Best Keto Birria Tacos

Keto Birria Tacos – A Flavorful Low-Carb Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish

If you’ve been craving a dish that’s both full of flavor and fits into your keto lifestyle, look no further than these Keto Birria Tacos. This authentic Mexican recipe has been transformed into a low-carb version, allowing you to indulge in the deliciousness of traditional birria tacos without compromising your health goals. Whether you’re familiar with this flavorful dish or trying it for the first time, these keto-friendly tacos will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

What Are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Traditionally, birria refers to a slow-cooked stew made with goat meat, although beef, lamb, or even pork can also be used in various regional variations. The meat is cooked with an aromatic blend of spices and dried chiles, then shredded and served in tacos with a flavorful consommé (broth) for dipping.

However, what makes these Keto Birria Tacos stand out is that they are made without the usual high-carb tortillas, making them a low-carb alternative for anyone following the keto diet. In this recipe, the traditional ingredients are preserved, but with a twist, ensuring you don’t miss out on the delicious flavors while keeping your carb intake low.

Why Keto Birria Tacos are a Game-Changer for Your Diet

The appeal of Keto Birria Tacos is undeniable. First, the rich, complex flavors of slow-cooked meat, combined with the deep, smoky heat of dried peppers, make each bite unforgettable. Second, the keto-friendly approach to the dish ensures that you can enjoy it without worrying about consuming excess carbohydrates.

If you’re someone who loves flavorful and hearty dishes but also wants to stay on track with your dietary goals, these tacos are the perfect solution. The combination of beef sirloin and oxtails creates a tender and juicy filling, while the low-carb tortillas provide a satisfying base for your taco.

Not only are these tacos delicious, but they’re also versatile. You can enjoy them for lunch or dinner, serve them at a party, or even meal prep for the week. Let’s dive into the key ingredients that make this keto version of birria tacos so exceptional.

The Essential Ingredients for Keto Birria Tacos

To make the best Keto Birria Tacos, you need to use high-quality, authentic ingredients that bring the flavors to life while keeping it low-carb. Below is a rundown of the key ingredients:

1. Ox Tails and Beef Sirloin: The combination of oxtails and beef sirloin creates the perfect mix of tender, juicy meat with rich flavor. The oxtails add a deep, fatty richness, while the sirloin offers a leaner, yet still flavorful, bite. Together, they form the ideal filling for your tacos.
2. Beef Stock: Beef stock acts as the base for your birria broth or consommé, which gives the dish its signature flavor and moisture. Use a high-quality stock for the best taste.
3. Tomato Paste: Tomato paste adds depth and a rich, slightly sweet undertone to the broth, balancing the savory flavors.
4. Aromatic Vegetables: The white onion and garlic provide a solid foundation of flavors for the braise. Sautéing them first brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
5. Spices: This dish features a blend of cinnamon sticks, black peppercorns, whole coriander seeds, Mexican oregano, and other traditional spices. These spices infuse the meat and broth with a warm, earthy, and aromatic flavor that’s truly irresistible.
6. Dried Chiles: The Pasilla, Guajillo, and Ancho chiles are crucial for the deep, smoky heat that gives birria tacos their signature flavor. These dried chiles are roasted and blended into a paste to create the base of the consommé.
7. Coconut Aminos and Worcestershire Sauce: For a slight tang and umami flavor, coconut aminos and Worcestershire sauce work wonders. These add layers of richness to the broth without adding extra carbs.
8. Low-Carb Tortillas: The key to making these tacos keto-friendly is using low-carb tortillas. You can find these at most grocery stores or make your own at home using ingredients like almond flour or coconut flour.
9. Shredded Cheese: To complete the birria queso tacos, top the tortillas with shredded cheese. This will melt perfectly when heated and add a delightful, gooey texture to the tacos.
10. Avocado Oil or Lard: You can use either avocado oil or lard to sauté the vegetables and cook the tacos. Both options are keto-friendly and provide a rich flavor.
11. Lime: Although optional, lime adds a refreshing zing when squeezed over the finished tacos, cutting through the richness of the beef.

Creating the Perfect Birria Broth

The heart of any great birria is the broth or consommé. This flavorful liquid is made by simmering the meat with all the spices, herbs, and chiles. The broth becomes rich and deeply infused with the flavors of the meat, making it the perfect dipping sauce for your tacos. Here’s how to make it:

1. Prepare the Spice Sachet: Start by creating a spice sachet using garlic, cinnamon sticks, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, and the stems of cilantro. This will allow you to extract the flavors without having to strain the spices later.
2. Toast and Blend the Chiles: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles, then toast them in a dry pan to release their oils. Once toasted, blend the chiles with some of the beef broth until smooth. This forms the base for your flavorful consommé.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In a large pan, heat up avocado oil or lard, and sauté the diced onions and garlic until they become fragrant and soft. Add in the tomato paste, coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, and Mexican oregano. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Simmer the Broth: Add the beef stock, the spice sachet, and the blended chile mixture to the pan. Let it simmer for about an hour to allow all the flavors to meld together. The meat should become tender and the broth will thicken slightly.

Shredding the Meat and Assembling the Tacos

Once your oxtails and beef sirloin are tender, it’s time to shred the meat and assemble your birria tacos. Remove the meat from the pot and discard the bones and the spice sachet. Then, use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

The next step is to heat the low-carb tortillas in a skillet with avocado oil or lard until they are warm and slightly crispy. Top each tortilla with shredded cheese and a generous portion of the shredded birria meat. Once the cheese has melted, your keto birria tacos are ready to serve!

Part 2: Keto Birria Tacos Recipe – Quick and Simple Instructions

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 12 tacos

Ingredients:

For the Birria Broth:

• 2 lbs. Oxtails
• 2 lbs. Beef Sirloin
• 2 Qt Beef Stock
• 4 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 White Onion, diced
• 8 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 tbsp Black Peppercorns
• 1 tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds
• 1 bunch Cilantro Stems
• 2 tbsp Real Salt
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
• 4 Dried Pasilla Peppers
• 4 Dried Guajillo Peppers
• 2 Dried Ancho Chiles
• 4 Bay Leaves
• 1 tbsp Mexican Oregano

For the Birria Queso Tacos:

• 24 Low Carb Tortillas
• 2 cups Shredded Cheese
• 2 tbsp Avocado Oil or Lard (pork fat)
• 1 Lime (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Spice Sachet: Place the garlic, cinnamon sticks, cilantro stems, coriander, and peppercorns into a cheesecloth or spice bag and set it aside.
2. Remove Stems and Seeds from Dried Chiles: Carefully remove the stems and seeds from all the dried peppers.
3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
4. Add Tomato Paste and Sauces: Stir in the tomato paste, coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce, and Mexican oregano, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Simmer the Meat and Broth: Add the spice sachet, beef stock, dried peppers, and beef to the pan. Cook on low for 1-2 hours until the meat is tender.
6. Shred the Meat: Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot, discard the bones, and shred it with two forks. Remove the spice sachet.
7. Blend the Broth: In a blender, add the toasted chiles and 3 cups of broth. Blend until smooth, then add the mixture back into the pot.
8. Assemble the Tacos: Heat tortillas in a skillet with avocado oil or lard. Top with shredded cheese and birria meat. Once the cheese melts, serve with a side of consommé for dipping.

Enjoy Your Keto Birria Tacos!