Table of Contents
Are you looking for a delicious and unique way to enjoy the classic flavors of Mexican cuisine? If so, then beef tinga is sure to tantalize your taste buds! This traditional Mexican stew utilizes juicy shredded beef, spicy chipotle peppers, sweet tomatoes, and savory spices for an incredibly flavorful combination that will have your palate singing with delight.
Not only does it offer bold flavors but also takes minimal effort to prepare – making it ideal for busy evenings or when you want something truly flavorful yet uncomplicated in the kitchen.
What Is Tinga, And Why It Is So Popular?
Tinga is a type of Mexican stew that typically utilizes shredded beef, pork or chicken as the main ingredient. It’s usually served with warm tortillas and garnishes such as sliced onions and cilantro, resulting in a meal that is both comforting and delicious.
The dish dates back to the 19th century when it was popularized by nuns from Mexico City’s Santa Rosa convent. Since then, it has become a favorite dish of Mexicans everywhere and is often served as the star of a traditional Mexican feast.
What Is Beef Tinga?
Beef tinga is a variation of the traditional Mexican stew, but instead of using pork or chicken as the main ingredient, it uses shredded beef. Not only does this result in a heartier and more filling dish, but also adds an extra depth of flavor to the mix.
The beef is combined with chipotle peppers, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. This results in a dish that is packed with flavor but still has an underlying sweetness from the tomatoes. The end result is something truly special – a hearty Mexican stew that will have your taste buds singing with delight!
What Is Tinga, And Why It Is So Popular? – Beef Tinga
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
This beef tinga recipe is easy to make yet full of flavor. The juicy shredded beef pairs perfectly with the smoky chipotle peppers, sweet tomatoes, and savory spices for an incredibly flavorful combination that’s sure to please. Plus, it takes minimal effort to prepare – making it ideal for busy evenings or when you want something truly flavorful yet uncomplicated in the kitchen.
How To Make Beef Tinga?
Making beef tinga is easy and takes only 25-30 minutes to cook. Begin by prepping the ingredients: lightly toast the chipotle peppers in a dry skillet, then add to a blender with tomatoes, garlic, and onion. Blend until smooth then set aside.
Next, heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned. Then reduce heat and add the blended pepper mixture to the pot.
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until beef is tender. Add additional seasonings to taste and serve with warm tortillas and your favorite garnishes.
Ingredients Needed
- 2 lbs. beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (7 oz.) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pureed
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Firstly, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Then, add the garlic and onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Follow up by adding the tomatoes with green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until beef is tender.
- Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite garnishes.
>> Let’s take a look at this guide here to know more about the making of beef tinga:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 690mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 20%
Tips For Perfect Beef Tinga
- The key to achieving the perfect beef tinga is to let it simmer long enough so that the beef is tender and the flavors have had time to mingle.
- Be sure to adjust the seasonings to your tastes – you may want more or less of certain ingredients depending on how spicy or flavorful you like your stew to be.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water, then add to the stew and simmer until desired thickness is achieved.
- You can also serve this tinga with your favorite garnishes such as diced avocados, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, freshly chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips For Perfect Beef Tinga
How To Serve Beef Tinga?
Beef tinga is a great dish to serve for dinner or lunch. Serve it with warm tortillas, your favorite garnishes and a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. It’s also delicious in burritos, tacos, and enchiladas. You can also top it on salads or serve it over a bed of steamed vegetables for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
For an extra punch of flavor, try adding a dollop of sour cream or crumbled cotija cheese. No matter how you serve it, beef tinga is sure to be a hit!
What To Pair Beef Tinga With?
Beef tinga pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with Mexican rice, refried beans, steamed vegetables, or salad. For a light lunch, serve it with warm tortillas and your favorite garnishes. You could also pair it with some guacamole and chips for a delicious snack.
For those who prefer something sweeter, try serving beef tinga with some freshly made mango salsa or a side of sweet plantains.
What To Pair Beef Tinga With?
Some Related Recipes For Your Dinner
FAQs For “Beef Tinga”
What is Tinga meat made of?
Tinga is usually made with beef or chicken, cooked in a tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, onion and spices.
What is Tinga meat in English?
Tinga meat in English means shredded or diced meat cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
What is Tinga tacos made of?
Savory and delicious, tinga tacos are typically composed of a protein such as beef or chicken cooked in an aromatic tomato-based sauce. The tacos are often topped with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.
What does Tinga taste like?
Tinga is savory and slightly spicy, with a hint of acidity from the tomatoes. The flavors come together to create a delicious and flavorful dish.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I substitute beef with chicken?
Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken in this recipe if desired. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
The savory and slightly spicy flavors of Beef Tinga make it a favorite Mexican dish. With simple ingredients, this hearty stew is sure to please. Serve it with warm tortillas, Mexican rice, or steamed vegetables for a delicious meal. Don’t forget the garnishes: diced avocados, sour cream, crumbled cotija cheese, and freshly chopped cilantro are all great options.
Enjoy your freshly make Beef Tinga and leave down your thoughts about it in the comment section so that Liliana Kitchen and everyone can learn more from you!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (7 oz.) chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, pureed
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and brown it on all sides, about 8 minutes.
- Add the garlic and onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the tomatoes with green chilies, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until beef is tender.
- Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce depending on how spicy you want your tinga.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with diced potatoes or roasted cauliflower.
- If desired, add cooked black beans for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
