Birria is a traditional Mexican dish made of meat that is slowly simmered in a flavorful broth until tender and juicy. This shredded meat stew is incredibly delicious when fresh, but can also be stored in the fridge for later meals. However, there are some guidelines on how long birria will stay safe to eat when refrigerated.
What is Birria?
Birria originated in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is traditionally made with goat meat, but beef, lamb, pork, or chicken can also be used. The meat is seasoned with a blend of chili peppers, spices, and herbs before being braised in a broth. Common seasonings include garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. The meat cooks slowly for several hours until very soft and pulls apart easily. Birria is served with corn tortillas and often accompanied by sides like onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa.
This flavorful meat is the star of dishes like birria tacos, birria ramen, quesabirria, and more. The complexity of the broth and ultra-tender meat make birria a popular comfort food and staple of Mexican cuisine.
How Long Does Birria Last in the Fridge?
An unopened batch of freshly made birria will last 3 to 4 days when properly refrigerated. The broth and meat need to cool completely before going in the fridge. Store birria in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out. An opened container of birria has a shorter fridge life of just 2 to 3 days. Once exposed to air, the broth is more prone to spoilage.
Here are some general guidelines for birria fridge life:
| Birria Type | Fridge Life |
|---|---|
| Freshly made, unopened | 3 to 4 days |
| Freshly made, opened | 2 to 3 days |
| Cooked birria, leftovers | 3 to 4 days |
| Pre-made birria, unopened | Same as expiration date |
| Pre-made birria, opened | 3 to 5 days |
For pre-made birria broth purchased at the store, follow the use-by date printed on the packaging. Once opened, it should last around 3 to 5 days.
How to Tell if Birria Has Gone Bad
Birria that has been contaminated by bacteria or has spoiled will have obvious signs. Check your birria carefully before eating it if it is close to or past the recommended fridge life.
Here are the signs that birria has gone bad:
- Mold growth
- Slimy texture
- Strange odors like sour milk or rotten eggs
- Bubbles or froth on the surface
- Discoloration
- Significantly changed consistency
The broth may appear curdled, gelatinous, or ropey when it has spoiled. The meat itself may look dry, dull in color, or feel tacky or sticky. If your birria exhibits any of these red flags, it is safest to discard it.
How to Store Birria to Maximize Freshness
Proper storage is key to getting the most out of your birria’s fridge life. Here are some tips for storing birria:
- Let the birria cool at room temperature for about 1 hour before refrigerating. Covering the pot will help it cool faster.
- Transfer the broth and meat to an airtight container or zip-top bags. Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.
- Never store birria in anything made of reactive metals like copper or aluminum. The acids in the broth can react and cause off flavors and discoloration.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Split into smaller portions if storing for more than 2 days.
- Place birria containers on a plate or bowl to catch any leaks.
- Use cooked birria within 3 to 4 days. Freeze portions if you won’t use within that timeframe.
- Check regularly for signs of spoilage. Discard if mold appears or if you notice a rancid smell.
How to Freeze Birria
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of leftover birria. Properly frozen birria will last 2 to 3 months in the freezer. To freeze:
- Let the birria cool completely before freezing, about 1 hour. Birria that is still warm could allow bacteria to grow even in the freezer.
- Separate the broth and meat into individual freezer bags or containers. The meat may get mushy if frozen submerged in broth.
- Pack birria in portion sizes that work for your recipes. Flat packages freeze quicker.
- Press out all excess air and seal the bags tightly.
- Label bags with the contents and freeze-by date.
- Freeze for up to 2 to 3 months at 0°F or below.
Thaw frozen birria in the fridge overnight before reheating. The broth may need a bit of extra water or broth added when reheating if it has thickened.
How to Reheat Birria
To revive refrigerated birria, the key is gentle reheating. Aggressive boiling can make the broth taste sour. Here are some reheating tips:
- Place birria broth in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of water or broth if the birria has thickened too much. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the reserved shredded meat and heat through until warmed to 165°F.
- Alternatively, place birria broth and meat in a microwave-safe dish. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Avoid boiling the broth or overcooking the meat, which can turn it dry or mushy.
Only reheat the amount needed for a single meal. Do not reheat birria more than once. Reheating birria repeatedly increases the risk of foodborne illness.
How to Use Up Leftover Birria
Try these creative ways to enjoy birria leftovers before they go bad:
- Birria ramen: Cook ramen noodles in the broth with meat, veggies, and a fried egg.
- Birria fried rice: Toss shredded meat with rice, veggies, and eggs.
- Quesabirria: Stuff birria meat in a melted cheese quesadilla.
- Birria soup: Shred more meat into the broth with onion, garlic, spices, and veggies.
- Birria breakfast tacos: Fill tortillas with eggs, birria meat, cheese, and salsa.
- Birria nachos: Top chips with meat, broth, cheese, pico de gallo and avocado.
Conclusion
With proper refrigeration and freezing, birria can be safely stored for 3 to 4 days after cooking. Signs of spoilage like bad odors, mold, or sliminess mean birria should be discarded. Freezing cooked birria in portioned bags lets you enjoy this tasty dish for months. Reheat thawed or refrigerated birria gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to consume leftovers within the short fridge life to avoid foodborne illness. With its complex flavors and tender meat, birria is worth enjoying again and again thanks to reliable storage methods.