🌮 Vegan Birria Tacos

INGREDIENTS

 Birria Stew (Filling) Ingredients
Main base (choose one or combine):

• 2 cans of young green jackfruit in brine (not syrup), drained and shredded

• or 16 oz oyster or portobello mushrooms, sliced thinly

Chili base:

• 2 dried guajillo chilies (seeded)

• 2 dried ancho chilies (seeded)

• 1 chipotle in adobo (from a can)

• 1 medium tomato, roasted or canned

• 3 cloves garlic

• ½ medium onion

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

For cooking:

• 1–2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp oil for sautéing

 Tacos Assembly

• 8–10 corn tortillas

• Chopped onions and fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges

• Vegan cheese (optional, e.g., shredded vegan mozzarella)

• Extra broth (for dipping, like consommé)

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Chiles:

• Toast guajillo and ancho chilies in a dry skillet until fragrant (30 sec each side). Then soak in hot water for 10–15 min until soft.

Make the Birria Marinade:

• In a blender, combine softened chilies, chipotle, tomato, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, vinegar, salt, and ½ cup broth. Blend until smooth.

Prepare the “Meat”:

• If using jackfruit, rinse well, remove seeds/core, and shred with hands or forks.
• If using mushrooms, thinly slice or shred (oyster mushrooms work well shredded).

Simmer the Birria:

• In a large pan, sauté jackfruit or mushrooms in oil for 5–6 min.
• Add the blended chili marinade and 1 cup broth. Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes until tender and flavorful. Add more broth as needed for a juicy filling.

Crisp the Tacos:

• Dip tortillas briefly into the stew broth (for color and flavor), then place in a hot skillet.
• Add a spoonful of birria filling, optional vegan cheese, and fold.
• Cook until both sides are crispy and slightly charred, ~2–3 minutes per side.

Serve:

• Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and serve with lime wedges and a side of warm birria broth for dipping.

 Tips & Variations:

• Mushroom fans: Use king oyster mushrooms for a meatier bite.

• Heat level: Add more chipotles or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the spice.

• Freezable: The birria filling freezes well—make a batch ahead for quick tacos later.