Birria, a traditional Mexican stew, has piqued the interest of foodies worldwide, including the Japanese. A culinary delight from Jalisco 500 years ago, traditional birria is an ultimate comfort food made with goat meat. Jaliscienses slow-cook the protein to tender perfection and infuse it with chiles, spices, and aromatics to give the dish its distinctive smoky, spicy profile.
In recent years, the dish has gained international popularity, thanks to social media users’ focus on birria tacos’ unique presentation. The taco combines tender beef or lamb with crisped tortillas and a side of consomé for dipping, which introduces a whole new experience to those unfamiliar with the dish.
Whether enjoyed in its traditional stew form or the trendy taco style, birria brings Mexico’s flavors and traditions to tables around the world. This guide will explore everything from this stew’s humble beginnings to the best ways to enjoy it.
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The Story of Birria
Birria’s origins trace back hundreds of years to colonial Mexico. The Spanish brought goats to the region, believing the meat was too tough to enjoy. But the locals? They didn’t back down. Through patience and creativity, they turned the meat into a flavorful stew by slow-cooking it with dried chiles and fragrant spices. Traditionally made for holidays, weddings, and religious events, birria soon became an anticipated part of everyday life, especially on weekends when relatives would visit and have meals together.
Over the centuries, different regions have adapted birria to suit local tastes. While goat remains a classic choice, options such as beef, lamb, and pork have become just as popular. No matter the type of meat, birria always brings with it the warmth of tradition and a sense of community.
What Makes Birria So Special?
Birria is all about balance. The rich broth, or consomé, combines smoky, spicy, and savory elements that come together beautifully. Ingredients like garlic, cumin, and bay leaves complement the mild heat from dried chiles, while a touch of vinegar brightens the dish. Simmering the meat slowly allows it to soak up these flavors, resulting in tender, pull-apart perfection. Starting to crave a bite? Don’t worry—that’s a perfectly natural response to birria’s irresistibility.
While Jaliscienses traditionally served birria as a stew, modern twists like birria tacos have taken the world by storm. These tacos are filled with slow-cooked meat and melted cheese, then fried to crispy goodness. The best part? Dipping them into the consomé for an extra burst of flavor. Every bite feels like a small celebration.
A New Way to Enjoy Birria in Japan
At Meat Express, we believe birria has something special to offer food lovers in Japan. The rich, slow-cooked flavors align beautifully with the appreciation for quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation found in Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy birria in many ways: wrapped in tortillas, over steamed rice, or even in a ramen bowl for a tasty fusion dish that warms body and soul. Imagining that first bite already?
Our birria kit takes the guesswork out of making this traditional dish at home. Each kit includes marinated meat and gluten-free tortillas inspired by authentic Jalisco recipes. All you need to do is follow the reheating instructions, and before you know it, the inviting aroma of slow-cooked birria fills your kitchen.
How to Eat Birria
You can enjoy birria in several ways, including:
1. Traditional Birria Bowl with Consomé
Serve birria as a hearty stew, pairing the tender meat with its flavorful consomé in a bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, and add crunchy radishes or shredded cabbage. Serve with warm corn tortillas for dipping or making mini tacos on the side.
Are your cravings kicking in yet? Order Beef Birria (200g) and Birria Consome (400ml).
2. Birria Tacos with Dipping Consomé
For the trendy taco version, fill corn tortillas with shredded birria meat, dip them in consomé, and fry until crispy. Serve with a small bowl of consomé on the side for dipping. Add toppings like melted cheese, onions, cilantro, and salsa for extra flavor.
Order blue corn or white corn tortillas and salsas to pair with birria.
3. Alternative Dishes: Quesadillas, Burritos, Tostadas, or Ramen
Use birria to fill quesadillas (QuesaBirria), burritos, or tostadas, and garnish with lettuce, cheese, and avocado. For a Mexican-Japanese fusion twist, turn birria consomé into a ramen or noodle soup with radishes, green onions, and cilantro. 美味しい！
4. With Sides and Beverages
Complete your meal with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or chips and guacamole. Pair with beverages such as agua fresca, horchata, or a Mexican beer to balance the richness and spice.
Why Choose Meat Express?
When you order from Meat Express, you’re not just heating up a meal—you’re getting the authentic taste of birria in minutes. We’ve done the work of slow-cooking the birria meat to tender perfection and crafting an intensely flavorful consomé, so all you need to do is reheat and enjoy. No ingredient lists, no long hours at the stove—just pure, ready-made Mexican cuisine.
Our premium birria tacos set includes seasoned birria meat, rich consomé, fresh tortillas, and salsas, letting you assemble traditional birria tacos, bowls, or even quesadillas effortlessly. With our quick, reliable delivery throughout Japan, you can savor birria’s bold, spicy depth whenever the craving strikes, without the prep.
Our Mission to Bring People Together
Recent findings, like “Japan’s Loneliness Epidemic,” remind us how important it is to share moments and create lasting memories with others. Birria is a meal steeped in tradition and connection. Whether you’re gathering with family for dinner or hosting friends for taco night, Mexican food creates moments for sharing and making memories. At Meat Express, we make it simple to bring these experiences home.For parties or special occasions, try our Taco Bar Party Combo, which is complete with everything you need for an impressive taco spread. Check out our article, Taco Party Planning 101: Tips and Tricks for Hosting a Fiesta, where you’ll find all the inspiration and pointers you need to host the best taco party. If you want more variety, we also offer other Mexican favorites like carnitas, barbacoa, tamales, and more. おいしい食べ物は心を結び、思い出を作ります。
