1. What is Beef Birria?

Beef Birria (or Birria de Res) is a flavorful Mexican dish made with slow-cooked beef, often served with a rich consommé. It features a mix of dried chilies, spices, and beef that is simmered until tender, perfect for serving with tortillas or other sides like mofongo.

2. Can I use different cuts of beef for Birria?

Yes, you can use different cuts like brisket or round roast instead of chuck roast or short ribs, but these may change the flavor and texture of the dish. Chuck roast and short ribs are ideal due to their tenderness after slow cooking.

3. How do I make the adobo sauce for Beef Birria?

To make the adobo sauce, sauté onion, chilies, garlic, and spices in the Instant Pot, then blend them with beef stock and tomato paste until smooth. This sauce gives the beef birria its rich flavor.

4. What is mofongo?

Mofongo is a traditional Puerto Rican dish made from fried green plantains that are mashed with garlic, butter, and seasonings. It is often served as a side dish or topped with meats, like the Beef Birria in this recipe.

5. Can I use ripe plantains instead of green plantains for mofongo?

Ripe plantains are much sweeter and softer than green plantains, so it's best to use green plantains for mofongo to achieve the proper texture and flavor.

6. How long do I cook the Beef Birria in the Instant Pot?

The Beef Birria needs to be cooked on the Meat/Stew setting for 55 minutes in the Instant Pot. This time ensures the beef becomes fork-tender.

7. Can I make this Beef Birria Mofongo recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook the beef birria in a slow cooker. Cook the beef on low for 6-8 hours until it’s fork-tender, then follow the same steps to shred the meat and prepare the mofongo.

8. How do I prepare the consommé for serving?

After cooking the beef birria, strain the broth to separate the fat from the clear consommé. Use a fat separator for the best results. The consommé is served alongside the mofongo for dipping or pouring over the dish.

9. What type of chilies are used in this recipe?

This recipe calls for wide chilies and guajillo chilies, which are commonly used in Mexican cooking. They add a rich, smoky flavor to the birria. Be sure to remove the seeds before adding them to the pot.

10. Can I make this recipe without the oxtail?

Yes, you can make the recipe without oxtail. You can substitute it with additional beef cuts like chuck roast or short ribs, although the flavor may differ slightly.

11. How can I make mofongo without a mortar (pilon)?

If you don’t have a mortar, you can use a potato masher or a sturdy fork to mash the fried plantains. Just be sure to mash until the plantains form a smooth, cohesive mixture.

12. Can I make the Beef Birria Mofongo ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare both the beef birria and the mofongo ahead of time. Store the beef and consommé separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef and consommé when you're ready to serve.

13. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the beef birria for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store the consommé and beef separately.

14. Can I use a different type of oil for frying the plantains?

Yes, you can use other oils like vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying the plantains. Just ensure the oil has a high smoking point to avoid burning.

15. Can I add cheese to the Beef Birria Mofongo?

Absolutely! You can sprinkle some shredded cheese, like cotija or cheddar, on top of the beef birria before serving for an extra layer of flavor.