Kamil Perry
Birria tacos are a Mexican dish that has gained popularity through social media. They are made by filling a tortilla with meat, cilantro, onions, and cheese, and then dipping the filled tortilla in a sauce made from the meat. The cheese used in birria tacos is typically a soft Mexican melting cheese such as Oaxaca, Chihuahua, asadero, or quesadilla cheese. Oaxaca cheese is particularly popular for birria tacos because it has a gooey and stringy texture when melted. However, other types of cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack can also be used.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Oaxacan (or Oaxaca) cheese, also known as quesillo |
| Cheese type alternatives | Mozzarella, Chihuahua, Asadero, or Quesadilla cheese |
| Cheese texture | Soft, Mexican melting cheese |
| Cheese quantity | A handful |
| Cheese preparation | Melted, shredded, or thinly sliced |
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What You'll Learn
Oaxacan cheese is the most popular
Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco. The dish consists of slow-cooked meat, cilantro, onions, and cheese, all folded into a tortilla. While there are several types of cheese that can be used in birria tacos, Oaxacan cheese is the most popular.
Oaxacan cheese, also known as quesillo or queso Oaxaca, is a soft Mexican melting cheese. It is an authentic cheese from Mexico with Aztec origins. When melted, Oaxacan cheese becomes gooey and perfectly stringy, making it ideal for use in birria tacos. The cheese can be found in most grocery stores, typically in the Latin American cheese section.
To make birria tacos with Oaxacan cheese, start by heating a pan over medium heat and adding a drizzle of oil. Dip a tortilla in the consommé, then place it in the hot pan. Top one side of the tortilla with shredded meat, onions, cilantro, and a handful of Oaxacan cheese. Carefully fold the tortilla in half and flip it over, cooking for 45 seconds to a minute, or until the tortilla is golden and no longer wet.
Birria tacos are often served with a small bowl of consommé for dipping, and garnished with lime juice, avocado slices, jalapeños, and other toppings. The tacos can also be made ahead of time and reheated in the air fryer or oven when ready to serve.
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Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla are alternatives
Birria tacos are a juicy, cheesy, and delicious Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco. They are traditionally made with corn tortillas, shredded meat, cilantro, lime, white onion, and lots of melty Oaxacan cheese. However, if you're looking for alternatives to Oaxacan cheese, there are a few great options: Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla cheese.
Oaxaca cheese, also known as Quesillo or Queso Oaxaca, is a soft Mexican melting cheese that is perfect for birria tacos. It has Aztec origins and is known for becoming gooey and stringy when melted. However, if you can't find Oaxaca cheese or want to try something different, Chihuahua, Asadero, and Quesadilla cheese are all excellent substitutes. These cheeses are also Mexican melting cheeses that will add a delicious creaminess to your birria tacos. They can often be found in the Latin American cheese section of grocery stores, but you may need to shred or slice them by hand.
Chihuahua cheese is a semi-soft cheese with a mild flavour that melts beautifully. It is a great alternative to Oaxaca cheese and will give your birria tacos a wonderful creamy texture. Asadero cheese, on the other hand, is a slightly firmer and more elastic cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts exceptionally well and is often used in Mexican dishes like quesadillas and nachos.
Quesadilla cheese, despite its name, is not just for quesadillas. It is a soft, mild, and creamy cheese that is perfect for melting and using in birria tacos. It has a similar texture to Oaxaca cheese and will add a lovely richness to your dish. In addition to these Mexican cheeses, you can also use other shredded cheeses like a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack if you want to switch up the flavour profile.
When making birria tacos, it's important to remember not to overfill them with cheese, as it can ooze out while frying. The frying process is quick, so it's best to prep all your ingredients, including the cheese, before you start cooking. Birria tacos are a fun and flavourful dish that you can customise to your taste, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to find your perfect combination!
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Mozzarella is an option, but less common
Birria tacos are traditionally made with Oaxacan cheese, also known as quesillo or queso Oaxaca. This semi-soft Mexican cheese has a stringy, gooey texture when melted, making it perfect for quesadillas and tacos. It is widely considered the best cheese for birria tacos and can be found in most grocery stores.
However, some recipes suggest that mozzarella can be used as a substitute for Oaxacan cheese in birria tacos. Mozzarella is a soft, mild-flavoured cheese that melts well and can be easily stretched when heated. While it may not be the first choice for this Mexican dish, mozzarella can be a suitable alternative if Oaxacan cheese is unavailable or if you are looking for a different flavour profile.
Other recommended cheeses for birria tacos include Chihuahua, asadero, and quesadilla cheese. These Mexican melting cheeses can be purchased at Latin American grocery stores and add a delicious, creamy texture to the tacos. If these cheeses are not available, shredded blends such as Mexican, Monterey Jack, or Pepperjack can also be used.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for birria tacos is a matter of personal preference. While Oaxacan cheese is the most traditional and popular option, mozzarella and other cheeses can be used to create a unique twist on this classic Mexican dish. Experimenting with different cheeses can add variety and cater to different taste preferences.
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Soft Mexican melting cheese is best
If you are unable to find these cheeses, you can use any shredded cheese that you like, such as a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepperjack. Birria tacos are traditionally made with corn tortillas, which are pan-fried in the fat that sits at the top of the birria. The tortillas are then filled with shredded meat, cilantro, lime, and white onion, in addition to the melty cheese. A small bowl of consomé is served on the side for dipping.
To make the tacos, heat a pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Dip a tortilla in the consomé and place it in the hot pan. Top one side of the tortilla with shredded meat, onions, cilantro, and cheese. Cook for 45 seconds to a minute and a half, then fold in half and flip. Repeat until you have the desired number of tacos. Serve with small bowls of consomé and lime juice for dipping.
Birria tacos are a true showstopper and a delicious meal that can be made ahead of time and frozen for later. They are a great option for a cozy and tasty dinner and can be served with a variety of toppings to balance out the cheesy, crispy, beefy flavors.
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Shredded cheese is important for the right consistency
Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican dish from the state of Jalisco. They are made by slow-cooking meat in a stew and serving it with handmade corn tortillas. In recent years, a popular adaptation of birria has been quesabirria, a style of taco composed of a beef birria served with melted cheese in a taco that has been stained red by the birria marinade.
While making birria tacos, shredded meat is placed on one side of a tortilla, along with chopped onions, cilantro, and Oaxaca cheese. The tortilla is then carefully folded over the filling to create a taco. It is then cooked for 45 seconds to 1.5 minutes, or until the tortilla is golden and no longer wet on the outside. The cheese used in birria tacos is typically shredded Oaxaca cheese, also known as queso Oaxaca. This cheese is a soft Mexican melting cheese that is perfect for quesabirria tacos. Oaxaca cheese is usually available at local grocery stores and is an authentic cheese from Mexico with Aztec origins. When melted, it becomes gooey and stringy, making it ideal for the tacos.
Some recipes suggest using mozzarella cheese or a combination of Mexican melting cheeses such as Chihuahua, asadero, or quesadilla cheese. These cheeses can be shredded or thinly sliced if they are sold in a round shape. If these cheeses are unavailable, other shredded cheeses such as a Mexican blend, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack can be used.
Overall, the use of shredded cheese in birria tacos is essential to achieving the right consistency and texture, as well as ensuring that the tacos are flavorful and enjoyable to eat.
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Frequently asked questions
Oaxaca cheese is the best cheese for quesabirria tacos.
Oaxaca cheese is a soft Mexican melting cheese. It is an authentic cheese from Mexico with Aztec origins.
Oaxaca cheese is usually available at your local grocery store in the Latin American cheese section.
Yes, other cheeses that can be used include Chihuahua, Asadero, Mozzarella, and Quesadilla cheese.
Yes, it is possible to omit the cheese in Birria Tacos.
