Are Birria Tacos Spicy? The Complete Guide to Heat Levels & Customization

Are birria tacos spicy? Yes, but not as spicy as many people assume. Traditional birria tacos have a mild to moderate heat level that enhances flavor rather than overwhelming the palate. The spice comes from a blend of dried chilies like ancho, guajillo, and pasilla, which provide rich, complex flavors with only moderate heat. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain exactly how spicy birria tacos are, how to adjust the heat level to your preference, and provide expert tips for making perfect birria tacos at home or choosing the right pre-made kits.

What Are Birria Tacos?

Birria tacos originated from the state of Jalisco in Mexico and are traditionally made using goat or beef meat cooked in a rich, flavorful broth infused with dried chilies, spices, and herbs. The meat is often shredded and then dipped into the same broth before being stuffed into corn tortillas. These tacos are usually served with melted cheese (quesabirria style) and accompanied by a small bowl of consommé for dipping.

Is Birria Naturally Spicy?

The spice level in traditional birria comes primarily from dried chilies used in the broth. Most authentic recipes use a combination of ancho, guajillo, and pasilla chilies, which provide rich flavor with moderate heat rather than intense spiciness. Here's a detailed breakdown of the typical chilies used:

Chili Type	Flavor Profile	Heat Level (Scoville Units)
Ancho	Sweet, fruity, mild earthiness	1,000 – 2,000 SHU
Guajillo	Tea-like, citrusy, and tangy	2,500 – 5,000 SHU
Pasilla	Raisin-like, smoky, slightly bitter	1,000 – 2,500 SHU
Arbol	Nutty, grassy, sharp bite	15,000 – 30,000 SHU

Most traditional birria broths use a combination of anchos and guajillos, which offer a deep, smoky flavor without overwhelming heat. So, while there is definitely some spice present, it's more about adding complexity than burning your mouth off. Authentic Mexican restaurants typically serve birria with moderate heat that emphasizes flavor complexity rather than intense spiciness.

How to Adjust the Heat Level

The beauty of birria tacos lies in their customizability. Whether you're serving them at a family dinner or cooking solo, you can easily dial the spice level up or down depending on your audience. Here are some pro tips:

• For Milder Tacos:
  • Use only ancho and pasilla chilies.
  • Remove the seeds and veins from the chilies before soaking.
  • Add a splash of orange juice or vinegar for brightness without the burn.
• For Spicier Tacos:
  • Incorporate a few arbol chilies into your blend.
  • Leave the seeds in when soaking the chilies.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Serve with a side of habanero salsa or pickled jalapeños.

Making Your Own Customized Birria Tacos at Home

If you've ever thought about making birria tacos from scratch but were intimidated by the process, worry not! This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through how to create perfectly seasoned birria tacos tailored to your spice preferences.

Step-by-Step Birria Taco Recipe

1. Gather Ingredients:
   • Beef chuck roast or goat meat (3–4 lbs)
   • Dried chilies (choose based on desired spice level)
   • Garlic cloves
   • Onion
   • Tomato
   • Cumin, oregano, bay leaf
   • Apple cider vinegar
   • Salt and black pepper
   • Corn tortillas
   • Queso Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese
2. Prepare the Chile Sauce:
   • Toast the dried chilies in a dry skillet until fragrant.
   • Soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.
   • Blend with garlic, onion, tomato, vinegar, and spices until smooth.
3. Cook the Meat:
   • Season meat with salt and pepper, sear in a pot until browned.
   • Pour in the blended sauce and simmer for 2–3 hours until tender.
   • Shred the meat and mix it back into the sauce.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Dip tortillas into the birria broth.
   • Fill with cheese and meat, fold, and cook on a griddle until crispy.
   • Serve with extra broth on the side for dipping.

Buying Guide: Where to Buy Pre-Made Birria Kits & What to Look For

Not ready to tackle the full birria-making process at home? No problem! There are now several pre-made birria kits and seasoning mixes available online and in stores. Here's a breakdown of top products and what makes them stand out:

Product Name	Key Features	Heat Level	Best For
Mrs. Taste Birria Seasoning Mix	All-purpose seasoning for meats and sauces; no preservatives	Mild to medium	Beginners and casual cooks
Goya Birria Seasoning	Easily blends into broths; authentic Mexican flavor	Mild	Quick weeknight meals
Bueno Foods Birria Kit	Complete kit with masa, chilies, and instructions	Moderate	Hands-on cooks looking for authenticity
Del Real Foods Ready-to-Eat Birria Beef	Pre-cooked, refrigerated birria beef in savory sauce	Mild to moderate	Meal prep enthusiasts and busy families
La Costeña Birria de Res en Salsa	Canned birria beef with thick, spicy sauce	Moderate to spicy	Foodies and spice lovers

Things to Consider When Buying

• Spice Level: Always check the label or reviews to see if the product leans mild or spicy.
• Ingredients: Opt for kits with real dried chilies instead of artificial flavorings.
• Usage: Decide if you want a complete meal kit, just seasoning, or fully prepared birria meat.
• Brand Authenticity: Stick to trusted Mexican brands like Goya, Bueno Foods, and Del Real Foods for authentic results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birria Tacos and Spice Levels

Are birria tacos naturally spicy?

Birria tacos have a mild to moderate spice level depending on the chilies used in the broth. Traditional recipes typically use a combination of ancho and guajillo chilies which provide rich flavor with moderate heat rather than extreme spiciness. Most authentic birria has a gentle warmth that enhances the complex flavors rather than overwhelming heat.

What chilies are used in traditional birria that affect the spice level?

Traditional birria uses a blend of dried chilies including ancho (mild, sweet, 1,000-2,000 SHU), guajillo (moderate, 2,500-5,000 SHU), pasilla (mild to moderate, 1,000-2,500 SHU), and sometimes arbol (spicy, 15,000-30,000 SHU). The combination and proportions determine the final heat level.

How can I make birria tacos less spicy?

To reduce the spice level: use only ancho and pasilla chilies, remove seeds and veins from chilies before soaking, add orange juice or vinegar for brightness without heat, and balance with dairy like cheese or yogurt. Serving with lime wedges can also help counteract spiciness.

Can I make birria tacos spicier than traditional recipes?

Absolutely! To increase heat: add arbol or even habanero chilies to your blend, keep the seeds and veins when preparing chilies, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes, or serve with spicy accompaniments like habanero salsa or pickled jalapeños. You can also reduce the amount of sweet elements like orange in the recipe.

How does the spice level of birria tacos compare to regular tacos?

Birria tacos generally have more complex, layered heat compared to standard street tacos. While regular tacos might have fresh salsa on top (which can vary in heat), birria's spice is infused throughout the meat and broth. However, traditional birria isn't typically "hot" but rather warmly spiced to enhance the rich flavors.

Are restaurant birria tacos usually spicy?

Most authentic Mexican restaurants serve birria with moderate heat that emphasizes flavor complexity rather than intense spiciness. However, spice levels can vary significantly by establishment. Many places will ask about your spice preference or provide additional hot sauces on the side for customization.

What should I look for when buying pre-made birria kits to control spice level?

When purchasing pre-made kits, check the ingredient list for types of chilies used, look for products that specify their heat level (mild, medium, hot), read customer reviews mentioning spice level, and consider buying from brands that offer multiple heat options. Some kits separate the seasoning from the other components, allowing you to control the amount you use.

Conclusion: Spice It Up or Cool It Down — You Decide!

So, are birria tacos spicy? In most cases, they carry a gentle warmth that enhances the depth of flavor rather than scorches your tongue. But with just a few tweaks to the ingredients, you can turn up the heat or chill it out. Whether you're going full DIY or opting for a pre-made kit, birria tacos offer a delicious canvas for personalization.

Now that you know how to adjust the spice, grab your favorite toppings, melt some cheese, and get dipping. Because once you try a properly balanced birria taco, you'll never go back to plain old street tacos again.