Quesabirria Tacos

Introduction

Quesabirria Tacos are a culinary sensation that’s taking the food world by storm. Originating from the vibrant streets of Mexico, these tacos offer a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors. Perfect for any meal, Quesabirria Tacos have gained immense popularity for their unique taste and rich history. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Quesabirria Tacos, walk you through a delicious recipe, and provide tips for making this mouth-watering dish at home.

What Are Quesabirria Tacos?

Quesabirria Tacos are a delicious Mexican street food combining tender, slow-cooked beef (birria) with gooey cheese, all encased in a crispy tortilla. The traditional birria, a stew made with various cuts of beef and a blend of spices, is transformed into tacos by adding cheese and crisping up the tortillas. The result is a savory, cheesy taco with a flavorful, spicy kick that’s irresistible to anyone who tries it.

The History Behind Quesabirria Tacos

Birria has been a staple of Mexican cuisine for centuries, originally coming from the state of Jalisco. Traditionally, birria is a slow-cooked stew made with a mix of beef, lamb, or goat, marinated in a blend of spices and chiles. It was often enjoyed at special occasions or celebrations. Quesabirria Tacos, a modern twist on this classic dish, became popular in recent years, blending the traditional flavors of birria with the comforting appeal of cheesy tacos.

Ingredients for Quesabirria Tacos

To make authentic Quesabirria Tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Birria:

• 2 lbs beef chuck or short ribs
• 4 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried pasilla chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese (or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup finely diced onions
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Salsa (optional, for serving)

How to Make Quesabirria Tacos

Preparing the Birria:

1. Toast the Chiles: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Blend the Sauce: Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. In a blender, combine the toasted chiles, garlic, chopped onion, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and a cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
4. Simmer the Stew: In the same pot, add the blended sauce and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the seared beef, bay leaves, and the remaining beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds.
5. Shred the Beef: Remove the beef from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded beef to the pot and stir to combine.

Assembling the Tacos:

1. Heat the Tortillas: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds on each side, until warm and pliable.
2. Add Cheese and Beef: Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla. Spoon some of the shredded birria beef over the cheese.
3. Fold and Crisp: Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling. Cook in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
4. Serve: Serve the Quesabirria Tacos hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and diced onions. Provide lime wedges and salsa on the side for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Quesabirria Tacos

• Marinate the Beef: For even more flavor, marinate the beef in the birria sauce overnight before cooking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chiles and spices will give your birria a richer, more authentic flavor.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of chiles and spices to suit your taste preference.

Conclusion

Quesabirria Tacos are a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of traditional Mexican birria in a fun and delicious taco format. With their tender beef, gooey cheese, and crispy tortilla, they’re sure to be a hit at your next meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and savor the incredible taste of Quesabirria Tacos today!

Serving and Storage Tips for Quesabirria Tacos

Serving Tips

1. Serve Immediately:
   Quesabirria Tacos are best enjoyed fresh and hot. The crispy tortillas and melted cheese offer the best texture and flavor when served immediately after cooking.
2. Accompaniments:

• Salsas and Sauces: Offer a variety of salsas, such as a spicy red salsa or a tangy green salsa, for added flavor. You can also serve a side of Mexican crema or a spicy hot sauce.
• Fresh Garnishes: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, finely diced onions, and a squeeze of lime to enhance the flavors.
• Sides: Serve with traditional Mexican sides like refried beans, Mexican rice, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.

1. Presentation:

• Taco Holders: Use taco holders to keep your tacos upright and prevent them from falling apart.
• Warm Tortillas: Keep tortillas warm in a cloth-lined basket to maintain their pliability while you assemble and serve the tacos.

Storage Tips

1. Storing Leftovers:

• Beef Mixture: Store any leftover birria beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it is completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.
• Tortillas and Cheese: Store any leftover tortillas and cheese separately in airtight containers or plastic wrap.

1. Reheating:

• Beef Mixture: Reheat the birria beef in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Tortillas: Reheat tortillas on a skillet or griddle to restore their flexibility. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.
• Assembled Tacos: If you have assembled tacos left over, they should be consumed within a day. Reheat them in a skillet to restore the crispiness, but keep in mind the cheese may not be as melty.

1. Freezing:

• Beef Mixture: The birria beef can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, and make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Tortillas: You can also freeze tortillas for up to 3 months. Place them in a zip-top bag with parchment paper between each tortilla to prevent sticking.

1. Thawing:

• Beef Mixture: Thaw frozen birria beef in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Tortillas: Thaw tortillas at room temperature or in the refrigerator before reheating. If they are slightly dry after thawing, you can lightly brush them with water before reheating.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Quesabirria Tacos fresh and flavorful every time. Whether you’re savoring them right after cooking or enjoying leftovers, proper handling will ensure the best taste and texture.

1. What is the difference between Quesabirria Tacos and regular Birria Tacos?

Answer: Quesabirria Tacos are a variation of Birria Tacos that incorporate melted cheese into the taco filling. Traditional Birria Tacos are made with slow-cooked, seasoned beef (birria) served in tortillas, often without cheese. In Quesabirria Tacos, cheese is added to the tortilla along with the birria, creating a cheesy, gooey filling and a crispy exterior.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese for Quesabirria Tacos?

Answer: While Oaxaca cheese is traditional and ideal for its meltiness and flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses if necessary. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar can work well as alternatives. Just ensure that the cheese melts nicely and complements the flavors of the birria.

3. How do I make Quesabirria Tacos spicier?

Answer: To add more spice to your Quesabirria Tacos, you can increase the amount of dried chiles used in the birria sauce or add extra chili powder or hot sauce. For an extra kick, consider including diced jalapeños or serrano peppers in the birria mixture. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences, and remember to taste as you go!

4. Can I prepare the birria ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, you can prepare the birria ahead of time. Cook the birria according to the recipe, then let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the birria for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This makes it convenient to assemble Quesabirria Tacos on busy days or for meal prepping.