Birria tacos are a flavorful and satisfying dish that originated in Mexico but have quickly gained worldwide popularity. Known for their rich, slow-cooked birria meat, crispy tortillas, and savory consomé broth, birria tacos combine textures and flavors in an unforgettable way. Whether you’re making traditional birria with goat meat or the more popular beef version, this guide will teach you how to make birria tacos from start to finish.
What Are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos are a type of taco filled with shredded birria meat, a slow-cooked meat marinated in a spicy, smoky adobo sauce. Traditionally, birria was made with goat, but today, beef (birria de res) is the most commonly used meat. The tacos are dipped in consomé, a rich broth that results from cooking the meat, and then fried until crispy. Often served with melted cheese, birria tacos are known as quesabirria when cheese is added.
The popularity of birria tacos has skyrocketed in recent years due to the perfect blend of crispy tortillas, tender meat, and flavorful dipping broth. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have also helped fuel their rise, with videos of sizzling birria tacos going viral.
Interested in more delicious, crispy tacos? Check out this Wonton Tacos Recipe for a fun fusion dish.
Essential Ingredients for Birria Tacos
Choosing the Right Meat
- Beef: Beef is the most common choice for birria tacos today. The best cuts for birria de res include chuck roast, short ribs, or shank, as they have enough fat to stay moist and tender during the long cooking process.
- Goat: If you want to stay true to the dish’s origins, birria de chivo (made with goat) is the traditional meat used in Mexico. Goat has a stronger, more distinct flavor compared to beef.
- Lamb : Lamb can be used as alternatives. Lamb adds a rich, slightly gamier taste.
Key Spices and Chiles
- Guajillo Chiles: These mild, smoky chiles form the backbone of the adobo sauce, offering a deep red color and rich flavor without overpowering heat.
- Ancho Chiles: Another key ingredient, ancho chiles are dried poblano peppers that add a slightly sweet, smoky flavor.
- Chipotle Chiles: For those who like a little more heat, chipotle chiles (often sold in adobo sauce) add a smoky spiciness to the marinade.
- Cumin, Oregano, and Bay Leaves: These herbs and spices add depth and complexity to the dish, giving birria its distinctive earthy flavor.
- Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that provide a savory base for the dish.
- Cinnamon and Cloves: These warm spices are used sparingly to add a subtle sweetness and complexity to the adobo.
The Role of Tortillas and Cheese
- Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for birria tacos. Their slight chewiness pairs perfectly with the tender meat and crispy exterior.
- Cheese: Quesabirria includes cheese, usually Oaxaca or mozzarella, which melts into the taco to create a rich, gooey filling.
For another flavorful dish with rich, creamy elements, explore our recipe for Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese, which makes a great side for birria tacos.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Birria Meat for Tacos
Making birria meat involves marinating, slow-cooking, and shredding the meat. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your meat is tender and full of flavor.
1. Preparing the Marinade
The adobo sauce is what makes birria so flavorful. To make it:
- Toast the Chiles: Start by lightly toasting the guajillo, ancho, and chipotle chiles in a dry pan until they become fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as that can make the sauce bitter.
- Rehydrate the Chiles: After toasting, soak the chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes to soften them.
- Blend the Adobo: Once the chiles are soft, blend them with garlic, onion, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, oregano, cloves, and cinnamon. Add a splash of vinegar and lime juice for acidity.
2. Marinating the Meat
Once the adobo sauce is ready, generously coat the meat in the marinade. For the best flavor, marinate the meat for at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the meat to absorb all the flavors of the chiles and spices.
3. Cooking the Meat
There are several methods for cooking birria meat, depending on your equipment and how much time you have:
- Slow Cooker: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the meat for 6-8 hours, until it’s tender enough to shred easily.
- Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, use an Instant Pot to cook the meat under high pressure for 1.5-2 hours.
- Stovetop or Oven: For a more traditional approach, simmer the meat in a pot or bake it in a Dutch oven at 325°F for 3-4 hours.
Once the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
Making the Consomé
The consomé is the flavorful broth created as the meat cooks. It’s served alongside the tacos for dipping, adding an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
1. Strain the Broth
After cooking the meat, strain the remaining liquid to remove any solids. This is your consomé. Skim off any excess fat from the top, but save some of the fat to use for frying the tortillas.
2. Seasoning the Consomé
Taste the consomé and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more salt or spices. The broth should be rich, savory, and slightly spicy, enhancing the flavors of the tacos when used for dipping.
Assembling and Frying Birria Tacos
Once the meat and consomé are ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos.
1. Prepping the Tortillas
Start by dipping corn tortillas into the reserved fat from the consomé. This helps the tortillas become crispy when fried.
2. Filling the Tacos
- Meat: Add a generous portion of shredded birria meat to each tortilla.
- Cheese (for Quesabirria): If you’re making quesabirria, add a layer of cheese like Oaxaca or mozzarella before folding the tortilla in half.
3. Frying the Tacos
Fry the tacos on a hot skillet or griddle until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides. The cheese should be melted, and the tortillas should be slightly crispy on the outside while still soft on the inside.
For a delicious variation on crispy, cheesy tacos, try making Wonton Tacos, another crispy taco recipe that’s sure to impress.
Serving Birria Tacos with Consomé
One of the things that makes birria tacos unique is that they are served with a side of consomé for dipping. The crispy tacos soak up the rich broth, enhancing the flavor of each bite.
1. How to Serve Birria Tacos
- Dip the Tacos: Serve the tacos with a small bowl of consomé for dipping. The crispy exterior of the taco absorbs the broth without becoming soggy.
- Garnishes: Top your tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for added brightness and freshness.
2. Popular Garnishes for Birria Tacos
- Cilantro and Onions: The fresh, zesty flavors of cilantro and onions contrast beautifully with the rich, savory meat.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity and freshness to the dish.
- Salsa: Serve with your favorite salsa, whether it’s a spicy red salsa or a tangy tomatillo salsa, to complement the flavors.
For a fresh and crunchy side to serve with birria tacos, try this Super Crunch Salad, which offers a light, vibrant contrast to the richness of the tacos.
Variations of Birria Tacos
Birria tacos have inspired a range of creative variations that offer new ways to enjoy this traditional dish.
1. Quesabirria: The Cheesy Upgrade
Quesabirria takes birria tacos to the next level by adding cheese. The melted cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the crispy tortillas and tender meat. To make quesabirria, simply add a layer of cheese to the tortillas before frying them.
2. Birria Ramen
Birria ramen is a fusion dish that combines the savory, spicy flavors of birria with ramen noodles. The consomé is used as the broth for the ramen, and the birria meat is served as a topping.
3. Birria Pizza and Nachos
Birria meat has also been used as a topping for pizza and nachos, creating a fun and indulgent twist on traditional birria tacos. The rich, flavorful meat pairs well with melted cheese and crispy tortillas or pizza crust.
Nutritional Information and Dietary Tips
Birria tacos are undeniably delicious, but they can also be rich and high in calories due to the fatty meat and fried tortillas. Here are some tips for making healthier birria tacos without sacrificing flavor:
1. Use Leaner Cuts of Meat
To reduce the fat content, opt for leaner cuts of meat like brisket or use chicken as a substitute.
2. Bake Instead of Fry
Instead of frying the tortillas in oil, try baking them in the oven until crispy. This reduces the amount of fat used while still achieving a crispy texture.
3. Skim Fat from the Consomé
Before serving the consomé, skim off any excess fat to lighten the broth without losing its rich flavor.
Looking for another health-conscious recipe? Check out our Honey Butter Skillet Corn, a sweet and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with birria tacos.
FAQs About Birria Tacos
1. What Meat is Best for Birria Tacos?
Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat, but beef has become the most popular choice for birria tacos. Chuck roast, short ribs, or shank are great options for beef birria, as they become tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
2. How Long Does It Take to Make Birria Tacos?
The cooking time depends on the method you choose. In a slow cooker, birria meat takes about 6-8 hours to cook, while an Instant Pot can reduce the cooking time to 1.5-2 hours.
3. What is the Difference Between Birria and Quesabirria?
The main difference is the addition of cheese. Quesabirria tacos include melted cheese, while traditional birria tacos do not. Both types of tacos are typically served with a side of consomé for dipping.
4. Can You Freeze Birria Meat?
Yes, birria meat freezes well and can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop.
5. Are Birria Tacos Spicy?
Birria tacos can be as spicy or mild as you like. The level of spiciness depends on the type and number of chiles used in the adobo sauce. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chipotle or ancho chiles in the recipe.
Conclusion: Why Birria Tacos Are Worth the Effort
Making birria tacos from scratch is a time-consuming process, but the result is well worth the effort. The combination of tender, flavorful meat, crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and rich consomé creates an unforgettable dish that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even special occasions. Whether you stick with traditional birria de res or try creative variations like quesabirria or birria ramen, birria tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household.
For more unique and tasty recipes, explore our guide to Honey Butter Skillet Corn and pair it with your birria tacos for a complete meal.