Pioneer Woman Birria Taco Recipes

GRILLED STEAK NAAN TACOS

Steps:

• For the steak: Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Drizzle the steak with the olive oil and season with the ancho chile powder, 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Grill the steak to the desired temperature, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Set aside to rest while you make the salsa.
• For the grilled avocado-corn salsa: Brush the corn, jalapeño and red onion with the olive oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Grill until the vegetables are lightly charred, about 6 minutes. Slice the corn off the cob and chop the jalapeño and onion. Toss the vegetables with the cilantro, avocado and lime zest and juice in a bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• For the assembly: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Build a taco by grabbing a warm naan and adding a tablespoon of the chipotle mayo, if using. Top with some of the steak and a spoonful of the salsa. Top with some crumbled queso fresco and serve with a lime wedge.

BIRRIA TACOS

Steps:

• Put the short ribs in a large heavy pot. Season with 3 teaspoons salt and cover with water by about 1 inch. Bring to a boil over medium heat, skimming any foam from the surface. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the meat is tender, 2 hours, 30 minutes to 3 hours. Transfer the short ribs to a cutting board with a slotted spoon and let cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone. Skim the fat off the broth in the pot; reserve the broth.
• Meanwhile, soak the dried chiles in warm water until soft, about 30 minutes. Drain and transfer to a blender; add the tomatoes, onion, garlic, peppercorns, achiote paste and cumin and process until smooth, adding water if necessary.
• Mix about 1 cup reserved broth into the chile puree, then pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into the pot of broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 30 minutes. Add the shredded meat and simmer 10 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Use tongs to divide the meat among the tortillas. Top with pickled onions; serve with the remaining cooking liquid and lime wedges.
• Pickled Red Onions
• Mix 1 thinly sliced large red onion, 3/4 cup each white vinegar and water, 6 tablespoons sugar and 1/2 teaspoon each crumbled oregano and salt in a large resealable plastic bag; seal and shake, then refrigerate at least 24 hours.

BIRRIA TACO

Steps:

• Boil meat in just enough water to be level with the beef, along with the beef broth powder, garlic powder, bay leaves and onion until tender, about 2 hours.
• Rehydrate all chiles, marjoram, cumin and thyme in warm water for 20 minutes, then blend it. Separate the chile mixture into two equal parts. Separate the meat from the broth and pour half of the chile mixture into a saucepan with the meat. Braise, covered, for 20 minutes over medium heat. Meanwhile, simmer the broth for 20 minutes. Season to taste. Chop meat to make birria.
• Assemble by melting the Monterey Jack on a griddle or pan, then fry the tortillas with the fat from the broth or oil. Flip the tortilla over the melted cheese, then flip the tortilla again with melted cheese. Put the birria over the cheese and let it fry for 20 to 30 seconds. Serve accompanied with the broth.