Short Rib Tacos

Invention of corn flat bread is ancient and dates back to the Olmec culture back in 1,500 BC into Aztec empire. The word "taco" is however very new, it originates from Mexican silver miners in the 18th century. Gunpowder was wrapped in a paper like a “taquito” and inserted into rocks before detonation. By this time, tacos were known as the food of the working class, which included miners. This resulted in their portable street food being called “tacos de minero“, also known as “miner’s tacos”. It was a corn tortilla with a spicy filling consisting of cheap offcuts and organs. This daily staple was filling, delicious, and affordable.

Sear
 1.50 kg Beef Short Ribs(bone in)
 1 tbsp vegetable oil(or pork lard)
Sauté
 ½ medium sized onion
 1 garlic clove(crushed)
...spices
 2 chipotle chilies(chopped)
 ½ tsp chili powder
 ½ tsp lemon zest
 1 tsp ground cumin
 1 tsp sugar
 2 bay leafs
 ½ tbsp oregano
 ½ tbsp salt
...deglaze
 250 ml dark beer(or standard lagger as substitute)
To serve
 soft shell corn tortillas(lightly heated)
 black bean paste(mush cooked beans to paste)
 shredded cheese on top of the meat
 tomato salsa

1

  • Heat up oil or lard and sear the meat in the pressure cooker pot.
  • Work in batches to ensure proper browning, once done set aside.
  • Sauté onions and cook until softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and spices, sauté till aromatic.
  • Deglaze with beer and cook until beer is reduced by half.
  • Return the seared meat to the cooking bowl.

Cooking
2

Slow cooking method
Slow cook on HIGH for 8 hours, or on LOW for 12 hours.

3

Pressure cooking method
Pressure cook on 80kpa for 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) with Auto Quick release.

Finalize
4

  • When cooking has completed, carefully remove the bones from the meat and discard.
  • Shred the meat and season with orange juice or any other fresh citrus.
  • Strain the cooking liquid, skim fat from the surface and reduce.
  • Serve immediately with lime wedges, warm tortillas and toppings of your choice.