Birria tacos have become an internet sensation and a hugely popular food trend in recent years. But what exactly are birria tacos and what makes them so special? Here is a comprehensive look at the origins, ingredients, flavors, and preparation that have made birria tacos a viral food phenomenon.
What are Birria Tacos?
Birria tacos are a variety of Mexican taco made with birria. Birria is a traditional Mexican meat stew, most commonly made with goat meat or beef. For birria tacos, the stewed meat is shredded and crisp-fried, then wrapped in a corn or flour tortilla. The tacos are typically served with a side of the birria meat broth for dipping.
While birria stew has long been popular in Mexican cuisine, the crispy birria taco is a more recent invention, becoming widespread in the last 5-10 years. The tacos originated in Tijuana, Mexico but have now become popular on both sides of the border, especially in Southern California.
Origins and History of Birria
Birria has its origins in the state of Jalisco, located in central western Mexico. The dish dates back hundreds of years, possibly as far back as the 17th or 18th century. Birria was traditionally made from goat meat, a staple protein source in Jalisco. The word “birria” comes from the Spanish word “berrendo” meaning spotted or speckled, referring to the coloring of local goats used for the stew.
Over time, birria stew gained popularity and began to be made in other regions of Mexico. Beef and lamb were sometimes substituted for goat meat. Each area developed its own local spices and preparation methods for the dish. Other ingredients like chiles, tomatoes, garlic, cumin and oregano were added to create layered, complex flavors.
Birria became a specialty in western states like Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit and Sinaloa. It was considered a working class peasant dish, often eaten at celebrations and family gatherings. The slow simmering technique helped tenderize tougher, cheaper cuts of meat.
In the last century, migrants from western Mexico brought birria to cities like Tijuana and Los Angeles. Recently, LA street vendors had the idea to crisp fry the shredded birria meat in oil and serve it on tacos with dipping broth. The dish became a huge hit on social media, making birria tacos go viral.
Main Ingredients in Birria
While recipes vary, these are the key ingredients traditionally used to make birria:
- Meat – Goat, beef, lamb or pork. Goat is traditional.
- Chiles – Ancho, guajillo, pasilla, chipotle.
- Spices – Garlic, cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon.
- Vegetables – Onions, tomatoes, carrots.
- Acid – Vinegar, lime juice.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, bay leaves.
For the tacos, the cooked birria meat is shredded and then crispy fried in oil. It is wrapped in soft corn or flour tortillas. Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella can be melted on top. The meat broth is blended with extra spices and served alongside for dipping.
Flavors and Taste Profile
When done right, birria has a complex depth of flavors. Here are some of the main taste components:
- Savory – The meat, garlic and onions provide a rich, meaty umami base.
- Spicy – A variety of chiles bring a warm, lingering heat.
- Earthy – Oregano and cumin add earthy, aromatic flavors.
- Sweet – Tomatoes, carrots and cinnamon create subtle sweetness.
- Tangy – Vinegar and lime brighten and accentuate the other flavors.
When these elements come together through long, slow cooking, the result is incredibly tender meat infused with layers of smoky, spicy and savory flavors. The salsa-like broth soaks into the tortilla, making each bite of the taco an explosion of taste.
Preparation Methods
Authentic birria requires patience and time. Here is an overview of the traditional preparation process:
- Meat is rubbed with a blend of spices and seasonings then seared to caramelize it.
- Onions, tomatoes and chiles are fried to make a flavor base.
- Meat is transferred to a pot along with the vegetable mixture and covered with water.
- The birria stew simmers for 2-4 hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
- Once cooked, the meat is shredded. Broth is blended to make a salsa-like dip.
- For the tacos, meat is fried crispy in oil then wrapped in tortillas.
The long simmering time allows the flavors to fully develop and penetrate the meat. Frying the already-cooked shredded meat gives the tacos a crispy texture contrast. Dip each bite in the spiced, savory broth for the full experience.
Why Birria Tacos Have Become So Popular
There are several reasons why birria tacos have exploded in popularity online and at restaurants:
- They are extremely flavorful, combining spicy, savory and tangy tastes.
- The crispy, fried meat texture provides satisfaction.
- Dunking tacos in the broth adds extra flavor and moisture.
- Melted cheese and tons of meat make them indulgent.
- They photograph incredibly well for social media.
- As comfort food, they have mass appeal and familiarity.
- The backstory as an authentic Mexican peasant dish adds appeal.
Tacos are already a favorite food for many Americans. Birria tacos take the concept to the next level with crispy meat, gooey cheese and addictive dipping broth. The sensory experience and Instagram-worthy presentation make them a viral sensation.
Where to Find the Best Birria Tacos
Here are some top places to try outstanding birria tacos in various cities:
| City | Restaurant |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | Burritos La Palma |
| San Diego | Tuétano Taqueria |
| Phoenix | Tacos Chiwas |
| Dallas | Maskaras Mexican Grill |
| Austin | Veracruz All Natural |
| New York City | Los Tacos No. 1 |
These popular taco shops and food trucks use high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods to serve up authentic, drool-worthy birria tacos. The birria at these spots has incredible depth of flavor that keeps customers coming back again and again. Tracking down the best birria tacos is a worthwhile mission for any food lover.
Birria Tacos Are Here to Stay
Unlike some viral food fads, birria tacos have proven to have real staying power and longevity. Their surge in popularity is more than just hype or social media curiosity. Birria tacos tap into a desire for authentic, flavorful comfort food with a twist. The combination of meat, tortilla, fat, and spice speaks to a primal part of our brains. Every crunchy, juicy, spicy bite delivers on consumers’ cravings for sensory pleasure and satisfaction.
In the hands of talented chefs, birria can be so much more than just a trendy taco filling. As more people discover birria’s incredible depth of flavor, it is inspiring creativity and innovation. Birria ramen, pizza, nachos, sandwiches, tortas, melted cheeses, and more are emerging as chefs find new ways to utilize this traditional Mexican stew.
Beyond restaurants, DIY birria tacos are exploding at home as quarantined cooks look to recreate the irresistible experience for themselves. From food bloggers to the average home chef, birria has inspired a wave of amateur taco-making during the pandemic. The endless possibilities for birria tacos and other inventive dishes ensure that it will remain much more than a fleeting fad.
Conclusion
Birria tacos have earned their viral fame and popularity due to their incredible flavors, textural contrasts, visual appeal and sense of authenticity. This traditional Mexican peasant dish has been reinvented with crispy fried meat and addictive broth for dipping. Their combination of spicy, savory and tangy flavors delivers on all senses. It’s no wonder food lovers, bloggers and chefs can’t get enough of the birria taco craze.
Yet what is most compelling about the birria phenomenon is its versatility. Chefs are continuously finding creative new ways to showcase birria beyond just tacos. As a flavorful, protein-packed stew, it is the perfect canvas for culinary innovation. Birria has proven to have versatility and staying power beyond just another social media food fad. This ancient dish from Jalisco is now a mainstay trend with limitless potential in Mexican cuisine and beyond.