Which Meat for Birria Tacos: does the cut of meat matter?

Birria tacos have gained immense popularity in recent years, captivating food enthusiasts with their rich flavors and tender meat. But when it comes to choosing the meat for birria tacos, you may find yourself pondering over various options. In this article, we will delve into the world of birria tacos, explore the traditional meat choices, and help you discover the perfect meat for your own birria taco creations.

What Meat is Birria Tacos Made of?

Birria tacos were traditionally made with goat meat, which infuses the dish with its distinctive flavors. The goat meat is slow-cooked until tender, resulting in succulent and flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with the other components of the delicious slow cooked roast. However, as birria tacos have gained popularity across different regions, variations using different meats have emerged to cater to diverse preferences.  Another major factor that has to do with the selection of meat used for birria tacos is what is available in the regions and locations where these birria experts come from.  Some regions traditionally work with goat, others with beef and some with lamb.

Which Meat is Best for Birria?

While goat meat is the traditional choice for birria tacos, other meats can be used to create equally delicious variations. Beef, particularly beef chuck or beef shank, is a popular alternative. The marbling and tenderness of these cuts make them perfect for slow cooking, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a mouthwatering experience.   The more fat and greasiness the better.  Additionally, some people even experiment with pork or lamb as their meat of choice for birria tacos, adding their unique flavors to the mix.

What Cuts of Meat are Good for Birria?

When it comes to choosing the cuts of meat for birria tacos, it's essential to opt for cuts that can withstand the long, slow cooking process. For goat birria, bone-in cuts such as the shoulder or leg work best. The connective tissues present in these cuts break down during cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meat. The bone also provide a deep flavor profile that seeps into the broth from all the hours of slow cooking that elevates the pot of birria to another level.  Similarly, beef chuck or beef shank are great choices, as they have enough fat and connective tissue to ensure a succulent and tender outcome.

What are Authentic Birria Tacos made of

Authentic birria tacos are a culinary delight that originates from the Mexican state of Jalisco, which is where our family comes from. The traditional method involves marinating the meat in a rich combination of spices, including dried chilies, garlic, onion, and more. The marinated meat is then slowly cooked in a flavorful broth until it becomes tender and easily shreds apart. It is best to choose a good chunk of meat since this is the main and most crucial ingredient.  The fats found in the cut of meat is extremely important to cooking and frying up some delicious birria tacos.  Some might think that birria is too greasy and unhealthy but this is not the case.  The grease released by the fatty cuts of meat is liquid gold and crucial to making the perfect birria taco.  While the pot is slowly cooking and releaseing the fat, it mixes with the seasonings and chiles which are mainly red.  This red mixture of tallow is used to cook and fry the tortillas leaving them crispy.  The resulting meat is traditionally served in crisypy red corn tortillas, accompanied by a side of consommé for dipping.  Leaving us with the now highly recognized red tacos de birria. 

Are Birria Tacos Just Barbacoa?

While both birria tacos and barbacoa are beloved traditional Mexican dishes, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Birria is typically made with goat, beef or other meats, marinated in a flavorful spice blend, and slow-cooked until tender. On the other hand, barbacoa often refers to meats, such as lamb, or pork and sometimes beef, that are slow-cooked in an underground pit or wrapped in banana leaves. While they share similarities in terms of slow cooking, the flavors and preparation methods of birria tacos and barbacoa differ.

Does the Meat for Birria Matter?

When it comes to birria tacos, the choice of meat opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you opt for the traditional goat and beef or experiment with pork, lamb, or chicken, the key is slow-cooking the meat to perfection. Each variation brings its unique flavors and textures, adding to the overall experience. So, grab your tortillas, marinate your meat, and embark on a culinary journey with birria tacos that will tantalize your taste buds.  And if you feel like it is too much of a task then feel free to leave it to your local birrieria in pdx here at Birrieria La Plaza.  We are very grateful for the continued support and for all of you that call us the best tacos in Portland.  Thank you from our family!