Birria Tacos: The Best Cheeses To Use

Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican street food that has gained popularity in recent years. They are made by dipping corn tortillas in the broth of birria stew (traditionally made with goat meat but often substituted with beef or lamb) and frying them until crispy. The tortillas are then filled with shredded meat, lots of cheese, cilantro, lime, and white onion. The cheese used is typically a soft Mexican melting cheese such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, asadero, or quesadilla cheese, but shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepperjack can also be used. Birria tacos are often served with a side of the birria broth for dipping, and can be topped with pickled onions, sliced avocado, refried beans, or jalapeños.

What is a Birria Taco?

Birria is a rich stew that's traditionally made with either goat or lamb and hails from Jalisco, Mexico. Birria tacos are made by filling a corn tortilla with braised meat, frying it in fat, and then dipping it in the stew. The tacos are then filled with Oaxacan cheese (quesillo), cilantro, lime, and white onion.

The process of making birria tacos starts with braising the meat, which can be goat, lamb, or beef. The meat is then shredded and added to a corn tortilla with cheese, cilantro, lime, and onion. The tortilla is then fried in the fat from the stew until it becomes crispy. The tacos are served with a small bowl of the stew on the side for dipping.

The key to making delicious birria tacos is to use a variety of dried chiles and peppers, such as guajillo, ancho, and chiles de arbol. Mexican oregano and cinnamon are also essential spices for adding flavour to the dish. The meat is typically seared in a large pot before being added to the stew.

Birria tacos can be made in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stovetop. The stew is made by blending together dried chiles, tomatoes, onions, spices, and garlic with some beef broth. The meat is then added back to the pot and covered with the sauce and broth. The pot is then transferred to the oven and braised for several hours until the meat is tender.

Birria tacos are a fun and delicious meal that can be easily made at home with the right ingredients and techniques. They are a unique and tasty twist on traditional tacos and are sure to impress any dinner guest.

What meat is used to make Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are traditionally made with goat meat, but beef is more common and less expensive in America. You can also use lamb, which has a similar flavour to goat. If you're using beef, a combination of chuck roast and bone-in short ribs is recommended, but you can use either one or the other, or substitute oxtail for the short ribs. You can also use chicken or pork, or make a vegetarian version with jackfruit and vegetable broth.

What cuts of meat are typically used to make Birria?

Birria is traditionally made with goat meat, but it can also be made with other types of meat, such as lamb, beef, mutton, or a combination of these meats.

For beef birria, there are several cuts of meat that can be used, including boneless beef chuck, bone-in beef short ribs, oxtail, or shank. Some recipes also call for a combination of boneless and bone-in beef.

When choosing the type of meat for birria, it is important to consider the desired flavor and texture. For example, goat and lamb will give a slightly different flavor and texture compared to beef. Bone-in meat is also recommended as it adds a rich flavor to the broth.

Additionally, the choice of meat may depend on the availability and preference of the cook. Beef birria, for instance, has become increasingly popular due to the accessibility of beef in grocery stores.

How do you eat Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are a delicious Mexican street food that is fun and easy to make. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to eat them:

• Prepare the Birria: Start by making a batch of Birria, a Mexican stew from the state of Jalisco. Traditionally, Birria is made with goat meat, but you can also use beef or lamb for convenience. The meat is slow-cooked and seasoned with a blend of chilies and spices, creating an authentic, spicy flavor.
• Make the Consomme: The cooking liquid from the Birria is used to create a rich consommé or broth. This broth adds a lot of flavor to the tacos and is perfect for dipping. Don't forget to season the consommé with salt and pepper to enhance the taste.
• Heat the Tortillas: Use small corn tortillas for the best flavor and texture. Heat them up in a skillet over medium heat. You can also dip the tortillas in the consommé before frying to make them extra crispy.
• Fill and Fry the Tacos: Place a small handful of your favorite Mexican melting cheese, such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, or quesadilla cheese, on one side of the tortilla. Add some shredded Birria meat and your choice of toppings, such as chopped onions, cilantro, or avocado. Carefully fold the tortilla in half and fry until the cheese melts and the tortilla becomes crispy.
• Serve and Enjoy: Place the crispy Birria tacos on a plate and serve them with a bowl of warm consommé for dipping. Squeeze some fresh lime juice into the consommé to add a tangy flavor. Enjoy the juicy, tender, and cheesy tacos!

Can Birria Tacos be made with flour tortillas?

Birria tacos are a juicy, cheesy, and delicious Mexican dish that has gained popularity through social media channels like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. The dish consists of braised meat inside a tortilla that's been pan-fried in fat and filled with melted cheese, cilantro, lime, and white onion. It is then served with a small bowl of consomé (a chile-infused broth) on the side for dipping.

While corn tortillas are traditionally used for birria tacos, some people may wonder if flour tortillas can be used as a substitute. Here's everything you need to know about using flour tortillas for birria tacos:

Texture and Resilience:

The main concern with using flour tortillas for birria tacos is their texture and resilience. Corn tortillas are typically used because they are stronger and hold up better to the cooking process. Flour tortillas tend to be thinner and more delicate, making them less ideal for this specific application. Corn tortillas are also better suited for pan-frying, as flour tortillas can burn more easily when exposed to intense heat.

Liquid Absorption:

In the preparation of birria tacos, the tortillas are usually slathered with spicy birria broth and then dipped in the broth again when served and eaten. Flour tortillas, being thinner, may not be able to withstand the contact with all this liquid and could fall apart. Corn tortillas are more absorbent and can handle the liquid better without disintegrating.

Cheese Melting:

If you like melted cheese in your birria tacos, corn tortillas are again the better option. Flour tortillas don't handle the heat required to melt the cheese inside the taco as well as corn tortillas. Corn tortillas can take the heat needed to get that gooey, melted cheese texture without falling apart.

Final Thoughts:

While it is possible to use flour tortillas for birria tacos, it is generally not recommended due to the differences in texture and resilience between corn and flour tortillas. Corn tortillas provide a better culinary experience for this particular dish. However, if you strongly prefer flour tortillas, you could create a birria burrito instead, which is a different but still enjoyable experience.

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