Quesabirria

Quesabirria

Quesabirria served at a taqueria in Sonoma, California

Quesabirria is a Mexican dish that combines the rich flavors of birria with the cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. Originating from the state of Jalisco, this dish has gained widespread popularity across Mexico and the United States, particularly in areas with a significant Mexican-American population.

History

The origins of quesabirria can be traced back to the traditional birria, a savory stew made with goat or beef, marinated in a blend of spices and slow-cooked until tender. Birria itself has a long history in Mexican cuisine, often associated with celebrations and special occasions. The innovation of quesabirria came about as cooks began to experiment with incorporating birria into other dishes, leading to the creation of this delicious fusion.

Preparation

Quesabirria tacos prepared by a catering service

To prepare quesabirria, the birria meat is shredded and placed inside a corn tortilla along with Oaxaca cheese or Monterey Jack cheese. The tortilla is then folded and grilled until the cheese melts and the exterior becomes crispy. The key to a perfect quesabirria is the balance between the juicy, flavorful meat and the melted cheese, all encased in a crispy tortilla.

A distinctive feature of quesabirria is the use of the birria broth, known as "consomé." This broth is often served alongside the quesabirria for dipping, enhancing the flavors and providing a rich, savory experience.

Variations

While the traditional quesabirria uses beef or goat, variations have emerged using different types of meat such as chicken, pork, or even vegetarian options with mushrooms or jackfruit. The choice of cheese can also vary, with some cooks opting for a blend of cheeses to achieve the desired flavor and texture.

Popularity

Quesabirria has become a popular street food, with food trucks and taquerias across North America offering their own versions. Its popularity has been fueled by social media, where food enthusiasts share images and videos of the cheesy, meaty delight.

Related pages

• Birria
• Taco
• Quesadilla
• Mexican cuisine

A close-up of birria tacos, similar to quesabirria