What is Birria?

While tacos are popular, you might be surprised to find that birria de res, birria de chivo, caldo de birria, and birria quesadillas are often enjoyed for breakfast.

To truly embrace this culinary tradition, start your day early and set aside your usual pancakes and eggs. When staying at a hotel or resort, don't hesitate to ask the concierge, "Are there birria tacos near me?" This way, you won't miss out on one of Mexico's iconic breakfast dishes.

Let’s unravel this delectable dish and explore why it’s considered one of the most tasty breakfasts in Mexico.

Birria is a traditional Mexican stew that has its origins in the state of Jalisco. It’s a flavorful, slow-cooked dish typically made with either goat (birria de chivo) or beef (birria de res).

The meat is marinated in a blend of spices and then slowly cooked until it’s tender and infused with deep, complex flavors.

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como hacer birria

Birria de Res VS Birria de Chivo

When it comes to making birria tacos, the first step is choosing your preferred meat. Birria tacos can be crafted using beef, lamb, goat, or occasionally pork. Birria de res refers to beef stew, while birria de chivo is the goat stew and represents the original version of this classic dish.

The true essence of this traditional breakfast lies in the details. Before cooking, the tortillas are dipped into the flavorful fat that rises to the top of the stew. They are then grilled on a hot griddle until they reach the perfect level of warmth or crispiness.

When you ask locals about birria, you'll find that there are a few choices for your tacos. For a softer tortilla, go for tacos blandos. If you prefer a crispy texture, opt for tacos dorados.

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what is birria

How to Make Birria Tacos at Home

If you’re inspired to try making birria tacos at home, you’re in for a treat. Here’s a quick overview of how to make birria tacos:

Marinate the Meat: Prepare a marinade using ingredients like dried chiles, garlic, cumin, and vinegar and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
Cook the Meat: on the stovetop with additional ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and more spices until it’s tender and easily shredable.
Prepare the Tacos: Shred the cooked meat and fill tortillas with it.
Serve: Enjoy your birria tacos with fresh toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Don’t forget to serve them with a side of the rich birria broth for dipping!

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