Smoked Beef Tacos with Barbacoa Sauce Recipe

Take your taco menu up a notch with this smoked barbacoa recipe. Smoke your chuck roast for a few hours, and then use the drippings to make a spicy, zesty barbacoa sauce. Stack your beef and sauce on corn tortillas with cilantro and onions for a standout taco menu item. 

Ingredients

YIELD: 12 EACH

AMOUNT  INGREDIENTS      
1 EA. Boneless Chuck Roast (about 4 LB.) 
2 TSP. Kosher Salt  
1 TSP. Smoked Paprika 
1 TSP. Freshly Ground Black Pepper 
1/2 TSP. Garlic Powder 
1 CUPWater 
2 CUPSYellow Onions - Sliced 
24 or more Mexican Originals®  White Corn Tortillas
2 TBSP. Fat From Sauce 
2 CUPMonterey Jack Cheese - Shredded 
1 CUPCilantro Sprigs - Chopped 
1 EA. Sweet Onion - Shaved 
Sub-Recipes Ingredients

Barbacoa Sauce

Yield: 12 Servings

AMOUNTINGREDIENTS      
4 EA. Dried Guajillo Chilies - Chopped - Soaked - Drained -Stemmed & Seeded
3 EA. Dried Ancho Chilies  - Chopped - Soaked - Drained -Stemmed & Seeded
1 TBSP. Raisins 
1 EA. Yellow Onion - Chopped
6 EA.  Garlic Cloves 
4 OZ. Orange Juice 
2 OZ. Lime Juice 
1 TSP. Salt 
1/2 TSP. Black Pepper 
2 TSP. Fresh Oregano 
1 TSP. Cumin Seed 
1/4 TSP. Ground Cloves 
1/2 TSP. Ground Cinnamon 
1 EA. Pilsner Beer 
2 EA. Chipotle Peppers in Adobo or to Taste  
2 TBSP. Apple Cider Vinegar 
2 CUPSChicken Broth 
3 EA. Bay Leaves  
Directions

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, combine salt, paprika, black pepper and garlic powder; rub chuck roast with blended seasoning mix. Set aside.  

Step 2: Prepare smoker and once coals are hot, add pecan, fruit or oak wood. 

Step 3: Place chuck directly on grate with an aluminum pan underneath to catch fat drippings. Add 1 cup of water to the pan. 

Step 4: Cook at 225°F-250°F for 2 to 3 hours until a crust has formed and temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Remove roast and drip pan from smoker. Place a layer of onions in the pan and top with the roast. Cover the pan tightly with foil and return to smoker until temperature reaches 190°F. 

Step 6: Remove from smoker and keep warm. Save the juices, fat and onions to add to the barbacoa sauce.

Step 7: Rest meat for 20 minutes, then pull into chunks and set aside.

Step 8: Heat skillet on medium heat.

Steo 9: Brush corn tortillas with reserved fat and sear. Stack on plate and cover to keep warm and pliable.

Step 10: Serve the pulled meat with sauce, shredded cheese, cilantro and shaved onion.

Sub-Recipes Directions

Barbacoa Sauce:

Step 1: Put all ingredients, except bay leaves, into blender and blend until smooth adding the tomatoes and chicken stock gradually. 

Step 2: In a 3-quart saucepan, toast bay leaves on medium-low heat. Pour the fat and juices from the roast into the saucepan and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. 

Step 3: Place in a container in refrigerator or freezer for an hour and remove fat. Set aside. Remaining sauce can be put back into saucepan and kept warm.

Tip: If the roast is flatter, tie it in each direction two times to hold together and provide more even thickness. 

Application Uses
MEAL
Lunch    
Dinner
CUISINE
American

 

MAIN INGREDIENTS
Beef
Recipe Tags