[FULL GUIDE] How To Cook Birria In Instant Pot

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish known for its rich and savory flavors. Typically made with goat or beef, this flavorful stew is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering experience. While the traditional method involves slow-cooking over several hours, using an Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time without compromising the deliciousness of the dish. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of cooking birria in an Instant Pot, ensuring that you achieve a tender and flavorful result every time.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Birria In Instant Pot

Before delving into the details, the quick answer to the cooking time for birria in an Instant Pot is approximately 40-45 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes. However, this can vary based on the type and size of meat you’re using, and we’ll explore these factors in more depth further on.

Selection

Choosing the right meat is crucial for preparing authentic birria. Traditionally, goat meat or beef is used, with some variations also incorporating lamb. When selecting meat for your birria, opt for cuts that are well-marbled to infuse the stew with rich flavors and tenderness. Beef shanks, chuck roast, or goat shoulder are excellent choices, as their higher fat content enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.

Preparation

Ingredients

Before you begin cooking birria in your Instant Pot, gather the following ingredients:

• 3-4 lbs of goat meat, beef shanks, or chuck roast
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2-3 dried guajillo or ancho chilies
• 2-3 dried pasilla chilies
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups of beef or chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lime wedges, cilantro, and diced onions for garnish
• Corn tortillas for serving

Chilies Preparation

Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chilies, then heat them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until they become fragrant. After toasting, place the chilies in a bowl and cover them with hot water, allowing them to soak for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft.

Meat Preparation

While the chilies are soaking, trim the excess fat from the meat and season it generously with salt and pepper. If using beef shanks, you can leave the marrow bone in for added richness and flavor.

Instant Pot Cooking Times For Birria

Cooking times for birria in an Instant Pot can vary depending on the type of meat and its thickness. Here’s a general guideline to follow:

• Goat meat: Approximately 40-45 minutes on high pressure.
• Beef shanks or chuck roast: Around 40-45 minutes on high pressure.

Keep in mind that thicker cuts of meat may require slightly longer cooking times, whereas smaller pieces will cook faster. Additionally, the natural pressure release time, typically around 15 minutes, is crucial for allowing the meat to tenderize further while also preventing rapid pressure release, which can negatively impact the texture of the meat.

How To Cook Birria In Instant Pot

Step 1: Searing The Meat

Begin by setting your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the seasoned meat on all sides until it develops a golden-brown crust. This step is essential for locking in the meat’s juices and intensifying its flavor.

Step 2: Preparing The Chili Sauce

While the meat is searing, prepare the chili sauce. In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, minced garlic, chopped onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and a cup of the soaking liquid from the chilies. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, vibrant red sauce.

Step 3: Adding The Ingredients

Once the meat is seared, pour in the chili sauce, ensuring that it evenly coats the meat. Add the bay leaf and pour in the beef or chicken broth. Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Pressure Cooking

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting, adjusting the cooking time based on the type and thickness of your meat. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for approximately 15 minutes before carefully switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shredding The Meat

After releasing the pressure, carefully open the Instant Pot and transfer the cooked meat to a separate bowl, allowing it to rest for a few minutes. Using two forks, shred the meat into succulent, bite-sized pieces. The meat should be incredibly tender and practically fall apart effortlessly.

Step 6: Serving

With the meat shredded, you can either return it to the Instant Pot to soak up all the wonderful flavors or serve it immediately. Birria is traditionally enjoyed by dipping warm corn tortillas in the rich broth and then savoring the tender meat, topped with freshly diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Meat Not Tender Enough

If the meat isn’t as tender as desired after the initial cooking cycle, you can return it to the Instant Pot and pressure cook it for an additional 5-10 minutes on high pressure, followed by another natural pressure release.

Sauce Too Thin

If the birria sauce is thinner than desired, you can thicken it by creating a slurry with equal parts masa harina (corn flour) and water. Stir the slurry into the hot birria, then bring it to a gentle simmer using the "Sauté" mode until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Adjusting Seasonings

Taste the birria before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s lacking in depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of salt or a splash of lime juice to elevate its taste profile.

Cooking birria in an Instant Pot offers a convenient and efficient way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish without compromising on its robust flavors and tender texture. By selecting the right meat, preparing a rich chili sauce, and following the appropriate cooking times, you can savor a comforting bowl of birria that’s bursting with complexity and depth. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal, mastering the art of cooking birria in an Instant Pot is sure to elevate your culinary repertoire, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds and those of your guests.

Achieving Perfect Texture

Birria, a traditional Mexican stew, has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its rich and flavorful taste. Typically made with beef, lamb, or goat, birria is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various forms – as a stew, in tacos, or even as a flavorful broth. Traditionally, birria requires long hours of slow cooking to achieve tender and succulent meat. However, with the help of an Instant Pot, you can achieve the same mouth-watering results in a fraction of the time.

One of the primary advantages of using an Instant Pot to cook birria is the ability to achieve tender and juicy meat in a shorter duration. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature works wonders in breaking down tough connective tissues and collagen in the meat, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. To achieve this perfect texture, follow these steps:

1. Choose the right cut of meat: Birria traditionally uses tough cuts of meat, such as beef chuck roast, lamb shoulder, or goat. These cuts contain a higher amount of connective tissues, which break down beautifully under pressure. Ensure that the meat is well-marbled, as this adds to the richness and flavor of the dish.

2. Brown the meat: Before pressure cooking, it’s essential to sear the meat to enhance the flavor and texture. Preheat the Instant Pot on the sauté function and add a small amount of oil. Sear the meat chunks on all sides until they develop a caramelized crust. This step adds depth and richness to the overall dish.

3. Use the pressure cooking function: Once the meat is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Add the necessary ingredients for the birria, such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices, and broth, to the Instant Pot. Place the seared meat back into the pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for the recommended cooking time based on your meat selection (usually around 60-90 minutes).

4. Natural release: After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for around 15-20 minutes. This ensures that the meat retains its tenderness and doesn’t become tough. Once the pressure is released, carefully open the Instant Pot and marvel at the perfectly cooked birria with its tender meat.

Flavor Infusion

Aside from achieving the ideal texture, the Instant Pot also excels at infusing flavors into the birria. The high-pressure environment allows the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a more intense and well-developed taste. Here are some ways to maximize the flavor infusion when cooking birria in the Instant Pot:

1. Toast the dry spices: Before adding the spices to the Instant Pot, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat. This step helps release the natural oils and intensifies the flavors. Common spices used in birria include cumin, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon. Toasting them for a couple of minutes will elevate the taste profile of your birria.

2. Incorporate dried chilies: Birria gets its signature deep red color and smoky flavor from dried chilies. In traditional recipes, chilies like guajillo, ancho, or cascabel are used. Remove the stems and seeds from the chilies and toast them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. Then, place the toasted chilies in a bowl of hot water and let them soften for around 15 minutes. Drain the chilies and add them to the Instant Pot along with other ingredients. The softened chilies will add a delightful depth of flavor to your birria.

3. Include vinegar or citrus juice: To balance the richness of the meat and spices, add a splash of vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar) or freshly squeezed citrus juice (lime or orange) to the Instant Pot. These acids not only help tenderize the meat but also brighten the overall flavor profile of the birria.

4. Marinate the meat: For an extra burst of flavor, consider marinating the meat before cooking. Create a marinade using spices, dried chilies, vinegar, citrus juice, and herbs. Coat the meat thoroughly with the marinade and let it sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more intensely flavored birria.

Aroma

The aroma of birria is one of its distinguishing features and can transport you to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Cooking birria in an Instant Pot helps intensify and preserve the aromas of the spices and herbs used in the dish. Here’s how you can enhance the aroma:

1. Toast spices and chilies: As mentioned earlier, toasting spices and dried chilies releases their natural oils and aromatic compounds. As you toast them, the kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma that sets a delicious tone for your birria.

2. Sauté onions and garlic: Before pressure cooking, sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot. As they cook, their sweet and savory aromas permeate the dish, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile of the birria.

3. Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro, Mexican oregano, or bay leaves to the Instant Pot enhances the aroma of the birria. The fragrance from these herbs, coupled with the other ingredients, creates an enticing scent that will have your taste buds eagerly awaiting the final dish.

4. Garnish with aromatic toppings: After cooking the birria, don’t forget to garnish it with aromatic toppings like chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. These garnishes not only add a vibrant pop of color but also enhance the overall aroma of the dish.

Other Instant Pot Cooking Methods For Birria

While the traditional method of cooking birria involves using the pressure cooking function, there are versatile cooking methods you can explore with your Instant Pot to create unique variations of this beloved dish. Here are a few other cooking methods and their benefits:

1. Slow Cooker function: If you prefer a more hands-off approach and have some extra time, the slow cooker function on your Instant Pot is perfect for cooking birria. Simply follow the recipe instructions, but instead of pressure cooking, set your Instant Pot to the slow cooker function on low for 6-8 hours. This slower cooking process allows the flavors to meld together more gradually, resulting in a deeply flavorful and tender birria.

2. Sauté function: Utilize the sauté function on your Instant Pot to brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic. This additional step adds more depth of flavor to the birria and enhances the overall taste experience. After sautéing, follow the traditional pressure cooking method to ensure tender and succulent meat.

3. Broil or Air Fryer function: After pressure cooking the meat and shredding it, you can take your birria to the next level by crisping it up under the broil or using the air fryer function of your Instant Pot. Place the shredded meat on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket, and cook at a high temperature for a few minutes until it gets a crispy texture. This extra step adds a delightful crunchiness to the birria, giving it a unique twist.

Tips For Making Birria In Instant Pot

To ensure a successful birria cooking experience in your Instant Pot, here are some additional tips:

1. Fat layer: Depending on the cut of meat you use, there might be a fat layer on top. While it’s important for flavor, excessive fat can make the dish greasy. Trim any excess fat before cooking but leave a thin layer to enhance flavor.

2. Natural release vs. quick release: When the birria is done cooking, you have the option to allow for natural pressure release or use the quick release method. Natural release takes longer but helps retain the tenderness of the meat. Quick release saves time but may result in slightly tougher meat. Choose the method that suits your preference and time constraints.

3. Deglaze the pot: After browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic, deglaze the Instant Pot by adding a small amount of liquid (such as broth, water, or citrus juice) and using a spatula to scrape off any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. This step prevents any burnt residue and ensures even cooking.

4. Adjust seasonings: Once the birria is cooked, taste the dish and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add salt, spices, or even a pinch of sugar to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

5. Resting time: Allow the birria to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to intensify and the meat to soak up any remaining juices.

Creative Instant Pot Birria Recipes And Variations

While the traditional birria is made with beef, lamb, or goat, the Instant Pot allows for endless creativity in experimenting with different meats, flavors, and variations. Here are a few creative Instant Pot birria recipes and variations to try:

1. Birria Tacos: After pressure cooking the meat, shred it and serve it in warm corn tortillas. Top the tacos with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. You can also dip the tacos in the flavorful birria broth for an extra burst of taste.

2. Birria Quesadillas: Use the shredded birria meat to make delicious quesadillas. Layer the meat between two tortillas, along with some cheese and sliced onions, and cook until the cheese melts and the tortillas turn golden. Serve the quesadillas with a side of birria broth for dipping.

3. Birria Ramen: Prepare a comforting bowl of birria ramen by adding cooked ramen noodles, sliced vegetables, and the tender birria meat to the flavorful broth. Top it off with a soft-boiled egg, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of chili oil for an indulgent twist on this classic dish.

4. Birria Pizza: Transform the flavors of birria into a unique pizza creation. Spread a layer of the birria broth-infused tomato sauce onto a pizza crust, top it with shredded birria meat, onions, jalapeños, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and enjoy the fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines.

Conclusion

Cooking birria in an Instant Pot allows you to enjoy this flavorful Mexican stew in a convenient and time-efficient manner. With the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature, you can achieve tender and succulent meat, infused with rich flavors and enticing aromas. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or explore creative variations, the Instant Pot opens up a world of possibilities for cooking birria. So gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to indulge in the deliciousness that is birria.

FAQS

What Is Birria And What Makes It Unique?

Birria is a traditional Mexican dish typically made with goat, lamb, or beef that is slow-cooked with a variety of spices and seasonings such as chiles, herbs, and vinegar. The distinct feature of birria is its rich and flavorful broth, which is often served as a side for dipping or poured over the meat and tortillas.

Can Birria Be Made In An Instant Pot?

Yes, birria can absolutely be made in an instant pot! This versatile kitchen appliance allows you to make traditional slow-cooked dishes in a fraction of the time.

How Long Does It Take To Cook Birria In An Instant Pot?

Cooking time for birria in an instant pot can vary depending on the size of the meat and the specific instant pot model. On average, it takes about 2 hours from start to finish, including time for the instant pot to come to pressure and release the pressure naturally.

Can I Use Any Type Of Meat For Birria In An Instant Pot?

While birria is traditionally made with goat or lamb, you can use beef instead or even a combination of meats. The important thing is to make sure the meat is well-marbled and has enough fat for a flavorful and tender result.

Are There Any Additional Ingredients Or Steps I Should Keep In Mind When Making Birria In An Instant Pot?

To achieve the authentic flavor of birria, it is recommended to use a variety of dried chiles, such as ancho, guajillo, and pasilla. You can also add in onions, garlic, and vinegar for extra depth. Additionally, browning the meat before pressure cooking can enhance the overall flavor.