Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos - taco, beef recipe

Slow-Cooked Beef Tacos

2 hr 20 min
2 portions

Takes some time to cook the beef properly, but totally worth it when you serve these tender, slow-braised meat tacos with fresh vegetables.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Pat the meat dry with paper towels. Brown it quickly on all sides in a pot with oil until it gets a nice golden color all around.

  2. 2

    Add spices, teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar and water or stock until it just covers the meat.

  3. 3

    Cover with lid and let the meat simmer on medium-low heat for 1-2 hours until tender.

  4. 4

    When the meat is tender, lift it out of the pot. Strain the sauce and return it to the pot. If it's thin, you can reduce it a bit - just watch that it doesn't get too salty as it reduces.

  5. 5

    Clean the meat from bones and shred it into thin strips. Return it to the sauce and taste, adding salt, pepper or lime juice if needed. Keep the meat warm while you prepare the rest.

  6. 6

    Use an immersion blender to blend together cilantro, oil and lemon juice into a dressing. Stir in finely chopped chili (remember to remove seeds if you don't like it very spicy), and season with salt and pepper.

  7. 7

    Cut cabbage into thin strips, preferably with a mandoline or cheese slicer.

  8. 8

    Cut red onion into thin slices and squeeze lemon juice over. Let the onion marinate for a few minutes.

  9. 9

    Warm tortillas according to package directions.

  10. 10

    Cut avocado in half and slice it.

  11. 11

    Arrange tortillas with cabbage, slow-cooked meat, avocado, red onion and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with some of the dressing and serve with sour cream.

Per average serving

2.3k
Calories
kcal
89.3
Protein
g
193.3
Carbs
g
135.6
Fat
g
20.2g
Fiber
28.1g
Sugar
3958mg
Sodium

Tips from the kitchen

  • Pat the meat properly dry before it goes in the pot, otherwise it steams instead of browning and you lose that golden crust. Give each side time and don't crowd the pot.
  • Taste the sauce before you reduce it, not just after. The teriyaki and soy keep concentrating as the liquid cooks down, so what tastes balanced at the start can turn salty fast.
  • The meat is done when it slides off the bone and pulls apart with light pressure from a fork. If it still feels tight, give it another half hour. Short ribs and oxtail don't rush.
  • Slice the red onion thin and get the lemon juice on it early. Those few minutes of marinating take the raw bite off and soften it just enough.
  • Remove the chili seeds before you blend the cilantro dressing if you're feeding anyone who's shy about heat. You can always stir more chopped chili in at the end.

Ways to vary it

  • If you want a smokier edge, swap a spoon of the paprika for chipotle or smoked paprika when you mix the spices in.
  • Shredded carrot or a handful of radish slices work alongside the cabbage if you like more crunch in the tacos.
  • A little crumbled feta or queso fresco scattered on top is a nice optional addition if you've got some in the fridge.

Storage & leftovers

The shredded meat keeps in its sauce in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it actually tastes better the next day. It freezes well for a couple of months, so make a double batch if you've got the pot space. Reheat gently in a pot with a splash of water or stock so the sauce loosens up and the meat doesn't dry out.

What to serve with it

A cold lager or a squeeze of lime in sparkling water cuts through the richness. Some black beans or plain rice on the side rounds it out if you're feeding a hungry crowd.

UC
By Untrained ChefPublished 9 March 2026 · Updated 11 July 2026