Ingredients
- 1.5–2 kg beef chuck (chunked)
- Optional: 500 g beef short ribs
- 4 dried guajillo chillies
- 2 dried ancho chillies
- 1 white onion (halved, then sliced)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 500 ml beef stock
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes (optional)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
To Serve
- Tortillas
- Cheese (Oaxaca / mozzarella / cheddar)
- Fresh coriander
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Toast dried chillies in a dry pan for 30 seconds each side. Soak in hot water for 10 minutes.
- Blend chillies with garlic, half the onion, spices, vinegar, stock, and tomatoes until smooth.
- Season beef generously with salt. Optional: sear briefly over direct heat on the BBQ.
- Place beef in a lidded cast iron pot. Pour over sauce and add remaining onion.
- Set BBQ for indirect cooking at 150°C. Add 1–2 chunks of oak or hickory.
- Cook with lid on for 3–5 hours until meat pulls apart easily. Check liquid levels and top up with stock if needed.
- Shred beef in the sauce. Skim fat from the top and reserve.
- Dip tortillas in the fat, fill with beef and cheese, and grill until crisp.
- Serve with consommé for dipping, coriander, and lime.
Notes
- Keep smoke light
- Lid on pot for most of the cook
- Fat from the broth is key for proper tacos