Instant Pot Birria Tacos

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Learn how to make this epic delicious Instant Pot Birria! You’ll love the flavor explosion as you bite into the juicy tender meat with melted cheese & crispy tortilla. Elevate it to the next level when dipping birria tacos into the rich sauce. Super tasty tacos de birria – you’ll keep going back for more! 

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When we first published our Barbacoa Recipe, many of you have highly requested an Instant Pot Birria Recipe. So we’re super excited to share it with you!

Birria’s popularity exploded in the past year, becoming one of the hottest food trends.

With one bite of the Birria Tacos, you simply couldn’t stop eating. Then, you’ll know why so many people are crazy over these delicious Birria Tacos! There’s no turning back.

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What is Birria?

Birria or Birria de res is a flavorful Mexican meat stew originated from the State of Jalisco. It’s traditionally made with goat meat, but now also commonly made with beef or mutton. 

The meat is cooked in Mexican chiles and spices until tender & juicy. This Mexican Beef Stew is a little spicy, savory, sweet, umami, pleasantly bitter & sour.

Besides serving Birria as a Beef Stew on celebratory occasions, Birria is also served as epic delicious Birria Tacos (tacos de birria) with melted cheese and dipping birria consome.

The crispy pan fried tortilla is the star of this birria taco recipe. You’ll definitely fall in love with that extra oomph of caramelization and crispy satisfaction.

Time to make Instant Pot Birria Tacos!

Step-by-Step Guide: Instant Pot Birria

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Here are the ingredients for cooking Birria in Instant Pot:

birria ingredients

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Which Meat to Use for Birria:

For Beef: If you want to use cheaper cuts, beef shank and chuck roast are excellent cuts for making Birria. Short ribs and oxtails are more expensive but are excellent choices.

Other Meat: Lamb, goat shoulder, or stew meats.

*Pro Tip: We used 1.5lbs beef shanks and 1.5lb well-marbled chuck steak for different mouthfeel & textures. You can use one type of cut if you like.

Step 1

Prepare Dried Chiles

First, remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles. Then, cut them into smaller pieces.

*Pro Tip: Since we’re pressure cooking the dried chiles in liquid for a long time, we don’t need to rehydrate them before cooking.

dried chiles

Adjusting Spiciness Level: This Instant Pot birria is mild to medium spicy. If you want the birria to be less spicy, skip the Chile de árbol. If you want it to be spicier, add 1 more Chile de árbol. 

Step 2

Toast Dried Chiles in Instant Pot

First, put all the dried chiles in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

toast chiles

Then, press the “Saute” button to “Sauté More” to heat up the Instant Pot. Stir occasionally. 

Once you smell the chiles’ aroma (after ~4 – 5 mins), remove and set aside the toasted chiles.

Step 3

Brown Meat in Instant Pot

Wait until the Instant Pot says “HOT”.

*Pro Tip: Make sure the Instant Pot is as hot as it can be to induce a Maillard reaction.

First, pat dry your meat (tips on which meat to use).

*Note: We’re using 1.5lbs beef shanks and 1.5lbs chuck roast steak.

Season one side of the beef with salt & black pepper.

Drizzle 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil in the inner pot, and ensure to coat the oil all over the whole bottom of the pot.

Now, carefully place the seasoned side of beef in Instant Pot. Then, season the other side of beef with more salt & black pepper.

brown beef in instant pot

Brown one side of the beef for 5 minutes before flipping over, then brown the other side for another 5 minutes.

Finally, set aside the browned beef shanks and chuck steak.

*Note: Your Instant Pot may not be able to fit all the meat for browning. If that’s the case, brown the meat in two batches.

Step 4

Saute Onions and Garlic

Now, add another 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil to the Instant Pot.

Add sliced onions in Instant Pot, then saute for 3 minutes.

saute onion

Then, add garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, ½ (2.4g) cinnamon stick, 2 tsp (2g) dried Mexican oregano, 1½ tsp (3g) ground cumin seeds, 1 tsp (1.8g) ground coriander, and 2 tsp (10g) tomato paste in Instant Pot, then saute for another minute. 

saute garlic

Step 5

Deglaze Instant Pot

Now, pour 1 cup (250ml) unsalted chicken stock in Instant Pot, then deglaze by scrubbing all the flavorful brown bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Give it a quick mix.

deglaze

Step 6

Pressure Cook Birria

Add 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) fish sauce, and another cup (250ml) of unsalted chicken stock in Instant Pot, then give it a quick mix.

Now, add in the toasted dried chiles.

*Note: Make sure all the chiles are submerged in the cooking liquid.

Then, layer the browned beef on top.

pressure cook birria

With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position.

Pressure Cooking Methods:

  • Beef Shank & Chuck Roast Pieces (1.5″ – 2″ thick): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 40 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes
  • Beef Short Ribs (1.5″ – 2″ thick): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 42 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes
  • 3lbs Bone-in Lamb Shoulder (3.25″ thick): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 2 hours, then Natural Release for 15 minutes

instant pot high pressure 40 minutes

*Pro Tip: If you’re planning to make Instant Pot Birria Tacos, you can prepare the garnish ingredients while the Instant Pot is naturally releasing the pressure.

After 15 minutes, carefully release the remaining pressure by turning the Venting Knob to Venting position.

Then, remove the lid carefully.

Step 7

Blend and Shred Beef

birria in instant pot

Transfer the beef into a large mixing bowl.

Find and discard the two bay leaves. If your immersion blender is not powerful enough, remove the cinnamon stick as well.

*Note: Make sure to keep all the chiles in the Instant Pot.

birria sauce

Blend the Instant Pot birria sauce with an immersion hand blender.

*Note: You’ll notice the birria sauce we create is thicker than a consommé. We like it this way because it’s more concentrated & packed with flavors.

With two forks, shred the beef, then transfer the shredded beef back to the Instant Pot.

birria de res

Step 8

Season Birria

Taste birria and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt (for reference: we added roughly 4 – 6 large pinches of salt).

Step 9

Garnish & Serve Instant Pot Birria

The Instant Pot Birria is epic with freshly grated melting cheese such as Oaxaca cheese or Mozzarella cheese.

Place some of the deliciously flavorful birria sauce in a ramekin.

Then, garnish with diced white onion and finely chopped cilantro.

birria consome

Step 10

Optional: Instant Pot Birria Tacos

First, heat up a skillet over medium heat.

*Note: We used a cast-iron skillet, but it’ll be easier using a non-stick pan.

Then, dip the corn tortillas into the Instant Pot birria sauce.

*Note: Make sure the birria sauce is covering both sides of the corn tortillas.

dip tortilla

*Pro Tip: If you’re using a cast-iron skillet, grease the pan with oil of your choice to prevent the tortillas from sticking. You can also use a bit of oil for a non-stick pan.

Now, place the corn tortilla on the heated skillet.

*Pro Tip: It’s important your skillet is hot enough before you start to pan fry the tortillas.

Layer a handful of grated melting cheese (Oaxaca cheese or Mozzarella cheese) on top of the corn tortilla, then let the cheese melt. 

Once the cheese has melted and the corn tortilla is a bit crisped up, layer some birria meat on top of the cheese. Then, fold the corn tortilla in half.

*Pro Tip: The corn tortillas will break if they’re too dry. So, make sure they’re coated well with the birria sauce.

fry tortillas

Finally, garnish birria tacos with lime slices on the side.

Serve these epic deliciously flavorful Instant Pot Birria Tacos immediately with dipping birria sauce.

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Enjoy your epic delicious Instant Pot Birria Tacos!

5 from 139 votes

Instant Pot Birria Tacos

Author: Amy + Jacky
Make this epic delicious Instant Pot Birria! You'll love the flavor explosion of juicy tender meat with melted cheese & crispy tortilla. Elevate it to the next level when dipping birria tacos into the rich sauce. Super tasty birria de res and tacos de birria recipe.
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Servings 8 - 12 tacos
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

Garnish:

  • 8 - 12 corn tortillas
  • Good melting cheese (i.e. Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella cheese) , freshly grated
  • White onion , diced
  • Cilantro , finely chopped
  • Lime slices

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Instructions 

  • Prepare Dried Chiles: Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles, then cut chiles into smaller pieces.
    *Tip for Adjusting Spiciness: This birria is mild to medium spicy. Reduce spiciness by skipping the Chile de árbol; make it spicier by adding 1 more Chile de árbol.
    dried chiles
  • Toast Dried Chiles in Instant Pot: Put all dried chiles in Instant Pot. Press “Saute” button to “Sauté More” to heat up the Instant Pot. Stir occasionally. Once you smell the chiles' aroma (~4 to 5 mins), remove and set aside the toasted chiles.
    toast chiles
  • Brown Meat in Instant Pot: Wait until the Instant Pot says "HOT". Pat dry your meat. Season one side of beef with salt & black pepper. Add 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil in inner pot, and ensure to coat the oil all over the whole bottom of the pot. Carefully place the seasoned side of beef in Instant Pot. Season the other side of beef with more salt & black pepper. Brown one side for 5 minutes before flipping the meat, then brown the other side for another 5 minutes. Set aside the browned meat.
    brown beef in instant pot
  • Saute Onions and Garlic: Add another 1 tbsp (15ml) vegetable oil to Instant Pot. Add in sliced onions, then saute for 3 minutes. Add in garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, ½ (2.4g) cinnamon stick, 2 tsp (2g) dried Mexican oregano, 1½ tsp (3g) ground cumin seeds, 1 tsp (1.8g) ground coriander, and 2 tsp (10g) tomato paste, then saute for another minute.
    saute garlic
  • Deglaze Instant Pot: Pour in 1 cup (250ml) unsalted chicken stock, then deglaze by scrubbing all the flavorful brown bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon. Give it a quick mix.
    deglaze
  • Pressure Cook Birria: Add in 2 tbsp (30ml) apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp (15ml) regular soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15ml) fish sauce, and another cup (250ml) of unsalted chicken stock, then give it a quick mix. Add in toasted dried chiles (make sure all chiles are submerged in the cooking liquid). Layer browned beef on top.
    With Venting Knob in Venting Position, close the lid, then turn Venting Knob to Sealing Position.
    Pressure Cooking Methods:
    a) Beef Shank & Chuck Roast Pieces (1.5" - 2" thick): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 40 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes.
    b) Beef Short Ribs (1.5" - 2" thick): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 42 minutes, then Natural Release for 15 minutes.
    c) 3lbs Bone-in Lamb Shoulder (3.25" thick): Pressure Cook at High Pressure for 2 hours, then Natural Release for 15 minutes.
    Remove the lid carefully.
    pressure cook birria
  • Blend and Shred Beef: Transfer beef to a large mixing bowl. Find and discard the bay leaves & cinnamon stick. Keep all the chiles in Instant Pot.
    Blend the birria sauce with an immersion hand blender.
    With two forks, shred the beef, then transfer the shredded beef back to the Instant Pot.
    birria sauce
  • Season Birria: Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt (for reference: we added roughly 4 - 6 large pinches of salt).
  • Garnish & Serve Birria: This birria is epic tasty with freshly grated melting cheese. Place some of the flavorful birria sauce in a ramekin. Garnish with diced white onion and finely chopped cilantro.
    birria consome
  • Optional - Make Birria Tacos: Heat up a skillet over medium heat. Dip corn tortillas in the birria sauce.
    *Pro Tip 1: Make sure the birria sauce is fully covering both sides of corn tortillas because the tortillas will break if they're too dry.
    *Pro Tip 2: If you're using a cast-iron skillet, grease pan with oil to prevent tortillas from sticking. You can use a bit of oil for a non-stick pan.
    *Pro Tip 3: It's important your skillet is hot enough before you start to pan fry the tortillas.
    Place corn tortilla on the heated skillet. Layer a handful of grated melting cheese on corn tortilla, then let the cheese melt. Once the cheese has melted and the corn tortilla is a bit crisped, layer some birria meat on the cheese. Fold corn tortilla in half.
    Serve these deliciously epic birria tacos immediately with dipping sauce and lime slices.
    fry tortillas

Video

Notes

1) Meat Choices: We used 1.5lbs beef shanks and 1.5lbs chuck roast steak.
2) Browning Meat in Instant Pot: If your Instant Pot is not big enough to brown all the meat at once, brown them in two batches.
3) Rehydrating Dried Chiles: We don't need to rehydrate the dried chiles before cooking for this Instant Pot Birria Recipe because we're pressure cooking them in liquid for a long time.
4) Birria Sauce: You'll notice the birria sauce in this recipe is thicker than a consommé. We like it this way because the sauce is more concentrated & packed with delicious flavors.
5) Frying Corn Tortillas: We used a cast-iron skillet to fry the corn tortillas, but it'll be easier using a non-stick pan.
Rate Amy + Jacky's Recipe: If you've tried our recipe, rate the recipe in the Comments section. Thank you!
Calories: 263kcal
Course: Main, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican, South American
Keyword: birria de res, birria instant pot, birria recipe, birria tacos recipe, instant pot birria, instant pot birria tacos, tacos de birria

Nutrition

Calories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 119mg | Potassium: 570mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1574IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3mg

Other Instant Pot Tacos Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Instant Pot Carnitas

Carnitas

Instant Pot Barbacoa

Barbacoa

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Chicken Tacos

instant pot birria | birria instant pot | instant pot birria tacos | birria recipe | birria de res | tacos de birria | birria tacos recipe #AmyJacky #InstantPot #recipe #mexican #beef #goat
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