Birria's Best Cheese: A Guide To Melty Perfection

Birria is a Mexican stew from the state of Jalisco. It is traditionally made with goat meat, but beef is more commonly used nowadays. The stew is made with a variety of dried chillies, spices, and herbs, and is often served with a consommé broth. Birria tacos are made by dipping corn tortillas into the consommé broth and then frying them with cheese and shredded meat. The type of cheese used is important and can make a big difference to the taste of the tacos. The best cheese for birria tacos is Oaxaca cheese, a Mexican cheese with Aztec origins that melts into gooey, stringy perfection. However, if you can't get your hands on Oaxaca cheese, you can use mozzarella, Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Colby Jack as a substitute.

What is the best cheese for birria tacos?

Birria tacos are a juicy, cheesy, and delicious Mexican dish that has gained popularity in recent years. The best cheese for birria tacos is Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo. It is a soft Mexican melting cheese that is gooey, stringy, and perfectly complements the other ingredients in the tacos.

Oaxaca cheese is typically available at mainstream grocery stores, especially in the Latin American cheese section. If you are unable to find Oaxaca cheese, there are several suitable alternatives that can be used instead. These include:

• Mozzarella cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Chihuahua cheese
• Asadero cheese
• Quesadilla cheese
• Mexican blend cheese

Birria tacos are typically made by dipping corn tortillas in the birria broth and then filling them with shredded meat, cheese, cilantro, lime, and white onion. The tacos are then fried until crispy and served with a small bowl of the broth for dipping.

Birria tacos offer a unique and mouthwatering combination of flavours and textures, making them a popular choice for food enthusiasts. The key to achieving the perfect birria tacos lies in the choice of cheese, with Oaxaca cheese being the ideal option to elevate this dish.

How do you make birria tacos?

How to Make Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a modern twist on birria, a traditional Mexican beef or goat stew. The stew is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and juicy, then stuffed into a taco shell and dipped into the stew before frying.

Ingredients

• Dried guajillo peppers
• Dried ancho peppers
• Beef (a combination of chuck roast and bone-in short ribs, or beef shank and sirloin)
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil
• Tomatoes
• Onion and garlic
• Beef broth
• Spices (coriander, cumin, oregano, chilli powder, cinnamon)
• Orange juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Corn tortillas
• Cheese (Monterey jack, Oaxaca, mozzarella, or cheddar)
• Cilantro
• Lime

Method

• Soak the dried guajillo peppers in boiling water for 15 minutes.
• Cube the beef and season with salt and pepper.
• Make the marinade by blending together the tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and peppers.
• Marinate the beef for at least two hours or overnight.
• Saute the onions until golden and translucent.
• Add the meats, marinade, and spices to the pot and cover with chicken stock.
• Simmer for 30-45 minutes in an instant pot, or 4-6 hours in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
• Shred the meat and remove any bones.
• Warm up the tortillas and dip them in the stew.
• Fill the tortillas with beef, onions, cilantro, and cheese.
• Fold and fry the tacos in a non-stick skillet until crispy.
• Serve with a side of the stew for dipping.

Tips

• For extra crispy taco shells, dip the tortillas in the fat that rises to the top of the stew.
• If your tortillas are breaking, try warming them up first. Wrap 6-12 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-30 seconds.
• Birria is traditionally made with goat, but beef is a good substitute and is easier to source.
• If you like your meat extra crispy, fry it up before assembling the tacos.
• For a vegetarian option, use jackfruit and vegetable broth instead of meat.
• For a spicier dish, adjust the amount of chilli powder or leave the seeds in the peppers.

What is a birria taco?

Birria tacos are a Mexican dish that has gained popularity through social media. They are made by dipping corn tortillas into the broth from cooking birria meat, which is usually goat or beef, and then frying them. The tortillas are then filled with shredded meat, cheese, cilantro, lime, and white onion, and served with a small bowl of the broth for dipping. Birria tacos are sometimes called quesabirria or quesatacos because they are similar to a quesadilla.

Birria is a rich stew that is traditionally made with either goat or lamb and served in a consomé broth with cilantro and white onion. The word "birria" comes from the Spanish word used to describe immaterial things without value or quality. Birria is a traditional ancestral stew from the state of Jalisco, Mexico, and it is commonly accompanied by handmade corn tortillas.

To make birria tacos, you will need corn tortillas, birria meat, cheese, cilantro, lime, and white onion. You can also add other toppings such as avocado, jalapeños, or pickled red onions. The tortillas are dipped in the broth and then fried until crispy. They are then filled with the shredded meat, cheese, and toppings, and served with a small bowl of the broth for dipping.

The type of cheese you use for birria tacos is important. It is best to use a soft Mexican melting cheese such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, asadero, or quesadilla cheese. These cheeses can often be found in the Latin American cheese section of grocery stores. If you cannot find these cheeses, you can use any other shredded cheese that you like, such as a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack.

Birria tacos are a fun and delicious meal that can be made at home with relatively simple ingredients. They are a unique twist on the traditional taco and are sure to impress your family and friends.

What meat is used to make birria tacos?

Birria tacos are traditionally made with goat meat, but can also be made with lamb, beef, chicken, or pork.

Birria Tacos with Goat Meat

Goat meat is the traditional choice for birria tacos, and this option is said to offer a "gamey rustic taste".

Birria Tacos with Lamb

If you opt for lamb, you can expect a similar flavour to goat, but it may be easier to source.

Birria Tacos with Beef

Beef birria tacos are a very popular option, and are often made with chuck roast, which is a budget-friendly cut that provides a lot of meat. Short ribs are also used, and you can substitute goat or lamb meat if desired.

Birria Tacos with Chicken

For an ultra-budget-friendly option, you can make birria tacos with chicken.

Birria Tacos with Pork

Pork is another option for those wanting to make birria tacos, and is also a budget-friendly choice.

How do you reheat birria tacos?

Birria tacos are best reheated in an air fryer or oven. Here is a step-by-step guide:

How to Reheat Birria Tacos:

• Storing: Place the tacos in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftover meat, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Air Fryer Method: Take out the desired number of tacos from the refrigerator. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Lay out the tacos in the air fryer basket and heat them for 4-5 minutes. Check on them every 2 minutes to ensure they don't burn.
• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and put the tacos on the rack. Warm the tacos in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are heated through.
• Serving: For the best experience, serve the reheated birria tacos with a small bowl of the leftover birria broth for dipping. You can also add toppings such as chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges on the side.

Reheating birria tacos is a simple process, and with these steps, you can enjoy them again without sacrificing taste or texture.

Frequently asked questions