Mexican Shredded Beef (and Tacos)

Ingredients

Spice Mix

  • 1 1/2 tbsp chipotle powder , adjust spiciness to taste (Note 5)
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp All Spice powder (ground All Spice)
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder or garlic powder OR 1 tsp of each
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper , each

Beef

  • 1 – 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 lb / 1.5kg beef chuck or brisket (or gravy or any other slow cooking beef) cut into 4 pieces
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion , diced (yellow, brown or white)
  • 3/4 cup (185 ml) orange juice
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 14 oz / 400g can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups (500 ml) beef or chicken broth/stock
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) water
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Combine the Spice Mix ingredients in a bowl. Sprinkle 4 teaspoons over the beef and pat so it sticks.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy based pot over high heat. Add the beef (in batches if necessary) and brown well on all sides. Remove onto a plate.
  • Turn the stove down to medium. If the pot looks dry, add more olive oil. 
  • Add the garlic and onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
  • Add the orange juice and lime juice, and scrape the bottom of the pot so the brown bits mix into the liquid. 
  • Add tomato, beef stock, water and remaining spice mix. Mix, then return beef into pot. 
  • Put the lid on, bring to a simmer then turn the stove down so it is bubbling gently, not rapidly. 
  • Cook for 2 hours, then remove lid and simmer for another 30 minutes until beef is tender enough to shred. (Note 2 other cook methods).
  • Remove the beef from sauce, shred with 2 forks. 
  • Leave the sauce to simmer with the lid off for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce and thicken to your taste. Adjust salt to taste. Optional: puree with stick blender to make it smooth (I do this for company)
  • Toss beef back into the sauce (can reserve some Sauce for drizzling on tacos if you want, there’s plenty).
  • Transfer beef into large dish and serve. See notes for suggestions.

Tacos

  • To make tacos, serve the beef with warmed small tortillas, avocado slices, Pico de Gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges and extra cilantro/coriander leaves.

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