Birria Tacos: The Best Cheese Pairings To Try

Birria tacos are a Mexican dish created in Tijuana, consisting of tortillas filled with birria beef and cheese, then cooked until the cheese is melted. The best cheese for birria tacos is Oaxaca cheese, a gooey Mexican cheese that melts superbly and lends a mild flavour that balances out the birria meat. Oaxaca cheese is usually sold in the refrigerated cheese section of most mainstream grocery stores. If you can't find Oaxaca cheese, you can substitute it with Colby Jack, regular mozzarella, Pepper Jack, freshly grated low-moisture mozzarella, or even plain old shredded cheese.

What is a Birria Taco?

Birria tacos are a Mexican dish that is traditionally made with either goat or lamb. The meat is slow-cooked in a stew until it is tender and juicy, and then stuffed into a taco shell. The taco is then dipped into the stew and fried until crispy.

The stew, or 'consomé', is made by braising the meat and then adding a variety of spices and peppers, including dried guajillo peppers, chipotle peppers in adobo, and Mexican oregano. The meat is then shredded and added back into the consomé.

To make the tacos, corn tortillas are dipped into the consomé and then filled with the shredded meat, onions, cilantro, and cheese. They are then fried in a skillet until crispy. The tacos are often served with a side of the consomé for dipping.

Birria tacos are a modern take on the traditional Mexican dish, birria, and have become extremely popular in recent years. They are a delicious and flavourful meal that can be easily made at home.

What meat is used to make Birria Tacos?

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

For the beef option, you can use a combination of short ribs and chuck, or just chuck. The short ribs add flavour to the broth, but if you're using another cut of beef, ensure that you have some bones to add to the broth.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use venison or elk!

What are the best cheeses for Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos are a delicious, fun, and easy-to-make meal that has become very popular. They are a type of taco that is fried until crispy and is made with tender and flavorful birria beef, broth-dipped corn tortillas, and cheese.

The best cheeses for Birria Tacos are soft Mexican melting cheeses such as:

• Oaxaca
• Chihuahua
• Asadero
• Quesadilla
• Mozzarella
• Colby Jack
• Monterey Jack
• Pepper Jack

These cheeses melt well and have a mild flavor that balances the other ingredients in the taco.

If you are unable to find Mexican melting cheeses, you can use any shredded cheese that you like. You can also use mozzarella or pepper jack as substitutes for Oaxaca cheese, as they have similar melting properties and a mild flavor.

How do you make Birria Tacos?

How to Make Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a modern twist on the traditional Mexican dish, Birria, a spicy and savoury beef or goat stew. The stew is slow-cooked until the meat is tender and juicy, and then stuffed into a taco shell. The taco is then dipped into the stew and fried to a crisp.

Ingredients:

• Meat: Traditionally, Birria is made with goat meat, but beef is more commonly used and easier to source. For the best Birria tacos, use a good beef shank. You can also mix it up with another cut of meat for texture and variety, such as sirloin or short ribs.
• Dried Peppers: Dried Guajillo peppers are the most commonly used pepper for Birria and add an authentic Mexican flavour to the dish. You can also use other dried Mexican/Southwestern peppers such as ancho, new mexico, california, or pasilla.
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo: These peppers form the base of many Mexican stews and are usually readily available in grocery stores.
• Mexican Oregano: This herb is typically fresher and cheaper than the spice aisle variety and can be found at Latin markets.
• Other Spices: Coriander, cumin, oregano, chilli powder, and cinnamon are classic Mexican seasonings used in Birria.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for Birria tacos, but flour or cassava flour tortillas can also be used.

Method:

Make the Birria Stew:

• Soak the dried peppers in boiling water for 15 minutes.
• Cube your chosen meat and season with salt and pepper.
• Make the marinade by blending together the peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic, spices, and vinegar.
• Marinate the meat in the marinade for at least two hours or overnight.
• Sauté the onions in a Dutch oven or large pot.
• Add the meats, marinade, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick to the pot. Cover with chicken stock and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your method of cooking.

Assemble the Tacos:

• Shred the meat and warm up your tortillas.
• Dip the tortillas in the stew, making sure to get some of the fat from the top.
• Fill half of the tortilla with meat, onions, cilantro, and cheese (optional).
• Fold the tortilla and fry in a non-stick skillet until crispy.
• Serve immediately with a side of the stew for dipping.

Tips:

• Birria tacos are typically quite spicy, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of chilli powder or omitting it altogether.
• If your tortillas are breaking when you fold them, try warming them up first. Wrap 6-12 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-30 seconds.

Enjoy your Birria tacos!

What are some tips for making Birria Tacos?

Tips for Making Birria Tacos

Birria tacos are a delicious Mexican dish that has gained popularity in recent years. Here are some tips to help you make the best birria tacos at home:

Choose the Right Cheese

Select a soft Mexican melting cheese such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, asadero, or quesadilla cheese. These cheeses melt beautifully and complement the other flavours in the taco. If you can't find Mexican cheese, you can use a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese instead.

Use the Right Tortillas

Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for birria tacos and are recommended for the best flavour and texture. However, you can use other types of tortillas if you prefer. Make sure to dip the tortillas in the birria broth before frying to make them extra crispy.

Prepare Your Ingredients in Advance

The frying process for birria tacos goes quickly, so it's essential to have all your ingredients ready before you start. Prep your tortillas, beef, cheese, and toppings so that you can easily access them while frying.

Don't Overfill the Tacos

Be careful not to add too much cheese or filling to your tacos, as it may ooze out while frying. Use just enough to get a nice, crispy shell without any leakage.

Season Your Broth

Don't forget to taste and season your birria broth with salt and pepper. The broth is essential to flavouring the beef, tortillas, and serving as a dipping sauce, so it should be well-seasoned.

Use the Right Cookware

Use a cast-iron or non-stick skillet to prevent the broth-dipped tortillas from sticking to the pan. If you don't have a non-stick option, add a little extra oil to your skillet to prevent sticking.

Keep Tacos Warm in the Oven

As you fry your birria tacos, keep the finished ones on a baking sheet in a warm oven. This will ensure they stay crispy and warm while you prepare the rest of the batch.

Customise Your Tacos

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings. You can add guacamole, refried beans, jalapeños, or pickled red onions to your tacos to create your perfect flavour combination.

Frequently asked questions