Introduction
Craving authentic Mexican flavor while staying low-carb? This keto-friendly birria recipe delivers all the richness and satisfaction of traditional birria, without the carb-heavy ingredients. Whether you’re managing your macros or just exploring low-carb cooking, this dish brings you deep flavor and flexibility.
At AdrianRecipes.com, we specialize in crafting flavorful recipes that fit your health goals. This birria guide walks you through ingredients, preparation, variations, and pro tips to help you master this crowd-pleaser.
Want more keto Mexican ideas? Try our Keto Carnitas Recipe next.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Keto Birria Recipe
- Traditional flavor with keto-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep or family dinners
- Tender, slow-cooked meat packed with spices
- Sugar-free, gluten-free, and low in net carbs
- Can be used for tacos, bowls, or even soups
What is Birria?
Birria is a beloved Mexican stew made with meat simmered in a spiced chile broth. Traditionally served at celebrations, its deep flavor comes from dried chiles, garlic, herbs, and slow cooking.
This keto version of birria retains that authentic profile using low-carb swaps—no tortillas, no sugar, and zero flour thickeners.
Ingredients for Keto-Friendly Birria
Meat
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast (or a mix of goat and lamb)
- 1 pound beef short ribs or oxtail (adds fat and flavor)
Dried Chiles
- 4 dried guajillo chiles
- 2 dried ancho chiles
- 1 dried pasilla chile
Aromatics & Spices
- 1 small white onion, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Liquids
- 3 cups beef broth (no sugar added)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
- Keto-friendly cheese
How to Make Keto Birria (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Step 1: Prep the Chiles
- Remove stems and seeds from all dried chiles.
- Toast lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant (about 30 seconds per side).
- Soak in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a high-speed blender, add:
- Soaked chiles
- Garlic
- Onion
- Spices (cumin, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, salt, pepper)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Apple cider vinegar
Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot.
- Brown meat on all sides (in batches if needed).
- Set aside.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
- Return meat to pot.
- Pour sauce over meat.
- Add remaining beef broth and bay leaves.
- Cover and simmer on low for 3 hours or until meat is fork-tender.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
- Remove meat and shred with forks.
- Strain the sauce for a smooth consommé (optional).
- Return shredded meat to broth, or serve separately for tacos.
Serving Suggestions
- Keto Birria Tacos: Use cheese tortillas or low-carb tortillas
- Birria Bowl: Serve meat over cauliflower rice with broth
- Birria Soup: Ladle meat and broth into a bowl with lime and cilantro
- Birria Lettuce Wraps: A crunchy, ultra-low-carb alternative
Keto Birria Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator
- Store meat and broth in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
Freezer
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Reheat gently in a pot on the stove over medium heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
Variations of Keto Birria
- Chicken Birria: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Lamb Birria: Traditional in Jalisco, rich in flavor
- Spicy Birria: Add chipotle or more ancho chiles
- Birria Quesadillas: Use keto tortillas with cheese filling
- Birria Egg Bake: Combine shredded meat with eggs for a savory breakfast
FAQs about Keto-Friendly Birria
What are the ingredients for birria tacos?
Birria tacos traditionally use stewed meat, consommé, chopped onions, cilantro, and corn tortillas. In keto versions, we swap corn tortillas for low-carb or cheese tortillas while keeping the meat and broth authentic.
What is birria taco sauce made of?
The sauce, or consommé, is made from dried chiles (like guajillo, ancho), garlic, onions, and aromatic spices blended with beef broth. It’s simmered with meat and reduced to a rich, flavorful broth.
What does birria mean in tacos?
“Birria” refers to the stewed meat itself. When used in tacos, it typically means the tacos are filled with this tender meat and often dipped in the accompanying consommé before being seared on a griddle.
What is in traditional birria?
Traditional birria uses goat or beef, dried chiles, garlic, onion, bay leaves, and regional spices. It’s slow-cooked to infuse deep flavor, usually enjoyed during holidays or celebrations.
Recipes You May Like
- Keto Chicken Enchiladas – Low-carb tortillas with spicy filling.
- Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice – The perfect birria side.
- Keto Carne Asada – Grilled flavor with no carbs.
Conclusion
Keto-Friendly Birria is the perfect blend of flavor, tradition, and nutrition. It proves that you don’t need carbs to enjoy Mexican comfort food at its finest. With its deep consommé, tender meat, and versatility, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to week after week.