Birria Tacos: Which Cheeses Melt And Stretch The Best?

Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican street food that originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. They are typically made with slow-cooked meat, such as goat or beef, and served in corn tortillas. The tortillas are often dipped in the cooking broth and then fried until crispy, and the tacos are usually accompanied by a rich consommé made from the meat's cooking liquid. In recent years, a popular adaptation of birria tacos has been quesabirria, which includes melted cheese in a taco stained red by the birria marinade. While not a traditional Mexican dish, quesabirria has gained huge popularity through social media. The most traditional cheese used in birria tacos is Oaxaca cheese, which is a semi-hard white cheese with Aztec origins that originated in Mexico. However, other types of cheese such as Chihuahua cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper Jack, and Mexican cheese blends can also be used.

Mozzarella as a substitute for Oaxaca cheese

Mozzarella is a suitable substitute for Oaxaca cheese in birria tacos. Both are mild, semi-soft, string-type cheeses with a creamy texture and a similar consistency and flavour profile. Mozzarella is spongier than Oaxaca cheese, but the rich, milky flavours are comparable.

Mozzarella is a good substitute for those who cannot find Oaxaca cheese, as it is usually available at local grocery stores. It is also a good option for those who are vegan, as vegan mozzarella is available.

When substituting mozzarella for Oaxaca cheese, it is recommended to use a one-to-one ratio by weight. For example, if a recipe calls for one cup of Oaxaca cheese, you can use one cup of mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella is a suitable cheese for birria tacos as it melts well and has a mild flavour that will not overpower the other ingredients. It is also a good choice for quesadillas, enchiladas, tostadas, Mexican-style pizza, and chiles rellenos.

Birria cheese tacos without cheese

Birria cheese tacos are a mouth-watering Mexican dish that has taken the world by storm. The traditional recipe calls for corn tortillas filled with tender braised beef and lots of melty cheese, but what if you want to enjoy this delicious taco without the cheese? Here's a guide to making Birria cheese tacos without the cheese, so you can still enjoy the unique flavours and textures of this popular dish.

The Key Ingredients

Birria tacos are a fun and flavourful dish that centres around slow-cooked meat, typically goat or beef, known as "birria". This meat is then wrapped in a corn tortilla, which has been coated in the cooking broth and fried until crispy. To make Birria cheese tacos without the cheese, you will need to gather the following ingredients:

• Corn tortillas: Yellow or white corn tortillas are the best choice as they hold up well to frying and have a superior texture.
• Birria meat: Slow-cooked beef or goat meat braised in a chilli sauce is the traditional choice, but you can also use chicken or lamb.
• Broth: The cooking broth from the birria meat, also known as "consomé", is essential for dipping the tortillas and adding flavour.
• Toppings: Freshly chopped cilantro, red or white onion, avocado, radishes, and lime wedges add a pop of freshness and flavour to your tacos.
• Optional spices: If you want to add some extra spice to your tacos, you can include red pepper flakes, chili powder, or hot sauce.

Preparing the Birria Meat

The key to making delicious Birria cheese tacos without the cheese is to focus on the flavour and texture of the meat. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing the birria meat:

• Cut your chosen meat into large chunks and season with salt.
• Heat oil in a skillet and sear the meat on all sides until browned. You may need to do this in batches.
• In a separate pot, add dried chilies, garlic, onion, tomatoes, spices, and bay leaves. Cover with water and simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
• Drain the water and transfer the solids to a blender. Add a cup of beef broth or water and blend until smooth.
• Add the meat back to the pot and pour the blended sauce over it. Add additional broth or water and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Cover the pot and transfer to an oven to braise for 3-3.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and shreds easily.

Assembling the Tacos

Now that you have your key ingredients and your birria meat is ready, it's time to assemble your Birria cheese tacos without the cheese:

• Remove the meat from the sauce and shred it with two forks.
• Dip a corn tortilla into the consomé, making sure to coat both sides.
• Add the dipped tortilla to a hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add a small handful of shredded meat to one side of the tortilla. You can also add a squeeze of lime and some chopped onion and cilantro at this stage.
• Fold the tortilla over and cook until crispy on both sides.
• Transfer the taco to a plate and serve with a small bowl of the consomé for dipping.

Tips for Success

• Make ahead: Prepare the birria meat a day in advance to deepen the flavours. This will make the overall process easier and less time-consuming.
• Use corn tortillas: Flour tortillas will not work for this recipe as they will not hold up to frying and will become soggy.
• Use a non-stick skillet: This will prevent any sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Don't overfill: Be careful not to add too much filling to your tacos, or they may not stay closed when frying.
• Remove excess moisture: Squeeze out any excess consomé from the meat before adding it to the tacos to ensure they stay crispy.
• Use a griddle: If you're making a large batch, a griddle will allow you to cook multiple tacos at once.

Now you're ready to enjoy the delicious flavours of Birria cheese tacos, even without the cheese! This unique and crave-worthy dish is sure to impress, so get cooking and enjoy the magic of Birria.

Best cheese for birria tacos

Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican street food that originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. They are made by slow-cooking meat, usually goat or beef, in a roasted chilli sauce. The meat is then served in corn tortillas that have been dipped in the cooking broth and fried until crispy.

The type of cheese you use for your birria tacos can vary depending on your taste preferences and what is easily accessible to you. Here are some of the best options:

Oaxaca Cheese

Oaxaca cheese is the most traditional type of cheese used in birria tacos. It is a semi-hard white cheese that originated in Mexico and has Aztec origins. When melted, it becomes gooey and perfectly stringy, making it ideal for birria tacos. You can usually find Oaxaca cheese at your local grocery store or at a Mexican market.

Chihuahua Cheese

Chihuahua cheese is another great option for birria tacos. It is similar to Oaxaca cheese in terms of texture and flavour, and it melts beautifully. If you cannot find Oaxaca cheese or want to try something different, Chihuahua cheese is a good alternative.

Mozzarella Cheese

If you are looking for a more widely available option, mozzarella cheese can also be used in birria tacos. It is important to opt for high-quality string mozzarella, as cheaper varieties may not melt as well or have the desired texture. Mozzarella can be a good substitute if you are unable to find more authentic Mexican cheeses.

Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican Cheese Blends

These varieties of cheese are also suitable for birria tacos and can be easily found in most grocery stores. They will melt well and add a nice, savoury flavour to your tacos.

When making birria tacos, it is important to remember not to overload the tacos with too much cheese and meat, as this can make it difficult to keep them closed while frying. Additionally, if you are looking for a more authentic experience, don't skip the step of dipping the tortillas in the cooking broth before frying, as this adds a lot of flavour and texture to the final dish.

Authentic cheese for birria tacos

Birria tacos are a traditional Mexican street food that originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. They are made by slow-cooking meat, usually goat or beef, in a roasted chilli sauce. The meat is then served in corn tortillas that have been dipped in the cooking broth and fried until crispy.

While there are many variations of birria tacos, the most authentic cheese used in this dish is Oaxaca cheese. Oaxaca cheese is a semi-hard white cheese that originated in Mexico and has Aztec roots. When melted, it becomes gooey and stringy, making it perfect for birria tacos. It can usually be found at local grocery stores, but if you can't get your hands on it, there are several alternative options.

Some other suitable cheeses for birria tacos include Chihuahua cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper Jack, and Mexican cheese blends. Mozzarella, in particular, is a common substitute for Oaxaca cheese, but it's important to opt for a good-quality string mozzarella for the best results.

Birria tacos have become extremely popular, especially after they blew up on the internet in 2021, and it's easy to see why. They offer a unique combination of flavours and textures, with the crispy, fried tortilla on the outside and the tender, slow-cooked meat and melted cheese on the inside.

To make authentic birria tacos, it's essential to take the time to slow-cook the meat, allowing it to soak in the sauce and absorb all the flavours. While it may be tempting to speed up the process, using a pressure cooker or instant pot will result in less tender meat and less vibrant flavours.

In addition to the cheese, birria tacos can be topped with a variety of ingredients, such as diced red or white onion, chopped cilantro, avocado, fresh radishes, and Mexican crema or sour cream. They are typically served with a rich consommé, made from the meat's cooking liquid, for dipping.

Other toppings for birria tacos

Birria tacos are a delight on their own, but you can elevate them with toppings of your choice. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your birria tacos:

• Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing and zesty topping, this slaw is made with thinly sliced cabbage, cilantro, salt, lime juice, and avocado oil.
• Guacamole: Avocados are a must-have for any Mexican meal, and guacamole is the perfect creamy addition to your birria tacos.
• Salsa or Hot Sauce: Spice up your birria tacos with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.
• Cilantro and Onion: Finely chop some onion and cilantro, and mix them with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt. This simple topping adds a burst of freshness to your tacos.
• Radishes: Sliced or chopped radishes add a crunchy texture and a mild peppery flavor to your birria tacos.
• Mexican Crema: This creamy condiment is similar to sour cream but with a thinner consistency. It adds a tangy and slightly salty flavor to your tacos.
• Avocado: Sliced or mashed avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats to your birria tacos.
• Lime: A squeeze of lime juice will brighten up the flavors of your birria tacos and add a tangy twist.
• Cheese: While Oaxaca cheese is traditional, you can also use Chihuahua, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper Jack, or Mexican cheese blends.
• Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose your favorite type of tortilla to wrap your birria tacos. Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas can also be used.

Frequently asked questions