1. Prepare the Chiles:
- Rehydrate the Chiles: Remove stems and seeds from the chiles. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for a few minutes until fragrant. Then, soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until they are soft.
2. Make the Birria Sauce:
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, garlic, onion, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and some of the chile soaking liquid. Blend until smooth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Oxtails:
- Brown the Oxtails: In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Season the oxtails with salt and pepper, then brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Sauce: In the same pot, add the blended sauce and cook for a few minutes until it darkens and becomes fragrant.
- Braise the Oxtails: Return the oxtails to the pot. Add bay leaves and water until the oxtails are just covered. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low heat for about 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Shred the Meat: Once cooked, remove the oxtails from the broth. Let cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bones. Skim off any excess fat from the broth and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
- Prepare the Tortillas: Dip tortillas in the birria broth to lightly coat them. Place a skillet over medium heat and lay the dipped tortillas on the skillet.
- Add Cheese and Meat: Sprinkle cheese on each tortilla and allow it to melt. Add shredded oxtail meat on top of the cheese.
- Fold and Crisp: Fold the tortillas over and cook until the outside is crispy and golden brown.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the birria oxtails tacos with fresh chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges on the side. Use the remaining birria broth as a dipping sauce (consommé) for the tacos.
Conclusion:
Birria Oxtails Tacos offer a sumptuous and innovative take on the traditional birria taco, providing a rich depth of flavor that’s hard to match. The slow-cooked oxtails, combined with the aromatic and spicy birria sauce, create a taco filling that’s both comforting and exciting. The final touch of dipping the tacos in the birria broth before serving adds an extra layer of flavor, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these tacos are sure to become a new favorite.