description Quesabirria Taco Overview
A quesabirria taco brings slow-cooked birria and melted cheese together in a tortilla that is usually browned on a griddle. The meat carries the chile-based seasoning of the stew, while the cheese adds a stretchy texture and softens the intensity of the filling. Oaxaca cheese is one option, but the particular cheese and choice of meat vary between preparations. Consommé, the flavorful broth associated with birria, is commonly served alongside for dipping.
The tortilla may also be coated in the stew's fat before cooking, giving its exterior a distinctive color and helping it crisp. Social media helped spread the dish's popularity during the late 2010s, though it existed before 2019. It appeals to diners interested in contemporary versions of traditional Mexican dishes, combining the concentrated flavor of a long-cooked stew with the contrasting textures of a grilled cheese-filled taco.
help Quesabirria Taco FAQ
What is the difference between birria and quesabirria tacos?
Birria is a traditional Mexican stew, typically made with goat or beef slow-cooked with chiles and spices, originating in Jalisco. A quesabirria taco specifically layers melted Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese with birria meat inside a griddled tortilla. It is also distinguished by being served with consommé broth for dipping.
Why did quesabirria tacos become so viral on social media?
Starting around 2019, quesabirria tacos gained massive popularity through Instagram and TikTok, where their red-stained tortillas, gooey cheese pulls, and dipping shots of consommé were visually striking. Food trucks in Los Angeles and Tijuana helped drive the trend. The visual appeal of the dish made it ideal for viral video formats.
What kind of meat is traditionally used in quesabirria?
Authentic birria from Jalisco traditionally uses goat meat (chivo), though beef versions using cuts like beef shank or brisket became common in quesabirria tacos popularized in the US and Tijuana. Beef chuck or short ribs are frequently substituted. The meat is braised for several hours with a blend of dried chiles and spices.
What cheese goes inside a quesabirria taco?
Quesabirria tacos are most commonly filled with Oaxaca cheese, a semi-soft Mexican string cheese that melts well, or Chihuahua cheese (queso menonita). Some taquerías in the US use mozzarella as a substitute. The cheese is melted directly on the griddle before the meat and tortilla are folded over it.
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
