the flavorful broth for dipping.
FAQs:
1. Can I use beef instead of pork shoulder?
Yes, you can easily substitute beef for pork shoulder in this recipe.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just follow the same steps, but cook the pork on low for 6-8 hours.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to dice them before adding them to the pot.
4. How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or red pepper flakes.
5. Can I freeze the leftover birria?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover birria for up to 3 months.
6. What toppings go well with birria tacos?
Some popular toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced radishes.
7. Can I use store-bought tortillas?
Yes, store-bought tortillas work just fine, but homemade tortillas will elevate the overall taste.
8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the pork with your choice of plant-based protein, such as jackfruit or mushrooms.
9. Can I use bone-in pork shoulder?
Yes, using bone-in pork shoulder will add extra flavor to the dish.
10. Can I use a different cut of pork?
While pork shoulder is the best choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts such as pork butt or pork loin.
11. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot to accommodate the additional ingredients.