Barbacoa-Style Beef Head Tacos

Experience the authentic flavors of Hidalgo, Mexico, with these traditional barbacoa-style beef head tacos. Cooked in a classic oven, this recipe infuses every bite with rich, savory flavors. Wrapped in maguey leaves, the beef head is slowly cooked to tender perfection, making it perfect for tacos topped with fresh onion and cilantro.

Ingredients

🐄 1 beef head
🌿 Pencas maguey maguey leaves
🧄 2 bulbs garlic, peeled
🌶️ 2 tablespoons Mexican chili powder La Costeña
🧂 1 tablespoon salt
🌿 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
🧅 1 large onion, finely chopped
🌮 Corn tortillas for serving

Instructions

1- Prep Work:

• Start by preheating your oven.
• Ideally, use an oven that simulates the traditional cooking methods of Hidalgo, Mexico.
• If that's not available, a regular oven preheated to 275°F (135°C) will suffice.

2- Seasoning the Beef Head:

• Clean the beef head.
• Season it with salt, garlic bulbs, and Mexican chili powder.
• Ensure all sides are evenly coated.

3- Preparing the Maguey Leaves:

• Soak the maguey leaves in water to make them pliable.
• Once soft, completely wrap the seasoned beef head with the leaves.
• Secure tightly.

4- Cooking:

• Place the wrapped beef head into the preheated oven.
• Cover it securely, ensuring minimal heat escapes.
• Allow it to cook slowly for approximately 6-8 hours, or until the meat is tender and can be easily pulled apart.

5- Preparing the Tacos:

• Once the beef head is thoroughly cooked, remove it from the oven.
• Carefully unpack the maguey leaves.
• Shred the meat, discarding any bone fragments.

6- Serving:

• Warm your corn tortillas.
• Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded beef.
• Top with chopped onion and cilantro.
• Serve with your favorite salsa.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: Approximately 7-9 hours
Servings: 10-12 tacos, depending on the size of the beef head
Calories: Approximately 200 per taco
Proteins: 15g per taco
Fats: 10g per taco
Carbohydrates: 20g per taco
Equipment:

• Traditional Hidalgo-style oven or a standard oven
• Sharp knife
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering)

Cooking Tips

• For a more authentic flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice when serving the tacos.

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Barbacoa-Style Beef Head Tacos