Birria Sandwich

A Flavorful Mexican Classic

Introduction

The Birria Sandwich is a mouthwatering twist on the classic birria tacos, featuring slow-cooked, shredded beef stuffed into a toasted, cheesy roll. What makes this dish irresistible is the rich birria consommé, perfect for dipping each bite. This sandwich is the ultimate comfort food, combining deep, smoky flavors with a crispy, buttery texture.

Ingredients

• For the Birria Beef:
  • 1 kg (2.2 lbs) tapapecho (or chuck roast)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • Dried chili peppers (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cloves
  • 1 tbsp thyme
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 liter boiling water
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
• For Serving:
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Toasted bread rolls with butter
  • Grated or sliced cheese

Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:
   • Season the beef with salt on both sides.
   • In a hot skillet, sear until golden brown on all sides. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Birria Broth:
   • In a large pot, sauté onion, tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers.
   • Add black pepper, cloves, thyme, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and cinnamon.
   • Pour in boiling water and vinegar. Simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Blend and Cook:
   • Blend the broth until smooth, then return it to the pot.
   • Add the seared beef and simmer for 2 hours (or 1 hour in a pressure cooker) until tender.
4. Shred the Beef & Make the Consommé:
   • Remove the beef and shred it.
   • Strain the broth and mix with red onion and cilantro to create a flavorful consommé for dipping.
5. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Toast the buttered bread rolls and melt cheese on the bottom half.
   • Pile on the shredded birria beef and top with red onion and cilantro.
6. Dip & Enjoy:
   • Serve with a bowl of warm birria consommé and dip each bite before eating!

Tips for Success

• Sear the Meat Well: This step adds deep flavor to the broth.
• Use Good Bread: Choose crusty rolls that hold up well when dipped.
• Spice Level: Adjust the chili amount to your preference.

Why This Recipe Works

This Birria Sandwich is the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, juicy, and smoky flavors. The slow-cooked beef melts in your mouth, while the consommé adds an extra depth of flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!