Birria tacos have taken the food world by storm, becoming one of the most popular street foods and home-cooked meals worldwide. Known for their tender, flavorful meat, crispy tortillas, and rich broth for dipping, birria tacos bring together everything we love about Mexican cuisine. But what exactly is a birria taco made of? Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, birria was first made as a traditional goat stew cooked slowly with aromatic spices. Over time, this beloved dish evolved into the popular birria tacos we enjoy today.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the ingredients that make up authentic birria tacos, covering everything from the meat to the spices, broth, and tortillas. By the end, you’ll know exactly what makes birria tacos so flavorful and how to make them yourself.
What Exactly Is Birria?
Birria is a classic Mexican stew, typically slow-cooked with goat, lamb, or beef and infused with an array of chiles, herbs, and spices. The dish’s origins trace back to Jalisco, where it was often enjoyed on special occasions or at family gatherings. Traditionally, birria is cooked in a thick, rich broth known as consomé, flavored with chiles, spices, and meat drippings.
The word birria translates to “exquisite, savory dish,” which perfectly describes its deeply satisfying taste. Originally served as a stew, birria is enjoyed with tortillas on the side, along with fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. However, as birria gained popularity outside Mexico, it evolved into tacos, which have become especially popular for their dipping experience.
Birria Tacos: A Modern Twist on a Classic Dish
Birria tacos take the best elements of birria stew and turn it into an unforgettable taco experience. Shredded birria meat is layered with cheese in a tortilla, which is then dipped in the fat from the birria broth before being pan-fried. The result is a crispy, cheesy taco that’s packed with flavor. Traditionally, birria tacos are served with a side of consomé for dipping, allowing diners to soak up all the rich flavors with each bite.
To make authentic birria tacos, start by preparing birria stew, shred the meat, and then assemble the tacos. For a complete guide on how to prepare birria tacos from scratch, you can also check out this detailed Birria Tacos Recipe.
Essential Ingredients in Birria Tacos
Creating authentic birria tacos requires a mix of classic Mexican ingredients. Here are the essential components that give birria tacos their iconic flavor and texture:
1. Dried Chiles
Dried chiles, above all, serve as the foundation of birria’s distinctive flavor, providing depth, smokiness, and heat. For instance, common varieties include:
- Guajillo Chiles: Firstly, these chiles have a mild heat and add a slightly fruity flavor to the sauce.
- Ancho Chiles: In addition, known for their smokiness and subtle chocolatey undertones, ancho chiles enrich the sauce’s color and flavor.
- Chile de Arbol: Furthermore, these bring a noticeable heat, which can be adjusted according to your spice preference.
After preparation, these chiles are soaked, blended, and strained to create a smooth sauce that serves as the flavor base for birria. Overall, they provide a balanced combination of earthy, smoky, and spicy notes, all of which are essential for authentic birria tacos.
2. Aromatic Spices and Herbs
Traditional birria features a unique blend of spices, including:
- Mexican Oregano: Different from Italian oregano, this variety has a lemony, robust flavor that enhances the broth.
- Cinnamon (Canela): Adding warmth and depth without overpowering, Mexican cinnamon adds a subtle sweetness.
- Cumin: Known for its earthy flavor, cumin brings richness to the broth.
- Bay Leaves and Thyme: These herbs add complexity to the broth, rounding out the flavor profile.
Together, these spices infuse the broth with an aromatic depth that’s characteristic of Mexican birria.
3. Meat Choices
Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat. However, as the dish became more popular, beef became a common substitute, especially in birria tacos, due to its availability and flavor. Here are some recommended cuts:
- Chuck Roast: Known for its affordability and tenderness, chuck roast is ideal for slow-cooking.
- Short Ribs: These add a rich, meaty flavor and slight fattiness to the consomé.
- Oxtail: Although less common, oxtail adds a gelatinous quality to the broth, resulting in a luxurious texture.
These cuts are braised until they’re tender enough to shred, making them perfect for filling tacos.
4. Cheese and Tortillas
While cheese isn’t a traditional ingredient in birria stew, it has become a popular addition in birria tacos. The cheese—typically Oaxacan cheese or mozzarella—melts beautifully, adding a creamy, gooey texture. Corn tortillas are the preferred choice for birria tacos, and they’re typically dipped in birria fat before frying for a flavorful, crispy shell.
For a twist on traditional birria tacos, try Clara’s Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe, which provides an alternative taco experience.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Birria Tacos
Ready to make birria tacos? Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare each component, from the birria stew to the final taco assembly.
1. Preparing the Meat
First, season the meat generously with salt and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and ensures the meat cooks evenly.
Next, heat a bit of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the meat on all sides until browned, then set it aside.
2. Making the Birria Sauce
Now it’s time to make the sauce that will infuse your birria with bold flavors.
- Soak the Chiles: In a saucepan, combine guajillo, ancho, and chile de arbol with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a cinnamon stick. Cover with water and bring to a simmer for 15–20 minutes until the chiles are softened.
- Blend and Strain: Transfer the softened ingredients to a blender, add a cup of beef broth, and blend until smooth. Strain the sauce to remove any solids, creating a rich, aromatic sauce.
3. Braising the Meat
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the seared meat back into the pot, then pour the birria sauce over it. Add more beef broth to ensure the meat is mostly submerged.
- Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise for 3–4 hours, or until the meat is tender enough to shred with a fork. If you prefer using a slow cooker, you might enjoy Clara’s Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup for another hearty Mexican dish.
4. Shredding the Meat and Preparing the Consomé
Once the meat is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with forks. Next, skim the fat from the top of the broth and reserve it for frying the tacos. This broth, or consomé, will be served as a dipping sauce alongside the tacos.
Assembling and Frying the Tacos
Now comes the fun part: assembling and frying your birria tacos.
1. Dipping the Tortillas
Using the reserved fat from the birria broth, dip each tortilla lightly to coat both sides. This step ensures the tortillas become golden and crispy when fried.
2. Assembling the Tacos
Place a dipped tortilla on a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a handful of cheese to one side of the tortilla, followed by a generous portion of shredded birria meat. Fold the tortilla over to form a taco, pressing gently to help it crisp up.
3. Frying the Tacos
Cook the tacos until both sides are golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and meat.
4. Serving with Consomé
Serve the tacos hot, with a bowl of consomé on the side for dipping. Garnish the tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges to enhance the flavors and add a touch of brightness.
Delicious Variations on Birria Tacos
Birria tacos are incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize them based on your preferences.
Cheese Options
While Oaxacan cheese is often used in what a birria taco is made of, other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Chihuahua add their own unique textures and flavors.
Meat Alternatives
Experimenting with different meats, like lamb, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative, can create a fun twist on the traditional birria taco.
Dietary Adjustments
- Dairy-Free: Omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas to keep the tacos naturally gluten-free.
Pairing Suggestions and Sides for Birria Tacos
Birria tacos are satisfying on their own, but pairing them with traditional Mexican sides and beverages can elevate the meal even more. Here are a few ideas:
Suggested Sides
- Mexican Rice: A mild, savory side dish that complements the bold flavors of birria.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty, refried beans add balance to the crispy tacos.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet, smoky, and tangy, elote is the perfect contrast to the rich, savory birria.
Recommended Drinks
- Horchata: This creamy, cinnamon-spiced rice drink offers a refreshing contrast.
- Agua Fresca: Watermelon or cucumber-lime agua fresca is a light, cooling choice.
- Mexican Beer: A cold Mexican lager is an excellent companion to the spices in birria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birria Tacos
- What meat is traditionally used for birria?
Traditionally, birria is made with goat or lamb, though beef is commonly used for birria tacos. - How spicy are birria tacos?
The heat level in birria tacos varies depending on the chiles used. You can adjust the spice by adding or reducing the chile de arbol to achieve your desired flavor. - Do I need cheese in birria tacos?
Cheese is optional but adds a deliciously gooey layer. You can skip it if you prefer a dairy-free or traditional option.
Conclusion
Birria tacos are a flavorful way to enjoy Mexican cuisine. Combining shredded meat, melty cheese, crispy tortillas, and a savory consomé, birria tacos create a unique and satisfying dining experience. Whether you stick to traditional ingredients or add your twist, making birria tacos at home is a delicious adventure.
If you want more taco inspiration, try Clara’s Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe, an easy alternative to birria tacos. Enjoy your culinary journey into the world of birria, and happy cooking!