Bushra Griffith
Quesabirria is a Mexican dish of shredded beef and melted cheese, usually served in corn tortillas. The corn tortillas are dipped in a rich birria broth and filled with cheese and shredded beef. The assembled tacos are then crisped up on a griddle or skillet. The best cheese for quesabirria is one that melts well, such as Oaxaca cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella, or a blend of different cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, or a blend of different cheeses |
| Cheese texture | Melty, gooey, stringy, stretchy |
| Cheese saltiness | Slightly salty |
| Cheese colour | White |
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What You'll Learn
Oaxaca cheese is traditional
Quesabirria is a Mexican dish of shredded beef and melted cheese, usually served in crispy corn tortillas. The beef is braised and then shredded, and the cheese is melted and placed on top of the beef before the tortilla is folded over and cooked until crispy. The traditional cheese used in quesabirria is Oaxaca cheese, a gooey Mexican cheese that melts superbly and lends a mild flavour that balances out the richness of the beef. Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo Oaxaca, is the signature variety used in authentic quesabirria tacos. It is named after its birthplace in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, where the cheese is made by hand-stretching fresh curds into long ribbons that are then tightly wound. This process gives Oaxaca cheese its stringy, slightly salty texture, which makes it ideal for quesabirria.
While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, it can sometimes be hard to find. In this case, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese can be used as a substitute. These cheeses melt well and create a deliciously gooey texture that complements the crispy tortilla and tender beef. Additionally, a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack can be used to create a unique flavour profile.
The key to a great quesabirria taco is the balance of flavours and textures. The cheese plays a crucial role in this, as it provides a creamy, salty contrast to the spicy, savoury beef and crispy tortilla. Oaxaca cheese is an excellent choice for achieving this balance due to its mild flavour and gooey texture. Its melting properties ensure that each bite of the taco is juicy and indulgent, making it a traditional and popular choice for this Mexican dish.
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Mozzarella is a good substitute
Quesabirria is a Mexican dish of shredded beef and melted cheese, usually served in crispy corn tortillas. The beef is braised and then shredded, and the cheese is melted and placed on top of the beef before the tortilla is folded over and cooked until crispy. The traditional cheese used in quesabirria is Oaxaca cheese, which is a white, stringy and slightly salty cheese made in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It is named after its birthplace and is created by hand-stretching fresh curds into long ribbons that are then tightly wound.
Oaxaca cheese is known for its melting properties, but it can be hard to find. If you can't get your hands on some, mozzarella is a good substitute. Mozzarella is a white cheese that melts easily and will create a deliciously gooey texture when paired with Monterey Jack. It is also a good alternative because it is widely available in most grocery stores. When making quesabirria, it is important to use a cheese that melts well to get the perfect stretchy cheese texture.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a convenient option for those who don't want to purchase a large quantity of specialty cheese. It also has a mild flavor that can balance out the rich flavors of the beef and consommé in quesabirria. While some may prefer the traditional Oaxaca cheese for its authenticity, mozzarella is a more accessible option that still delivers on taste and texture.
In addition to mozzarella, other cheeses that melt well can be used in quesabirria, such as Pepper Jack. Experimenting with different cheeses or blends of cheeses can create a unique flavor profile to suit individual tastes. The key is to ensure that the cheese melts easily and complements the other ingredients in the dish.
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Monterey Jack is a tasty alternative
Quesabirria is a Mexican dish of shredded beef and melted cheese, usually served in crispy corn tortillas. The beef is braised and then shredded, and the tortillas are dipped in a rich birria broth before being filled with the beef and cheese and crisped up on a griddle or skillet. The cheese used in quesabirria should be a good melting cheese, such as Oaxaca cheese, which is the traditional variety used. However, Monterey Jack is a tasty alternative.
Oaxaca cheese, also known as quesillo Oaxaca, is a stringy, slightly salty cheese that is handmade in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. It has excellent melting properties, lending a mild flavour that balances out the birria meat perfectly. However, it can be hard to find outside of Mexico.
Monterey Jack, on the other hand, is widely available and is also an excellent melting cheese. It has a mild, buttery flavour and a semi-soft texture, making it perfect for quesabirria. It is also a more affordable option than Oaxaca cheese.
When making quesabirria, it is important to use corn tortillas, as they withstand liquid and high heat better than flour tortillas. The assembled tacos can be baked in the oven or cooked on a griddle or skillet until crispy. They are typically served with toppings such as diced onion, cilantro, and lime juice, and a side of warm birria consommé for dipping.
In addition to Monterey Jack, other good substitutes for Oaxaca cheese include mozzarella, which is widely available, and Pepper Jack. You can also experiment with a blend of different cheeses to create your desired flavour profile.
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Pepper Jack is another option
Monterey Jack is a good melting cheese that can be used in quesabirria, and Pepper Jack is a variety of this cheese. Pepper Jack is a white, semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour and a buttery texture, and it is often chosen for its spicy flavour—it has a similar heat level to Colby Jack, which is another potential substitute for Oaxaca cheese. Pepper Jack is a good option if you want a slightly different flavour profile to Oaxaca cheese, as it has a sharper, more pungent taste. It is also a suitable option if you are looking for a more widely available cheese, as it is often stocked in most major supermarkets.
As with other types of Jack cheese, Pepper Jack melts well and has a creamy texture, making it a good substitute for Oaxaca cheese in quesabirria. It is important to choose a cheese that melts well so that it blends with the other ingredients and creates an indulgent, savoury dish. While Pepper Jack is a suitable option, it is worth noting that it may not stretch in the same way as Oaxaca cheese, which is known for its stringy texture. Therefore, if you are looking for a cheese that will provide a similar level of stretch, you may want to consider mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack.
In addition to its flavour and texture, Pepper Jack is a convenient option for quesabirria because it is affordable and readily available. It is a popular cheese that can be found in most grocery stores, making it an accessible choice for those who do not have access to specialist cheese shops or Mexican ingredients. This means that Pepper Jack is a good option if you are short on time or do not want to spend a lot of money on ingredients. Overall, Pepper Jack is a versatile and easily accessible substitute for Oaxaca cheese in quesabirria, offering a slightly different flavour profile while still providing the desired meltiness and gooey texture.
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Any white, melty cheese will work
When making quesabirria, it's important to use a cheese that melts well to get the perfect, stretchy cheese texture. While Oaxaca cheese is the traditional choice and is known for its gooey, melty texture, it can be hard to find. So, if you're looking for a substitute, any white, melty cheese will work. For example, mozzarella is a great alternative and is easily available in most grocery stores. It will give you that stringy, stretchy texture you're looking for in your quesabirria.
If you want to experiment with other cheeses, you could try Monterey Jack, which is also known for its melting properties and will create a deliciously gooey texture. You could even blend different cheeses to create your desired flavour profile. Just make sure to choose a cheese that is white or a similar colour, as this is a key characteristic of quesabirria.
When preparing your quesabirria, remember to shred the cheese before adding it to your tortillas. This will ensure that it melts evenly and creates a cohesive filling. You can also sprinkle the cheese over the birria meat, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour. The cheese will melt beautifully and complement the tender, shredded beef and crispy tortilla.
By using a melty white cheese, you'll achieve the desired texture and flavour for your quesabirria. Whether you choose mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or another similar cheese, your dish will be indulgent and satisfying. So, don't be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!
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Frequently asked questions
Oaxaca cheese is the traditional choice for quesabirria due to its gooey, melty texture and mild flavour.
Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of different cheeses are all great alternatives to Oaxaca cheese.
Any cheese that does not melt easily should be avoided, as the cheese in quesabirria should have a gooey, stretchy, and melty texture.
