The Ultimate Guide to Birria Tacos: How to Make, Where to Find, and Why You’ll Love Them

If you’re a fan of tacos, then you’ve probably heard of the latest food craze that has taken over social media: Birria Tacos. But what’s all the hype about? Why are these tacos popping up everywhere, from your favorite local taqueria to trendy food trucks and Instagram feeds? In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about these mouthwatering, cheesy, dip-worthy tacos. Get ready to become a Birria Taco connoisseur! If you love exploring new taco recipes, you might also enjoy this delicious twist with Taco Biscuit Cups, a fun and easy way to enjoy all the taco flavors in a new form.

What Exactly Are Birria Tacos?

Let’s start with the basics. Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that comes from the state of Jalisco. Traditionally, it’s a spicy stew made with goat meat, slow-cooked to perfection with a mix of chilis, spices, and herbs. The stew itself, called consomé, is full of flavor and usually served on its own or with tortillas. For more about its origins and cultural significance, check out this guide on traditional Mexican dishes.

So, where do the tacos come in? Well, someone had the genius idea to take that deliciously tender meat and put it inside a taco. But it doesn’t stop there! The taco is then dipped in the rich consomé and fried until crispy, creating a flavor explosion that’s both crunchy and juicy. Top it off with some melted cheese, onions, and cilantro, and you’ve got a food lover’s dream.

What Makes Birria Tacos So Addictive?

There’s something magical about the combination of textures and flavors in a Birria Taco. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:

Tender, Flavorful Meat: The meat, whether goat, beef, or even chicken, is marinated and slow-cooked until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Crunchy Tortilla: The tortilla gets dipped in the consomé and then fried, so you get that perfect crispy exterior.
Cheesy Goodness: Adding cheese to the mix (hello, Quesabirria!) makes it gooey and even more delicious.
Dippable Delight: The consomé isn’t just for cooking the meat; it’s also a dipping sauce for your taco. It’s like having a built-in taco au jus!

A Brief History of Birria Tacos: From Jalisco to the World

Birria has been a beloved dish in Mexico for centuries, but its journey to taco stardom is a relatively recent phenomenon. Originally, birria was made with goat meat and served as a stew, especially during celebrations and special occasions.

The Rise of Birria Tacos in the U.S.

The taco version of birria became popular in Tijuana before making its way to the United States, where it exploded in cities like Los Angeles. Food trucks and pop-up vendors started serving Birria Tacos with a side of consomé for dipping, and the trend took off. Social media played a huge role in popularizing these tacos, with Instagram-worthy shots of cheesy, juicy tacos being dipped into rich broth, making foodies everywhere drool.

Today, you can find Birria Tacos almost anywhere, from traditional Mexican restaurants to high-end eateries and, of course, the ever-present food trucks. And while the trend may have started with beef birria, variations now include everything from lamb to chicken, and even vegan options made with mushrooms or jackfruit.

How to Make Birria Tacos at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try your hand at making these bad boys at home? It’s easier than you might think, but it does require some time and a bit of patience. The end result, though, is absolutely worth it. Here’s how to make traditional beef Birria Tacos, step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Birria

3-4 lbs of beef (chuck roast or short ribs work well)
2 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles
1 can of chipotles in adobo
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves of garlic, peeled
2 tbsp vinegar (apple cider or white)
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos

Corn tortillas
Shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese
Chopped onions and cilantro
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Chiles: Remove the seeds and stems from the dried chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they’re fragrant, but be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until they’re soft.
Make the Marinade: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chipotles in adobo, onion, garlic, vinegar, and all the spices. Blend until you get a smooth paste.
Marinate the Meat: Season your meat with salt and pepper, then coat it with the chile paste. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
Cook the Birria: In a large pot, heat some oil and sear the meat on all sides until it’s browned. Add the remaining marinade, bay leaves, and enough water or beef broth to cover the meat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling apart.
Shred the Meat: Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks. Skim any excess fat from the surface of the broth, then return the meat to the pot.
Assemble the Tacos: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Dip a tortilla in the consomé, then place it on the skillet. Sprinkle with cheese and add some of the shredded meat. Fold the tortilla in half and fry until crispy, flipping once to get both sides.
Serve: Serve the tacos with a bowl of consomé for dipping, and top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Tips for Perfect Birria Tacos

Use a Good Cut of Meat: Chuck roast or short ribs work best because they’re rich in fat and collagen, which makes for tender, juicy tacos.
Don’t Skip the Marinating: This step is crucial for developing flavor. The longer you can marinate the meat, the better.
Skim the Fat: Once the birria is cooked, you can skim the fat from the top and use it to fry your tacos for extra flavor.

Variations on the Classic Birria Taco

The beauty of Birria Tacos is their versatility. While the classic recipe is made with beef, you can switch things up depending on your taste or dietary preferences.

Lamb Birria Tacos

Lamb adds a rich, gamey flavor to the dish that’s just as delicious as the traditional beef version. Follow the same recipe, substituting lamb shanks or shoulder for the beef.

Chicken Birria Tacos

For a lighter version, use chicken thighs. They’re juicy and flavorful, and cook much faster than beef. You’ll only need to simmer the chicken for about 1 hour.

Vegan Birria Tacos

Yes, you can make vegan Birria Tacos! Use mushrooms or jackfruit as a meat substitute and create a vegetable broth with the same spices. The result is a satisfying, plant-based take on the classic.

Quesabirria Tacos

These are a must-try if you love cheese. Simply add a layer of shredded cheese to the tortilla before adding the meat, and fry as usual. The cheese melts into the meat and tortilla, creating an ooey-gooey, crispy masterpiece.

Where to Find the Best Birria Tacos

If you’re not up for cooking, no worries! There are plenty of places to get your Birria Taco fix. Here are some of the best spots around the U.S. to try these delicious tacos.

Los Angeles, CA

Teddy’s Red Tacos: Arguably one of the most famous Birria Taco spots, with multiple locations around LA. Their tacos are a social media sensation.
Birrieria Gonzalez: Known for their beef birria and massive quesabirria tacos. Don’t forget to grab some of their spicy salsa.
El Russo: A food truck that serves up some of the best handmade tortillas in town, paired with their delicious birria.

New York, NY

Birria-Landia: This Queens food truck has taken the city by storm with its simple, delicious Birria Tacos. The lines can get long, but it’s worth the wait.
Los Tacos No. 1: Known for their authentic Mexican tacos, their birria is a recent addition that’s getting rave reviews.
Taqueria St. Marks: A cozy spot in the East Village that serves up tasty Birria Tacos with a killer consomé.

Chicago, IL

Birrieria Zaragoza: A family-owned restaurant specializing in goat birria. Their tacos are a must-try if you’re in the Windy City.
Big Star: A trendy spot in Wicker Park that offers a modern take on the classic Birria Taco, along with great cocktails.
La Birrieria Tatemada: This hidden gem serves up delicious, no-frills birria tacos that are perfect for a quick bite.

FAQs About Birria Tacos

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Here are some of the most common queries about Birria Tacos.

1. What’s the best meat for Birria Tacos?

Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat, but beef has become the go-to choice, especially in the U.S. Look for cuts like chuck roast or short ribs that are rich in fat and connective tissue.

2. Can I make Birria Tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better after a day or two. Just store the shredded meat and consomé separately in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

3. Are Birria Tacos spicy?

They can be, depending on the chiles you use. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can remove the seeds from the chiles or use milder varieties like ancho or pasilla.

4. Can I freeze Birria Tacos?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked meat and consomé for up to three months. Just thaw and reheat before assembling your tacos.

5. What’s the difference between Birria Tacos and Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria Tacos are basically Birria Tacos with the addition of cheese. The cheese is melted inside the taco, making it extra gooey and delicious.

Health and Nutrition: Are Birria Tacos Healthy?

Let’s be real: Birria Tacos aren’t exactly a health food. They’re rich, cheesy, and often fried, so they’re definitely an indulgence. But hey, everyone deserves a treat now and then, right?

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: Around 300-400 per taco, depending on the amount of meat and cheese.
Protein: 15-20 grams per taco.
Fat: 15-25 grams, mostly from the meat and cheese.
Carbs: 20-30 grams from the tortillas.

Making Healthier Choices

Use Leaner Cuts of Meat: Opt for chicken or lean beef to cut down on fat.
Go Easy on the Cheese: Use less cheese or a lower-fat variety.
Bake Instead of Frying: You can bake the tacos for a healthier, lower-fat option.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Birria Tacos

You’ve got your tacos, but what else should you serve to make it a meal? Here are some tasty pairing ideas.

Sides

Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements the flavors of the birria.
Refried Beans: Creamy and satisfying, perfect for scooping up with your tacos.
Elote: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, and chili powder.

Drinks

Horchata: A sweet, cinnamon-spiced rice milk that cools down the spiciness of the tacos.
Margaritas: Because why not? A classic lime margarita is the perfect match for these rich tacos.
Mexican Beer: Try a light, crisp beer like Modelo or Pacifico to wash down the tacos.

Desserts

Churros: Fried dough sticks covered in cinnamon sugar. Need we say more?
Tres Leches Cake: A moist, milky cake that’s the perfect ending to a spicy meal.
Flan: This creamy caramel custard is a must-try if you’ve got room for dessert.

The Social Media Phenomenon: How Birria Tacos Took Over Instagram

It’s impossible to talk about the rise of Birria Tacos without mentioning their social media fame. The sight of crispy tacos being dipped into rich, red consomé is just too tempting not to share. Food bloggers, influencers, and even home cooks have contributed to the Birria Taco craze, making it one of the most Instagrammed dishes of recent years.

Tips for the Perfect Birria Taco Instagram Post

Good Lighting: Natural light works best for capturing the rich colors of the tacos and consomé.
Action Shots: Show yourself dipping the taco into the consomé for that drool-worthy shot.
Close-Ups: Get up close to show off the crispy tortilla and juicy meat.
Don’t Forget the Cheese Pull: If you’re making Quesabirria Tacos, a cheesy pull shot is a must!

Birria Tacos Around the World: Global Variations and Adaptations

Birria Tacos have made their way beyond Mexico and the U.S., inspiring chefs around the world to put their own spin on the dish. Here are some of the most interesting global adaptations.

Japan: Ramen-Birria Fusion

Some innovative chefs in Japan have combined birria with ramen, creating a hearty, spicy noodle soup that’s perfect for cold weather.

Spain: Birria Empanadas

In Spain, you can find birria-stuffed empanadas, combining the flavors of birria with the crispy, doughy goodness of a classic empanada.

Australia: Birria Poutine

A food truck in Melbourne is serving up birria poutine, with crispy fries topped with birria meat, cheese curds, and a generous helping of consomé.

Conclusion: Why You Need Birria Tacos in Your Life

Whether you’re making them at home or hunting down the best Birria Tacos in your city, there’s no denying the deliciousness of this dish. It’s the perfect combination of tender, flavorful meat, crispy tortilla, and that addictive consomé for dipping.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a plate of Birria Tacos. You won’t regret it!