Here’s a keto-friendly version of Birria Tacos, adjusted to be low-carb and high in fat, while still capturing the rich flavors of the traditional recipe.

Keto Birria Tacos

Ingredients:

For the Birria Meat:

  • 3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into large chunks
  • 4 dried guajillo chiles (seeds removed)
  • 2 dried ancho chiles (seeds removed)
  • 2 chipotle chiles in adobo
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste (or use a low-carb tomato paste alternative)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups beef broth (choose a low-carb brand or make your own)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for sautéing)

For the Tacos:

  • 12 keto-friendly tortillas (such as those made from almond flour or coconut flour)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack works well)
  • Chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for serving

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Birria Meat:
  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the beef chunks and cook for a few minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the meat.
  • In a blender, combine guajillo chiles, ancho chiles, chipotle chiles, apple cider vinegar, tomato paste, garlic cloves, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and beef broth. Blend until smooth.
  • In the large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft.
  • Add the blended sauce to the pot and cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
  • Return the meat to the pot. Add enough beef broth to cover the meat (about 4 cups). Add bay leaves and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily.
  • Remove the meat from the pot and shred it, discarding any excess fat. Strain the broth and set aside.
  1. Assemble the Tacos:
  • Heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Dip the keto-friendly tortillas in the reserved birria broth, then place them in the skillet.
  • Add a generous amount of shredded birria meat and top with shredded cheese. Fold the tortillas over and cook until crispy and the cheese is melted.
  1. Serve:
  • Serve the birria tacos with a side of the reserved broth for dipping.
  • Garnish with chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 12 tacos):

  • Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
  • Fat: 26g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 6g

carbs: Estimated 8 carb per taco, based on standard keto-friendly tortilla and cheese options.

This keto adaptation retains the hearty flavors and textures of traditional birria tacos but is modified to fit a low-carb lifestyle. Enjoy your delicious, keto-friendly tacos!