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