Kamil Perry
Birria tacos are a delicious, high-calorie treat. The calorie count of a birria taco varies depending on the ingredients and preparation methods, but they typically range from 120 to 880 calories per taco. Some recipes include frying the tortilla in grease or fat, which adds to the calorie count. The type of cheese used can also make a difference, with string cheese, mozzarella, and fat-free shredded cheese being popular options. Birria tacos are typically made with beef, onions, cilantro, and various seasonings, and are served with a side of consomme for dipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 880-1342 |
| Protein | 20g-124g |
| Carbs | 9g-26.8g |
| Fat | 7g-71g |
| Per Taco | 147-380 |
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What You'll Learn
Birria taco ingredients and toppings
Birria tacos are a delicious Mexican dish that can be made in an instant pot, slow cooker, or on a stovetop. The calorie count for a serving of birria tacos is around 1100-1300, depending on the ingredients and cooking method.
The key ingredients for birria tacos are:
- Meat: traditionally, birria is made with goat or lamb, but beef is also commonly used. You can also substitute with other meats like chicken.
- Chilies: dried guajillo peppers are ideal, but any dried Mexican or southwestern peppers can be used, such as ancho, New Mexico, California, or pasilla.
- Spices: including Mexican cinnamon, Mexican oregano, cumin, and bay leaves.
- Broth: a rich consomé is made using the meat and its juices, along with spices and chilies.
- Tortillas: corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can also be used.
- Cheese: shredded Oaxaca cheese is a popular choice, but other types like mozzarella, Chihuahua, panela, queso fresco, or cotija can also be used.
To make the birria tacos, the meat is slow-braised with chilies and spices until tender. The meat is then shredded and placed inside the tortillas, along with cheese and optional toppings like diced onions and cilantro. The tacos are then fried until crispy.
The consomé is an important part of the dish, as it is used for dipping the tacos and adds a lot of flavor. It is made by simmering the broth for several hours to develop the flavors and skimming the fat that rises to the top. This fat is then used to fry the tacos, giving them their distinctive crispy texture.
Some optional ingredients and toppings for birria tacos include:
- Citrus: a squeeze of lime or lemon juice adds a tangy flavor and helps to cut through the richness of the dish.
- Carrots, garlic, and chicken bouillon: these ingredients can be added to the broth for additional flavor.
- Salsa: adds a spicy kick to the tacos.
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Nutritional value and calories
Birria tacos are typically made with beef, cheese, onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime, served on a corn tortilla. The calorie content of a birria taco with cheese can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used, but estimates range from around 120 calories to 880 calories per taco.
The macronutrient breakdown of birria tacos also varies but typically includes a significant amount of fat and protein, with a smaller proportion of carbohydrates. For example, one source estimates the macronutrient breakdown of birria tacos as 23% carbs, 61% fat, and 15% protein. Another source provides a breakdown of 8% carbs, 71% fat, and 21% protein.
The type of cheese used in birria tacos can also affect the calorie content. Some recipes call for string cheese, mozzarella cheese, or fat-free shredded mozzarella. The amount of cheese used can vary as well, with some recipes using multiple types of cheese or including additional grease or broth for flavor and color.
In addition to the core ingredients, the cooking method can also impact the calorie content of birria tacos. Some recipes involve frying the tacos in grease or oil, which can increase the calorie count. The size of the taco can also vary, with some sources referring to 6-inch tacos or larger servings.
Birria tacos can be a good source of protein, potassium, and calcium. However, it's important to note that the nutritional value and calorie content of birria tacos can vary significantly depending on the specific ingredients, cooking methods, and serving sizes. As such, it's always a good idea to consult a physician or registered dietitian for personalized advice regarding weight management and nutritional needs.
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Macronutrient breakdown
Birria tacos are typically made with beef, cheese, onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime, served on a corn tortilla. The calorie content of a birria taco can vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used, but let's take a look at the macronutrient breakdown of a typical serving.
Firstly, carbohydrates. The percentage of calories from carbs in a birria taco can range from 8% to 23%. This percentage can be influenced by the type of tortilla used, as well as the amount of onion, salsa, and cilantro included in the taco. Corn tortillas, for example, tend to have a higher carb content than flour tortillas.
Next, we have proteins. Birria tacos can be a good source of protein, with protein contributing anywhere from 15% to 21% of the total calories. The type of meat used can impact this percentage, with beef being a common choice for birria tacos.
Fat is the next macronutrient to consider. The fat content of a birria taco can range from 44 grams to 71 grams, making up a significant portion of the total calories. This includes the fat from the meat, cheese, and any additional grease or oil used in cooking.
It's important to note that the cooking methods and specific ingredients used can greatly impact the macronutrient breakdown of birria tacos. For example, frying the tacos in grease or oil will increase the fat content, while using leaner meats or lower-fat cheeses can reduce it. Additionally, the portion size and number of tacos served can also affect the overall macronutrient content of the meal.
When it comes to birria tacos, it's all about balancing these macronutrients to create a delicious and nutritious meal. Whether you're counting calories or simply curious about the nutritional content of your favourite taco, understanding the breakdown of carbs, proteins, and fats can help guide your food choices and ensure a well-rounded diet.
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Cooking methods
The calorie count of birria tacos varies depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. The traditional cooking method for birria tacos involves slow-cooking goat or beef until tender. The cooking technique and preparation methods can directly impact the calorie content of the dish.
One recipe for birria tacos suggests using a slow cooker to prepare the meat. The recipe calls for browning a chuck roast on both sides before transferring it to a slow cooker with other ingredients, including peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings. After slow cooking, the meat is shredded and placed on tortillas with cheese, onion, and cilantro. The tortillas are then grilled until crisp and golden.
Another recipe for birria tacos involves cooking the meat in a pot with onions, garlic, carrots, bay leaves, dried peppers, and seasonings. After skimming and blending the peppers, the meat is shredded and placed back in the pot with beef broth, water, bouillon, rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. This mixture is cooked on low heat for several hours until the meat is tender. The tortillas are then dipped in the sauce, filled with meat and cheese, and grilled until crisp.
To reduce the calorie count of birria tacos, some people opt for lower-calorie tortillas and reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, choosing fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and limes instead of calorie-dense options like sour cream can also help lower the overall calorie intake.
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Serving suggestions
The calorie count of a birria taco with cheese varies depending on the ingredients and cooking methods used. A single birria taco with cheese can range from 147 to 880 calories per taco. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your birria taco feast:
Broth and Dip
The rich and savoury broth used to cook the meat makes an excellent dip for your tacos. Simply spoon some of the broth into a small bowl and serve it alongside the tacos. You can also dip the tortillas in the broth before cooking to add extra flavour.
Garnishes and Toppings
Fresh herbs like cilantro and chopped onions are classic toppings for birria tacos. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy twist. If you want a bit of crunch, try frying up some chopped onions to sprinkle on top.
Cheese Options
Cheese is a must for birria tacos, and you can choose from a variety of options. Mozzarella, string cheese, or even shredded cheese can be added to the tacos. Don't worry if some cheese leaks out while frying—the golden, crispy cheese is considered a delicious treat!
Sides
Birria tacos are often served with sides like a small fry or a salad. You could also offer some extra carbs with a side of rice or beans.
Consomé
Consomé, a savoury and spicy Mexican drink, is a traditional accompaniment to birria tacos. It's made from the broth used to cook the meat and is served hot in a separate bowl or cup.
Remember, birria tacos are meant to be enjoyed, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to find your perfect combination!
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Frequently asked questions
The number of calories in a birria taco with cheese depends on the ingredients and the preparation method. One source estimates that a birria taco with cheese contains 880 calories, while another estimates 1,342 calories. The average of these estimates is 1,111 calories.
The calorie count of a birria taco can be affected by the type of meat, cheese, and other ingredients used. For example, using beef instead of shredded beef or chicken can increase the calorie count.
The cooking method can also affect the calorie count. For example, frying the taco in grease or oil will add more calories than baking or grilling.
Yes, there are some low-calorie options for birria tacos with cheese. One recipe uses fat-free mozzarella cheese and zero-carb tortillas, resulting in a taco with around 147 calories.
A healthy range of calories for a birria taco with cheese is subjective and depends on individual dietary needs and goals. However, a general guideline is that a taco with around 300-500 calories could be considered a healthy option, depending on the rest of one's diet.
