Goat Tacos Recipes

GOAT TACOS

Steps:

• Slit chiles lengthwise, then stem and seed (leave veins for heat). Heat a dry large heavy skillet (not nonstick) over medium heat until hot, then toast chiles in batches, opened flat, turning and pressing with tongs, until more pliable and slightly changed in color, about 30 seconds per batch.
• Transfer chiles to a bowl and soak in hot water until softened, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Cut a shallow X in bottom of each tomato and blanch in simmering water 20 seconds. Transfer with a slotted spoon to an ice bath to stop cooking. Peel tomatoes. Coarsely chop, reserving juice.
• Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle.
• Cut goat at joints to separate into pieces and put in a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Sprinkle all over with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt.
• Drain chiles, discarding soaking water, and purée in a blender with tomatoes and reserved juice, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining ingredients except tortillas until very smooth, about 1 minute.
• Pour sauce over meat, turning to coat, then cover dish tightly with a double layer of foil and braise in oven until meat is very tender, 3 to 1/2 hours. Remove from oven and cool meat in liquid, uncovered, 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Coarsely shred meat, discarding bones, then mix into braising liquid in dish. Return to oven and cook, covered, until sauce is simmering, about 30 minutes more.
• Fifteen minutes before goat is done, make 2 stacks of tortillas and wrap each stack in foil, then heat in oven on rack alongside baking dish. Serve goat with warm tortillas and accompaniments.

GOAT BIRRIA TACOS WITH CUCUMBER PICO DE GALLO RECIPE

Steps:

• Rub goat leg with ⅓ cup Diamond Crystal or 3 Tbsp. Morton kosher salt, working into flesh and fat. Wrap tightly in parchment or wax paper and chill at least 3 hours and up to 3 days.
• Place a rack in lower third of oven; preheat to 350°F. Evenly scatter onion, garlic, guajillo chiles, ancho chile, chiles de árbol, ginger, cloves, tomatoes, peppercorns, oregano, and cumin across a large roasting pan and place a roasting rack on top. Unwrap goat leg and set on rack. Pour 4 cups water into pan and cover tightly with foil. Bake until meat is pulling away from the bone and shreds easily with a fork, 4½-5 hours.
• Let leg sit (still covered) until cool enough to handle (about 1 hour). Shred meat into small pieces and place in a large bowl; discard bones. Remove ginger from pan; discard. Working in batches if needed, purée liquid and aromatics left in pan in a blender until smooth. Pour half of consomé over meat and mix to coat. Taste and season with more salt if needed. Cover and set aside. Pour remaining consomé into a medium bowl and set aside for serving.
• Do Ahead: Meat can be prepared 3 days ahead. Chill meat and consomé.
• Toss cucumbers, onion, lime juice, basil, and salt in a medium bowl. Add 1-4 chiles, depending on their heat and how spicy you like things, and let sit 10 minutes.
• Top warm tortillas with meat, then salsa. Serve with consomé for dipping.

GOAT BARBACOA

Steps:

• For my goat preparation, I have prepared the goat in three ways: Roasted Leg, Seared Rack and the shoulder done in a traditional Barbacoa, which will serve as the sauce for the final, plated dish.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Roast the onions and tomatillos on a baking sheet in the oven until soft. Roast the cascabel and guajillo chiles on a pan until toasted and aromatic. Put in a bowl, add the water, and re-hydrate until soft. Put the tomatillo, onion, chiles, wine, vinegar, garlic, and oregano in a blender and blend to form a paste. Spread the paste evenly on the meat and season the meat with the salt. Set the meat in a baking pan and put the bay leaves and avocado leaves, if using, on top.
• Cover with foil and bake until very tender and falling off of the bone, about 4 hours.
• Remove most of the fat from the pan and discard the bay and avocado leaves. Reserve any remaining liquids for Goat Rack and Leg recipe.
• To serve, cut the shoulder into 3- to 4-ounce portions. Reserve the remaining meat and shred for the best tacos you will ever eat.

BEANS-AND-GREENS TACOS WITH GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium heat. Cook onions until soft, about 6 minutes. Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chard, beans, and stock. Cook until greens are wilted and beans are warmed through, about 4 minutes. Season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and some pepper.
• Using tongs, hold each tortilla directly over a gas flame, turning, until heated through, about 5 seconds. (Alternatively, wrap tortillas in foil, and warm in a 350-degree oven.) Spoon filling onto tortillas. Top with cheese and cilantro.