Beef Cheek Tacos (Print version)

Slow-braised beef cheeks in warm corn tortillas topped with fresh garnishes and zesty salsa.

# What you need:

→ Beef & Marinade

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→ Tacos & Garnishes

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# Directions:

01 - Pat beef cheeks dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef cheeks until browned on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in chipotle peppers, tomato paste, cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until spices are fragrant and well combined.
05 - Return seared beef cheeks to the pot. Pour in beef broth, fresh lime juice, and add the bay leaf. Bring mixture to a simmer, then cover tightly and reduce heat to low.
06 - Braise covered for 3 to 3.5 hours. The beef is done when it's fork-tender and easily pulls apart. Check occasionally and add small amounts of water if liquid reduces too much.
07 - Remove beef cheeks from cooking liquid. Shred meat using two forks, discarding any large pieces of excess fat. Return shredded meat to the pot and toss with a few spoonfuls of braising liquid to keep moist.
08 - Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 15-20 seconds per side, or until warm and pliable. Alternatively, warm directly over a gas burner flame for a slight char.
09 - Fill each warm tortilla with a generous portion of shredded beef. Top with finely diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and salsa verde. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

# Expert advice:

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  • The beef cheeks transform into impossibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth strands after hours of slow braising
  • Chipotle and lime create this addictive smoky citrus balance that keeps you coming back for seconds
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  • Pat the beef absolutely dry before searing or it will steam instead of develop that gorgeous crust
  • The meat is done when it offers zero resistance to a fork, not just when tender
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  • Marinate the seasoned beef cheeks in lime juice for an hour before cooking for extra depth
  • Add a splash of the braising liquid to each taco right before eating

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