INTRODUCTION
If you’re a fan of bold Mexican flavors and crave tender, juicy meat wrapped in crispy tortillas, birria hands will blow your mind. A modern take on the classic birria taco, this handheld version fuses melted cheese, rich consommé-drenched meat, and crispy tortillas—all stacked into a mouth-watering street-style package.
Not only is this dish flavor-packed, but it’s also deeply rooted in Mexican culinary tradition. And guess what? You don’t need to be a chef to make it. This birria hands recipe is beginner-friendly, made with accessible ingredients, and guaranteed to become a favorite at home.
Looking for more taco inspiration? Check out our crispy tinga tostadas or spicy barbacoa bowls next.
Table of Contents
WHAT ARE BIRRIA HANDS?
Birria hands are a modern street-style twist on the traditional Mexican birria taco, made to be handheld, cheesy, and super saucy. The name comes from the inevitable mess your hands get into—dripping with consommé, meat juices, and melted cheese. But that’s the fun of it.
Originally from Jalisco, Mexico, birria is a meat stew (often goat or beef) slowly cooked in a spiced chili sauce. Today, birria hands elevate this by turning it into a taco-style snack with:
- Shredded, tender beef or lamb
- Cheese-stuffed tortillas fried in consommé
- A dipping sauce that’s bold and spicy
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
Meat & Marinade:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (or short ribs)
- 3 dried guajillo chiles (seeded)
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 1 dried pasilla chile
- 1 chipotle in adobo (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 white onion, halved
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3 cloves
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- Salt to taste
Tortillas & Toppings:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Optional Garnishes:
- Pickled red onions
- Jalapeño slices
- Radishes
HOW TO MAKE BIRRIA HANDS (STEP-BY-STEP)
1. Prepare the Birria Meat
- Soak dried chiles in hot water for 10 minutes until softened.
- In a blender, combine soaked chiles, chipotle, garlic, vinegar, spices, and 1/2 cup broth. Blend until smooth.
- Coat beef with this marinade and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
- Cook beef with marinade, onion, and water in a Dutch oven or Instant Pot until tender. (3 hours stove, 45 minutes pressure cooker)
2. Make the Consommé Sauce
- Remove beef, shred it, and reserve the broth.
- Strain broth to create consommé.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Keep meat warm by placing it in a portion of the consommé.
3. Assemble the Birria Hands
- Heat a skillet or griddle to medium.
- Dip tortillas in the surface of the consommé.
- Add shredded beef and cheese to one half of the tortilla.
- Fold and cook until crispy and golden on both sides.
- Serve hot with dipping consommé on the side.
TIPS FOR AUTHENTIC FLAVOR
- Use bone-in beef cuts like short ribs or shank for deeper flavor.
- Let the meat marinate overnight.
- Dip tortillas only briefly to avoid tearing.
- Don’t skip the cheese—it balances the heat and richness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Serve birria hands with:
- A bowl of consommé for dipping
- Chopped onions and cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Homemade salsa
- Mexican rice or beans
Want the full meal? Try our street corn elotes or frijoles charros on the side.
STORAGE & REHEATING
- Store cooked meat in broth in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in skillet or oven with extra cheese for best results.
NUTRITION FACTS (Per Birria Hand)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 2g
FAQs ABOUT BIRRIA
What does birria mean in slang?
In slang, birria can refer to something messy, juicy, or intense—reflecting the experience of eating the dish. It’s also a playful way to describe craving something badly.
What is birria made of?
Birria is made from goat or beef, slow-cooked in a sauce of dried chiles, spices, and vinegar. The meat becomes extremely tender and flavorful.
How unhealthy is birria?
Birria can be high in fat and sodium, especially when cheese is added. Moderation and balance with fresh toppings or grilled vegetables can make it more nutritious.
What part of the animal is birria?
Birria typically uses cuts like chuck roast, beef shank, or goat shoulder—parts that benefit from slow cooking for maximum tenderness.
CONCLUSION
Making birria hands is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. Every bite delivers spicy consommé, juicy meat, melted cheese, and that perfect tortilla crunch. It’s messy, satisfying, and totally worth it.
Hungry for more Mexican comfort dishes? Check out our one-skillet enchilada rice or crispy carnitas quesadillas.
Orphan links:
Check out Mexican mole sauces
Check out Homemade tortilla chips