These smoked Thor’s Hammer Birria Tacos by @burnt_pellet_bbq are not just a meal; they’re an experience to be savored and shared! Get ready for the intense flavors of meticulously smoked beef to meet the bold kick of a homemade birria sauce. This recipe elevates the art of taco-making, marrying the robust essence of Thor’s Hammer beef with birria bliss. The result? Pure happiness and culinary enlightenment…
Watch the viral video HERE!
Equipment:
- MEATER 2 Plus
- Traeger Grill
- Blender
- Deep Dutch Oven Pot
- Griddle or Traeger Flat Rock
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Baking SheetSpice Grinder
- Deep Fryer
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 hours
- Total Time: 13 hours + 20 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Cook Method: Traeger Smoker
Temperature:
- Doneness: 165°F (74°C) & 200°F (93°C)
- Smoker Temperature: 200°F (93°C) & 350°F (177°C)
Ingredients:
- 2 packs yellow corn tortillas
- 2 8 oz bags quesadilla cheese
- 12 lb. Thor’s Hammer beef shank
- Olive oil as binder
- ½ large onion, skin removed
- 4 whole tomatoes canned
- 2 tablespoons canned chipotle peppers, or more for spicer sauce
- 6 cups beef broth (plus more for braising if needed)
- 2 sliced limes for garnish
- Cilantro chopped garnish
- ½ onion chopped garnish
Spices
- Salt & pepper (generous amount for seasoning beef)
- 5 tablespoons of Traeger’s Garlic & Chili Pepper Rub
- 5 dried bay leaves
- 10 dried guajillo peppers, seeds and stems removed
- 5 arbol chile peppers
- 2 tablespoons chicken bouillon
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 ½ tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
- 5 cloves garlic minced
Instructions:
- Start off this juicy dish by preheating your Traeger to smoke at 200°F (93°C). Here we go!
- Next, tenderize and infuse flavor into the mighty Thor’s Hammer beef shank by tying and coating it with a luscious layer of olive oil. Season generously with the aromatic Traeger chili pepper rub, salt, and pepper.
- Insert the MEATER 2 Plus probe, set the desired temperature to 165°F (74°C) in the MEATER App, and begin smoking the beef in the Traeger until it achieves perfection. Allow the MEATER App to be your guide, notifying you when it’s ready to be removed from the smoker!
- While the beef is smoking, dive into crafting the heart of these tacos – the guajillo pepper sauce. Meticulously remove stems and seeds from the guajillo and arbol peppers, preparing them for a fiery symphony of flavors.
- As the beef reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), transfer it into a deep dutch oven pot. Pour the prepared guajillo pepper sauce over the beef, allowing it to bathe in the flavors.
- Cover the dutch oven with foil, elevate the smoker’s temperature to 350°F (177°C), and embark on the final leg of this culinary journey – braising. Set your MEATER App to 200°F (93°C) so it will notify you once the meat becomes perfectly tender and effortlessly shreddable. Remember to let your beef rest a moment before you shred it — the MEATER App will also let you know when your beef is done resting and is ready to join the party!
- After resting, shred the beef and preserve the rich, flavorful broth. It’s the key to the Thor’s Hammer final transformation.
- Prepare the garnishes that will add the finishing touches to these culinary masterpieces. Dice onions and chop cilantro, ready to be the crowning glory on each taco.
- On a heated griddle or Traeger flat rock, lay the stage for the tacos. Top each tortilla with a generous sprinkle of quesadilla cheese and a hearty portion of the shredded Thor’s Hammer beef.
- Then press each taco with a spatula on both sides until they are crisp and golden. Remove from the heat and allow to cool briefly before serving, it will be very hot!
- It’s time to present these extraordinary tacos to your eager audience, pairing them with a bowl of the reserved broth adorned with additional onions and cilantro! Dive into the ultimate birria heaven, dipping each taco into the broth for as long as you’d like! You did it, you deserve it!