Birria is a unique taco and burrito filling with a rich, complex flavor. Its flavor comes from the slow-cooking method and a blend of savory herbs and spices. Originating in Jalisco, Mexico, birria was traditionally served for special occasions and celebrations, but today, it has become a specialty offering at many Mexican restaurants, including here at Los Reyes.
What makes birria so unique? Let’s take a closer look at this savory taco and burrito filling, which happens to be Los Reyes’s specialty.
Slow-Cooked
Traditionally, birria was made from goat meat, but now beef and lamb are more common, and that’s what you’ll find at Mexican restaurants in the US that serve birria. Regardless of the meat used, birria is slow-cooked for hours in a blend of herbs and spices. The slow cooking time allows the flavors to seep into the meat and for the meat to become tender as it stews in its own juices. The slow-cooking process that results in what is essentially a stew makes birria stand out from other taco or burrito fillings, which are often dry because they are served with salsa or similar sauces. Birria, on the other hand, is both meat and sauce together.
Flavor Profile
This spice blend in birria creates a rich, slightly smoky, and tangy flavor profile that differentiates it from the more common seasonings found in other taco and burrito fillings. These filllings are often more straightforward, like seasoned ground beef, carnitas, or chicken. The base of birria is a combination of dried chiles, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and sometimes even tomatoes and vinegar, depending on the recipe.
Birria Tacos and Quesabirria
One of the best ways to enjoy birria is in a taco. We put our birria in a corn tortilla and cook them on the grill until the outside is crispy. We top them with cilantro and red onions and serve a consommé on the side for dipping. If you add cheese to the tacos, they become quesabirrias. The combination of tender, spiced meat, melted cheese, and crispy corn tortillas creates a unique taco experience that you have to taste to appreciate the difference from any other taco.
Enjoy Birria Tacos at Los Reyes!
If you’ve never tried birria tacos or quesabirrias, you have to visit Los Reyes! We make our birria using a family recipe that goes back generations. Once you try it, you’ll understand why we’ve been making it for so long.
