How to make birria sauce? We’ve all seen the fiery red tacos sizzling on social media, vied over, and shared by lovers of Mexican cuisine. Now, you have a chance to make them yourself with this easy recipe for birria sauce. This flavorful aromatic sauce typically served with goat meat or beef is made from chili peppers, seasonings, and spices. Making birria sauce at home not only allows you to adjust it according to your palate but also be sure that all the ingredients used are fresh and high-quality for incomparable flavor!
Whether it be from a recipe handed down from generations or something out of your own imagination, learning how to make birria sauce can help you bring that savory taste to your own culinary creation. In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know in order to make a truly authentic and mouth-watering birria sauce! Let’s get started!
What is Birria Sauce?
Bringing an intense, unique flavor to Mexican cuisine for generations, Birria sauce is a beloved condiment made with chile peppers and spices that has recently gained widespread fame in the United States. Perfect as a dip or marinade, its savory taste elevates tacos and quesadillas; it can also spice up barbecues far beyond burgers and steaks!
Treat your taste buds to a Mexican fiesta with Birria sauce! This mouthwatering sauce creates the perfect flavor combination for tacos and quesadillas, featuring ingredients that are sure to awaken all of your senses. Plant-based spices like garlic and chili peppers provide earthy notes while creating an extra kick from their unique heat profile – taking you on a culinary journey without having to leave home. Serve at any gathering alongside my fish taco sauce, avocado crema, or fresh peach mango salsa – it is definitely something everyone can enjoy!
Birria beef is a traditional Mexican dish that packs an incredible blend of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. Slow simmered with chili peppers, beef (or goat meat for the most authentic twist), garlic, cumin bay leaves, and thyme in broth until mouth-wateringly tender – it’s sure to tantalize your tastebuds!
For those seeking something even more piquant than Barbacoa — birria has you covered as its flavor profile kicks things up another notch. What’s more? You can use any remaining shredded meats from this cooking process as fillings for tacos, burritos quesadillas, or enchiladas – getting all practical AND delicious out of one meal prep session!
Birria Tacos?
These delicious and flavorful Birria Tacos are taking the culinary world by storm! The ingenious idea of using tender beef from a Mexican stew to craft tacos with corn tortillas dipped in broth, pan-fried meat, and cheese has become wildly popular. With good reason – one taste proves why these birria tacos have gained such devoted attention!
Best Tacos Recipes
-Has put together this how-to guide on how to make birria sauce from scratch. Start by gathering the ingredients and spices needed, then let’s get cooking!
-To begin, gather a large pot and some oil for frying. Heat over medium heat and once hot, add in chopped onions and garlic. Cook until softened and lightly browned.
-Add in the beef of choice – typically, birria is made with goat meat or beef shank but it can also be made with other cuts as well. Cook until lightly browned and add some of your favorite seasonings, such as cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
-Once the seasoning is mixed in, add in tomatoes, either freshly chopped or canned tomato sauce. Let this simmer for at least one hour with the lid on, stirring occasionally and adding water if needed.
-When the sauce is ready, let cool slightly before transferring it to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and return the sauce back to heat over medium heat. Let simmer until it reaches desired consistency and serves hot.
-Birria tacos are now ready to be enjoyed! Heat up some corn tortillas, dip in the sauce, and add your favorite fillings such as cheese, cilantro, and onions, then pan-fry or bake until lightly golden brown. Enjoy with a side of lime wedges and enjoy.
How to make birria sauce
Best Birria Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Needed:
– Small bowl
– Medium skillet
– Measuring cups and spoons
Keep in mind that while the amounts listed are recommendations, you can always adjust the ingredients to your taste. For a richer flavor, try adding some bay leaves or a pinch of cinnamon. If you like it spicy, increase the chili powder. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding different herbs or spices to make a truly unique birria sauce.
Ingredients:
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
• ½ tablespoon of ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons of chili powder (Ancho or Chipotle)
• 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup of tomato paste
• ¼ cup of vegetable oil or olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and chili powder until well blended.
2. Pour the mixture into a medium skillet along with the apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, vegetable or olive oil, and salt.
3. Stir the mixture until everything is evenly combined and slowly bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using as a sauce or marinade for your favorite birria recipes! Enjoy!
Making birria sauce is simple and can be used in many different dishes. Whether it’s as a marinade for meats or as a flavorful base for tacos, this delicious recipe is sure to please! Start with these ingredients and follow the instructions above to create a tasty and aromatic sauce that will make all your Mexican-inspired recipes come alive.
Nutrition
- Information (per 1/4 cup):
- Calories: 95 kcal
- Total Fat: 7.5 g
- Sodium: 538 mg
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 0.7 g
- Fiber: 0.8 g
- Sugars: 2 g
- Vitamin A: 5.1 IU (2%)
- Vitamin C: 0.5 mg (0%)
- Calcium: 8.8 mg (1%)
- Iron: 0.7 mg (4%)
- Potassium: 101.7 mg (3%)
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Birria Sauce
Once the birria sauce is fully cooked and you’ve let it cool down, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The sauce can also be frozen for a few months; just make sure that when reheating the sauce, you bring it back to a boil before consuming it. If you need to reheat the sauce quickly after freezing, you can also place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it up in 2-minute intervals until it’s hot. Finally, when finished consuming the birria sauce, make sure to dispose of any leftovers properly. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for the best results.
Common mistakes when making birria sauce
When it comes to how to make birria sauce, there are a few common mistakes that can ruin the flavor of your finished product. One mistake is adding too much heat. While you may be tempted to add more chiles or spices to give your sauce a kick, too much heat can easily overpower other flavors and leave your sauce too spicy. Additionally, using the wrong type of chiles can lead to an off-flavor or a sauce that is too bitter.
Another mistake people often make is not cooking their ingredients long enough. Birria sauces require a slow simmer for at least 30 minutes in order to bring out all of the flavor notes and meld the ingredients together. Not giving your sauce enough cooking time can lead to a dish with a watery consistency or one that lacks the complexity of flavor.
Finally, some people make the mistake of adding too much salt to their sauce. A little bit of salt is necessary for enhancing flavor in any dish, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you add. Too much can make your sauce overly salty and overpower the other ingredients. To ensure a balanced flavor, taste as you go and only season with salt if needed.
By avoiding these common mistakes when making birria sauce, you can create a flavorful and delicious dish that will impress your friends and family!
Tips for How To Make Birria Sauce
Make your birria dishes stand out with the perfect sauce! Follow these tips to create a flavorful and aromatic mixture of traditional Mexican spices. Your guests will be clamoring for more after one bite of this delectable dish.
1. Start by toasting the chiles over an open flame until they are lightly charred. This step helps to bring out the flavor of the chiles and adds a smoky taste to the sauce.
2. Once the chiles have cooled, carefully remove and discard the stems, seeds, and veins from them.
3. Place the chiles in a blender or food processor, along with the tomatoes, garlic, onion, and spices. Blend until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Add the blended sauce to the pan and cook for about 10 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. You can add salt, pepper, or additional spices to balance out the flavors of your sauce.
6. Once you’re happy with how your birria sauce tastes, let it cool before serving it over birria tacos or other dishes.
The benefits of making your own birria sauce include full control over the ingredients, a unique and flavorful taste, and a chance to get creative in how you craft the flavors. With these tips for how to make birria sauce, you’re sure to create a delicious meal that everyone will love!
FAQs about how to make birria sauce
How do you thicken birria sauce?
The best way to thicken birria sauce is by simmering it on low heat for a longer period of time. This will allow the liquid to reduce and the flavors to concentrate, which will result in a thicker sauce. Additionally, you can also add some cornstarch or all-purpose flour while cooking to help thicken it further.
How do you make birria less spicy?
If you find the birria sauce to be too spicy, you can add some sugar or honey to help balance out the flavor and reduce the spiciness. Additionally, adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste can also help reduce the heat.
What type of meat is traditionally used for birria?
Traditionally, birria is made with either goat meat or lamb. However, you can use other types of meat such as beef, pork, chicken, or even turkey.
What type of chilies are used to make birria sauce?
Common chilies used in birria sauce include guajillo chiles, ancho chiles, and chipotle peppers. These chilies give the sauce a unique smoky and spicy flavor.
Can you freeze birria sauce?
Yes, you can freeze birria sauce for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or a sealed bag to maintain its freshness.
How do you stop the sour taste in the sauce?
If you find that the birria sauce has a sour taste, it could be because of the ingredients used. To avoid this issue, use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Additionally, adding some sugar or honey can also help balance out the flavor and reduce any sourness.
How do I stop my sauce from being bitter?
If your sauce is too bitter, it could be because of the chilies used. Using too many or leaving them on heat for longer than recommended can result in a bitter flavor. To avoid this issue, make sure to use fresh chilies and keep an eye on how long you leave them simmering. Additionally, adding sugar or honey can help balance out the bitterness.
Can I substitute ingredients in birria sauce?
Yes, you can substitute certain ingredients in birria sauce as long as they don’t change the flavor or texture drastically. For example, if you don’t have ancho chiles, you can use guajillo or pasilla chiles instead. Additionally, you can also substitute the meat with another type of protein such as tofu or beans.
How do you make birria less greasy?
The best way to make birria sauce less greasy is by draining the fat from the cooked meat before adding it to the sauce. Additionally, you can also add a few teaspoons of all-purpose flour while cooking and simmer it on low heat for longer to thicken it. This will help reduce any excess grease in the sauce.
How long does Birria sauce last in the fridge?
Birria sauce can last in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and always check the expiration date before consuming. Additionally, you can also freeze birria sauce for up to 3 months.
How do you thicken the sauce without overcooking it?
The best way to thicken birria sauce without overcooking it is by adding a few tablespoons of cornstarch while cooking. This will help thicken the sauce without drying out the ingredients or altering the flavor too much. Additionally, you can also add some all-purpose flour for additional thickness.
What can I add to sauce that is too sweet?
If you find that your birria sauce is too sweet, adding some acidity can help balance it out. You can do this by adding a few tablespoons of lime or lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar to the sauce. This will give it a bit of tanginess and reduce the sweetness. Additionally, you can also add some chili powder or cumin to give it a bit of heat.
Does birria have dairy?
Birria does not typically contain dairy, as it is usually a combination of chilies, spices, and meat cooked in broth. However, some recipes may call for adding cream or cheese to the sauce for added flavor.
Hopefully, this guide has given you all the information you need on how to make birria sauce! With these tips, tricks, and substitutes, you can easily customize your birria sauce to suit your taste buds. Bon appetit!
Conclusions
In conclusion, birria sauce is a delicious, easy-to-prepare Mexican dish that is gaining popularity in the United States. With its flavor combination of spices, herbs, stock, and chilis, it can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, and more.
It’s simple to make at home too – all you need is a few basic ingredients and enough time to allow the sauce to simmer for several hours before serving it. You can easily alter it to fit your taste or serve it with anything you wish!
Now that you know about this flavorful Mexican dish, why not try your hand at making some birria sauce of your own? With the right ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll be rewarded with a complex yet delicious meal that your entire family will love.
There you have it – all the information you need to know how to make birria sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and enough time to let the spices simmer, you’ll be able to enjoy a flavorful and traditional Mexican meal that is sure to please. So, get cooking and prepare to savor a delicious dish that you can be proud of! Enjoy!

Robert Davison is a Grill Chef with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He has worked in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the world, including The Ritz-Carlton, The Dorchester Collection, and The Langham. His skills as a chef are only matched by his passion for grill/smoking, which he brings to alibis bar and grill. Robert’s mission is to serve up delicious food that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re a foodie or not. Alibis Bar & Grill is the perfect place to relax and enjoy great food with friends and family.