👨‍🍳 Instruções

1. 1

   Begin by preparing the dried chiles. Place the deseeded ancho and guajillo chiles in a heatproof bowl and cover them with boiling water. Let them rehydrate for about 20 minutes until they are soft and pliable. Drain the chiles, reserving about 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the soaking liquid.

   ⏱️ 20m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Rehydrating chiles properly ensures a smooth, flavorful sauce without a bitter taste.
2. 2

   In a blender, combine the rehydrated chiles, chipotle chiles (with their adobo sauce), chopped white onion, garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and the reserved chile soaking liquid. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. If needed, add a small amount of beef broth to achieve a pourable consistency.

   ⏱️ 5m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Ensure the mixture is very smooth for the best texture in your barbacoa sauce. Strain if desired for an exceptionally fine sauce.
3. 3

   Pat the beef chuck roast pieces dry with paper towels and season them generously with the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Place the seasoned beef in a large non-reactive bowl or a resealable bag. Pour the blended chile marinade over the beef, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

   ⏱️ 8h

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Overnight marination is key for developing the authentic, deep flavor of barbacoa.
4. 4

   Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). In a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, reserving the marinade. Sear the beef pieces on all sides until nicely browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Browning adds a crucial layer of flavor.

   ⏱️ 15m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Don't overcrowd the pot; sear in batches if necessary to achieve a good crust.
5. 5

   Once the beef is seared, return all pieces to the Dutch oven. Pour the reserved chile marinade over the beef, then add the beef broth and bay leaves. If using banana leaves, line the pot with them before adding the beef and liquid, then fold them over the top to cover the meat. Otherwise, cover the Dutch oven tightly with its lid.

   ⏱️ 5m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Banana leaves impart a subtle, unique aroma and help seal in moisture. Parchment paper or foil can be used under the lid as an alternative.
6. 6

   Transfer the covered Dutch oven to the preheated oven and cook for 3 to 3.5 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender and easily shreds with a fork. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your beef.

   ⏱️ 3h 30m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Resist the urge to open the lid frequently, as this releases heat and moisture, prolonging cooking time.
7. 7

   Carefully remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Discard the bay leaves and any banana leaves. Transfer the cooked beef to a large cutting board or shallow dish. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Skim off any excess fat from the surface of the cooking liquid in the Dutch oven.

   ⏱️ 10m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: The meat should be so tender that it practically falls apart on its own.
8. 8

   Return the shredded beef to the Dutch oven with the cooking liquid. Stir to combine, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

   ⏱️ 5m

   💡 Dicas Profissionais: Allowing the shredded meat to soak in the juices enhances its flavor and keeps it moist.