The Ultimate Guide to Birria Tacos

History, Recipes, and Everything You Need to Know!

Birria Tacos
What is Birria Tacos

What Is Birria Taco

Birria tacos are a mouthwatering Mexican delicacy, packed with rich, slow-cooked meat traditionally goat or beef infused with bold spices. The tender, shredded meat is tucked into crispy, pan-fried corn tortillas, creating the perfect balance of crunch and juiciness. What makes them truly special? They're served with consome, a deeply flavorful, savory broth made from the meat’s own juices, perfect for dipping. Originating in Jalisco, Mexico, birria tacos have taken the world by storm, loved for their smoky, spicy, and utterly addictive taste. Whether you grab them from a street vendor or make them at home, they’re a must-try for any taco lover!

Types Of Birria Tacos

There are different types of birria tacos:
Regular Birria Tacos
Regular Birria Tacos 

Regular birria tacos are all about simplicity and rich flavor tender, slow-cooked meat tucked into soft corn tortillas, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Paired with a warm, savory consome  for dipping, they bring the authentic taste of Jalisco, Mexico, in every bite.

RECIPE
Red birria tacos
Red Birria Tacos 

Red birria tacos are irresistibly crispy and packed with flavor. The tortillas are dipped in rich birria broth before grilling, giving them their bold color and crunch. Stuffed with tender meat and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and lime, they’re best enjoyed with a side of consome for dipping.

RECIPE
Quesa birria tacos
Quesa Birria Tacos 

Quesa birria tacos are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and juicy. Stuffed with tender birria meat and gooey melted cheese, they’re grilled until golden and served with a rich consome for the ultimate dipping experience.

RECIPE
Red quesa birria tacos
Red Quesa Birria Tacos 

Red quesa birria tacos are a crispy, cheesy delight. The tortillas are soaked in rich birria broth before grilling, locking in bold flavor and a beautiful red color. Filled with melty cheese and tender meat, they’re perfect for dipping into warm, savory consome.

RECIPE

The History of Birria Tacos

Birria tacos have a rich history that dates back to Jalisco, Mexico, where birria a slow-cooked, spiced meat stew was first created. Traditionally made with goat meat, this dish was developed as a way to transform tough cuts into something tender and flavorful using a mix of chilies, spices, and slow cooking.

Over time, people started tucking the juicy, shredded meat into tortillas, giving birth to the first birria tacos. The crispy, cheesy quesabirria variation, which took things up a notch, originated in Tijuana and quickly became a sensation, especially in the U.S. and beyond. Today, birria tacos are a global favorite, loved for their rich, smoky flavors and the signature consomé dip that makes every bite even more irresistible.
The History of Birria Tacos

Best Places To Eat Birria Tacos In United States

Birria-Landia

Birria-Landia

491 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Birria LES Saint Marks Place

Mr. Birria

8926 Carlton Hills Blvd, Santee, CA 92071, United States
Birria Los Primos

Birria Los Primos

1010 Prairie St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Tacos y Birria La Unica - Mid City

Tacos y Birria La Unica - Mid City

5871 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019, United States
Viva Birria

Viva Birria

153 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002, United States
Birrieria La Plaza - Tacos de Birria

Birrieria La Plaza - Tacos de Birria

10114 SE Division St A, Portland, OR 97266, United States
Tacos Y Birria La Unica

Tacos Y Birria La Unica

2840 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023, United States
Birrieria La Santa Tacos & More

Birrieria La Santa Tacos & More

18205 Des Moines Memorial Dr, SeaTac, WA 98148, United States
New York Birria

New York Birria

1300 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019, United States

Ingredients for Birria (Meat & Broth):

  1. Meat: Traditionally made with goat, but beef (like chuck roast or short ribs) is a popular choice.
  2. Dried chilies: A mix of guajillo, ancho, and chipotle for that deep, smoky heat.
  3. Garlic & onions: Essential for building rich, savory flavor.
  4. Tomatoes: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the spice.
  5. Spices: A blend of cumin, oregano, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon for warmth and depth.
  6. Vinegar: Helps tenderize the meat and enhance the flavors.
  7. Broth: Usually beef or chicken stock, which turns into the flavorful consomĂ© for dipping.
Birria

Ingredients For the Tacos

  1. Corn tortillas: The perfect base to soak up all that goodness.
  2. Cheese (optional): Oaxaca or mozzarella for that gooey, melty touch in quesabirria tacos.
  3. Toppings: Fresh chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
  4. Oil: To crisp up the tacos for that irresistible crunch.     
Taco
What's the Main Ingredients in Taco Seasoning?
What's the Main Ingredients in Taco Seasoning?

Taco seasoning is a flavorful mix of spices like chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper all coming together to add a bold and smoky kick to your tacos.

What Makes birria bitter?
What Makes birria bitter?

To make the adobo, first toast the chilies, then let them simmer until they soften. Just be careful not to overboil them too much heat can make the sauce taste bitter.

What spices are in birria bombs?
What Spices are in Birria Bombs?

Birria bombs are packed with bold flavors, usually featuring a mix of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, tomato powder, salt, and sometimes a hint of cinnamon. Many recipes also include beef or chicken bouillon for extra depth and richness.

What makes birria tacos so good?
What Makes Birria Tacos so Good?

They're made with a rich, flavorful sauce that blends heat, sweetness, and spice, perfectly complementing the deep, savory taste of the meat’s juices.

How to Make Birria Tacos at Home

How to Make Birria Tacos at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Craving those juicy, crispy birria tacos? You don’t need a food truck to enjoy them—just follow this simple step-by-step guide and make them right in your kitchen!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Meat: Beef chuck roast, short ribs, or traditional goat meat

2. Dried chilies: Guajillo, ancho, and chipotle for deep, smoky heat

3. Garlic & onion: Adds rich flavor

4. Tomatoes & spices: Cumin, oregano, cloves, bay leaves, cinnamon

5. Vinegar & broth (beef or chicken) for that rich, flavorful base

6. Corn tortillas, cheese (optional), and fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime

Step 2: Make the Chili Sauce


1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies.

2. Soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes until they soften.

3. Blend the chilies with tomatoes, garlic, onion, spices, and vinegar until smooth

Step 3: Cook the Meat


1. Season the meat with salt and pepper.

2. Sear it in a large pot until browned on all sides.

3. Pour in the chili sauce and enough broth to cover the meat.

4. Let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.

Step 4: Shred the Meat & Make the Consome


1. Remove the meat from the pot and shred it with two forks.

2. Strain the cooking liquid to create a rich, flavorful consomé for dipping.

Step 5: Assemble & Cook the Tacos


1. Dip the corn tortillas into the consomé to coat them in flavor.

2. Place them on a hot skillet and add shredded meat.

3. Want cheesy tacos? Add some cheese before folding them in half.

4. Cook until the tortillas are crispy and golden on both sides.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!


1. Serve your birria tacos hot with a side of consomé for dipping.

2. Garnish with chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

That’s it! Now, dip, bite, and enjoy the incredible flavor of homemade birria tacos. 

Health Benefits Of Birria Tacos

Health Benefits of Birria Tacos

Birria tacos aren’t just packed with flavor—they also have some surprising health perks when enjoyed in moderation! Here’s why they’re more than just a tasty treat:

âś… Protein-Packed: The slow-cooked meat is loaded with protein, helping to build muscle and keep you feeling full.

✅ Nutrient-Rich: Garlic, onions, and chilies aren’t just for flavor—they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

âś… Collagen Boost: If you use bone-in cuts, the broth (consomĂ©) is rich in collagen, which is great for your skin and joints.

âś… Healthy Fats: When made with leaner cuts and cooked right, birria tacos provide good fats that support heart health.

Nutritional Information of Birria Taco

Nutritional Info (Per Birra Taco, Approximate Values)

âś… Calories: 250-350 (depends on meat, cheese, and oil)

âś… Protein: 15-20g

âś… Carbs: 15-20g (mostly from the tortillas)

âś… Fats: 12-18g (varies based on cheese and oil)

✅ Sodium: Can be high due to broth and seasoning so it’s best to enjoy in moderation.

FAQs

Traditionally, birria is made with goat meat, but these days, beef (like chuck roast or short ribs) is a popular choice. It's slow-cooked with chilies, tomatoes, garlic, and spices until it’s incredibly tender and flavorful.

Birria tacos are filled with juicy, slow-cooked meat, while quesabirria tacos take it up a notch with melted cheese, making them extra gooey and crispy.

Consomé is the rich, flavorful broth that comes from cooking the meat. It’s served on the side for dipping, adding even more depth and juiciness to every bite.

They have a mild to medium heat, depending on how many chilies you use. If you like things spicier, you can always add more heat, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can tone it down.

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors get even better after sitting in the broth for a day. Just reheat the meat and crisp up the tacos fresh before serving for the best texture. 

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