Birria tacos have become an incredibly popular food trend in recent years. They originated in Mexico, where birria is a type of meat stew traditionally made with goat or lamb. The meat is slowly braised until ultra tender and flavorful. In birria tacos, the braised meat is shredded and crisped on a hot griddle, then stuffed into a corn tortilla and typically topped with onion, cilantro, and a bright red chile sauce. Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese is also sometimes melted over the taco as well. The cheese-topped tacos are then dipped into the savory braising liquid (called consome in Spanish) before eating them, adding another layer of intense flavor. Birria tacos are a delicious and unique taco experience unlike any other.
One question that often comes up with birria tacos is whether you are supposed to drink the consome or not. The consome is the flavorful broth left over from braising the meat. It absorbs all the seasoned goodness from the chiles, spices, and meat that was cooked in it. So should you consume the consome with your birria tacos or not? There are good arguments on both sides. Here is an in-depth look at the debate around eating the consome with birria tacos.
Reasons People Argue You Should Drink the Consome
There are several compelling reasons why many people argue you absolutely should drink the consome broth when eating birria tacos:
It Adds More Flavor
Dipping your tacos in that incredible chili-infused broth before taking a bite adds an extra punch of flavor. The consome is packed with spices, chiles, and savory meatiness absorbed from the cooking process. Sipping it between bites of your tacos allows you to fully appreciate the complex layers of seasoning in every bite. Doubling up on the flavor by consuming the consome enhances the experience.
It Keeps the Tacos from Getting Soggy
One of the keys to a perfect birria taco is that crispy outer layer from frying the meat on the griddle. Dunking your tacos in the broth helps maintain that textural contrast. Only lightly coating the outside of the taco prevents it from getting mushy and falling apart as you eat it. The consome gives you the flavor without sacrificing the crispy shell.
It’s Traditional
Consuming the consome broth alongside birria tacos is traditional in the dish’s origins. In Mexico, birria is usually served as a stew or soup. The broth is just as important for balance and flavor as the meat. When translating birria to taco form, keeping the consome as an accompaniment is an authentic way to enjoy it. Following tradition and eating it the original way is important for an iconic food like birria tacos.
It Would Go to Waste Otherwise
If you don’t drink the consome, then what? Are you just going to throw it out after going through all that effort to make it? Consuming the broth ensures none of that precious flavors goes to waste. Every last drop of simmered tastiness deserves to be enjoyed.
Reasons People Argue You Shouldn’t Drink the Consome
On the other side of the debate, there are also good reasons some people think you should skip drinking the consome with birria tacos:
It’s Messy
Drinking a broth alongside a handheld taco is inherently messy. The juicy tacos already drip juices and toppings as you eat them. Adding a dipping cup of liquid to the mix makes them downright sloppy. Enjoying birria tacos tends to be a two-handed affair already without struggling to balance a dipping broth too. Skipping the consome allows for a slightly neater eating experience.
The Tacos Are Flavorful Enough on Their Own
A properly made birria taco already has a ton of flavors baked in. The chili-rubbed meat stewed for hours absorbs seasoning and becomes fall-apart tender. Dunking it in extra liquid can detract from the perfect balance already achieved. For some birria taco purists, the consome is unnecessary when the tacos themselves are packed with layered flavors.
It Dilutes the Experience
Related to the point above, diluting the consome by continually double-dipping tacos means you lose some of the broth’s potency. The more you dip, the more the broth becomes watered down. This diminishes its impact when you go to dip your next taco. Consuming it separately in sips or even as a soup maintains its concentration of flavors.
The Broth Doesn’t Appeal to Everyone
With its chili pepper flavor, the consome has a very specific taste profile. For those who don’t love intense spicy flavors, the broth may be too much to drink on its own. The small dunk before a bite mixes with the other taco components for balance. But a whole mugful of the stuff could be overwhelming depending on personal tastes.
Other Options for Enjoying the Consome
If you can see valid points on both sides of the should-you-drink-it debate, there are other ways to incorporate the consome broth without necessarily drinking it:
Use it for Cooking Rice or Beans
Absorb some of that seasoned flavor into rice or beans by cooking them in the birria consome. Simply replace all or part of the water with the broth. The rice and beans will pick up the tasty chile and spice notes.
Reduce it into a Sauce
Simmer the consome down into a rich sauce to use on all kinds of dishes. The spices and seasoning will become more concentrated as the liquid reduces. Use it over eggs, tacos, enchiladas, or meat.
Freeze for Later Use
Pour the consome into ice cube trays or muffin tins and freeze for flaverful cubes of broth. Keep them stored in bags to pull out and add to dishes for a boost of flavor later on. The consome keeps well frozen.
Drink It on the Side in Small Sips
Rather than double-dipping the tacos and making a mess, enjoy the broth in small sips on the side. This allows you to control the amount and prevent the tacos from getting soggy. Appreciate it in little doses without watering it down too much.
Final Verdict
At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to drinking the consome with birria tacos. Here are some final tips on deciding whether or not to consume it:
– Try it both ways and see which you prefer. This lets your personal tastes guide what works best.
– If you want the full traditional experience, drink it. Honor the origins by enjoying it like it’s done authentically.
– For maximum flavor, drink it. The broth and tacos complement each other beautifully.
– If you want less mess, don’t drink it. Sipping a broth and eating a drippy taco together can get chaotic.
– If you don’t love spicy flavors, drink it sparingly or use other options to cook with it instead.
There are great points on both sides of the should-you-drink-it debate. At the end of the day, it comes down to your own preferences. The most important thing is enjoying these amazing tacos whichever way you think is best! Does consuming the flavorful consome broth enhance birria tacos, or does it overcomplicate them? The choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is birria?
Birria is a Mexican meat stew traditionally made with goat or lamb. The meat is slowly braised with chiles and spices until super tender and full of flavor. Birria broth has a deep red color from chiles and is very flavorful.
What cut of meat is typically used for birria?
Birria is traditionally made with the meat from the legs, shoulders or neck of goat or lamb. These cuts become nice and tender after long braising. Beef brisket, short ribs, chuck roast, or oxtails are also sometimes used for birria.
What spices flavor the consome broth?
Common seasonings in birria and the consome broth include garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, clove, cinnamon, bay leaf, peppercorns, dried chiles, and fresh cilantro. The blend creates a deeply complex and aromatic broth.
Can you make birria tacos with chicken or pork?
While not traditional, birria tacos can certainly be made with shredded chicken or pork. The different meats will produce their own unique flavors. Lower cooking times may be required.
How hot should the griddle be to crisp the birria meat?
Heat your griddle or skillet to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to quickly crisp and char the shredded birria meat for tacos without burning it. Don’t overload the pan so the heat stays consistent.
| Cooking Vessel | Meat Used | Consome Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch Oven | Goat | Guajillo chiles, garlic, bay leaves |
| Slow Cooker | Beef Brisket | Ancho chiles, oregano, cumin |
| Instant Pot | Lamb | Mulato chiles, onion, cloves |
Should I add any toppings besides cilantro and onion?
Some other tasty toppings for birria tacos include: grated cotija cheese, fresh lime juice, radish slices, avocado or guacamole, shredded cabbage, queso fresco, Mexican rice, refried beans, crema, and salsa.
How can I get the crispiest birria tacos?
– Use smaller corn tortillas that crisp up better than large ones
– Really press down on the meat while cooking on the hot griddle
– Fry for a couple minutes per side until crispy
– Don’t overload the tortilla with too many wet toppings
Conclusion
Birria tacos are an incredible culinary treat with complex layers of flavor. The consome broth left from braising the meat is packed with seasonings too. There are good arguments for both drinking and not drinking the broth alongside the tacos. It comes down to your own personal preferences and style of enjoying this fabulous dish. Whether you consume, sip, cook with, or discard the consome, birria tacos are sure to satisfy your cravings with their crispy-yet-tender textures and robust, chile-infused flavors. Now get out there and tuck into some tasty birria tacos, with or without their delicious consome by your side!