As I was stirring the simmering pot, the intoxicating aroma of dried chiles and roasted tomatoes instantly transported me to the vibrant streets of Jalisco, where traditional flavors intertwine with innovative twists. My Spicy Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias are a delightful embrace of comfort food that leaves my taste buds dancing with joy. Using juicy oyster mushrooms and tender jackfruit, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying way to indulge in a plant-based delight without the fuss. Whether you’re rolling them up in warm corn tortillas or creating gooey quesabirrias dipped in a rich broth, each bite is a celebration of texture and flavor. Who’s ready to take taco night to a whole new level?

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Why Vegan Birria Tacos?

Deliciously Unique: These vegan birria tacos offer a remarkable twist on traditional flavors—every bite bursts with rich, savory notes from roasted tomatoes and seasoned jackfruit.
Versatile Servings: Enjoy them as classic tacos, cheesy quesabirrias, or even as a comforting soup, making them perfect for any occasion!
Quick & Easy: This recipe comes together swiftly, saving you time while satisfying your cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for guests and family alike, even those who aren’t following plant-based diets will adore these tacos.
Nutritious Comfort: With a heartwarming blend of ingredients, these tacos are not only comforting but also loaded with plant-based goodness.
Take your taco night to the next level with these delectable Spicy Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias!

Vegan Birria Tacos Ingredients

• Dive into the essential elements that make these tacos a flavor-packed delight.

For the Filling

  • Young Green Jackfruit – A perfect meat substitute; just drain and rinse to reduce brine flavor.
  • Oyster Mushrooms – Adds delightful texture and umami flavor; feel free to swap with other mushrooms if desired.

For the Sauce

  • Chiles Ancho, Guajillo, Pasilla, Morita – Infuses depth and heat; adjust types for your preferred spice level.
  • Roma Tomatoes – Sweetens the sauce beautifully; roasting intensifies their flavor.
  • Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics; roast peeled and unpeeled for a deeper flavor.
  • Spices (Allspice, Black Peppercorns, Cloves, Cumin, Cinnamon, Oregano, Thyme, Marjoram, Ground Ginger) – Build layers of flavor; toasting spices beforehand enhances their aroma.

For Assembly

  • Vegetable Broth – Adds liquid for simmering; adjust to control brothiness.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – Brightens flavors with a splash of acidity; crucial for balancing the dish.
  • Corn Tortillas – The classic base for serving; warm them up for the best taste.
  • Vegan Cheese (Optional) – Brings creaminess to quesabirrias; use your favorite melting brand for the best results.

Each ingredient comes together to create magic in these Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria

Step 1: Prepare Jackfruit
Begin by draining and rinsing the young green jackfruit to eliminate excess brine flavor. In a pot, combine the jackfruit with half of an onion, a bay leaf, and enough water to cover. Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes, then drain and squeeze out the excess liquid. Set the jackfruit aside, ready to manifest its marvelous texture within the Vegan Birria Tacos.

Step 2: Make Sauce
Toast the dried chiles (ancho, guajillo, pasilla, morita) in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until fragrant. Next, soak these chiles in boiling water for 15 minutes to soften them. While they soak, char the remaining onion, tomatoes, and garlic cloves in the same skillet until slightly blackened, then blend all sauce ingredients until smooth. Strain the mixture to achieve a velvety texture.

Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Jackfruit
In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the oyster mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown—about 5-7 minutes. Add the prepared jackfruit to the skillet and cook until lightly browned. Pour in the smooth sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld before adding vegetable broth. Simmer for an additional 25 minutes until everything is tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Assemble Tacos/Quesabirrias
To assemble the Vegan Birria Tacos, warm up the corn tortillas on a skillet until soft. Fill each tortilla with the savory jackfruit and mushroom mixture, topping with diced onions and cilantro. For quesabirrias, dip the tortillas briefly in the leftover broth, then fill with a generous amount of vegan cheese and the “meat.” Fold the tortillas in half and cook in a skillet until golden and crisp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, serving them with the rich broth for dipping.

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Make Ahead Options

These Spicy Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can make the sauce and sauté the jackfruit and mushrooms up to 3 days in advance. Simply prepare the sauce as directed and let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container. For the jackfruit and mushrooms, sauté them and let them cool before storage. When you’re ready to serve, warm the sauce and filling on the stove until heated through. Assemble your tacos or quesabirrias, and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort—just as delicious as when made fresh!

Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias Variations

Feel free to get creative and make these tacos and quesabirrias your own delicious masterpiece!

  • Mushroom Medley: Substitute oyster mushrooms with portobello or shiitake for an earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
  • Cheesy Delight: Add a blend of your favorite vegan cheeses to the filling for an extra creamy quesabirria experience that melts beautifully.
  • Tortilla Swap: Use flour tortillas instead of corn for a softer texture, offering a delightful variation to the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Kick: Add more chipotle chiles to the sauce for a smoky heat that dances on your palate and keeps you coming back for more.
  • Hearty Greens: Toss in some sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrition and a pop of color that enhances the dish’s look and flavor.
  • Broth Boost: Enhance the broth by adding a splash of lime juice for brightness and a pinch of smoked paprika for an additional flavor dimension.
  • Sweet Twist: Incorporate a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar into the sauce for just a hint of sweetness that balances the spices.
  • Vegan Queso: Mix in some homemade or store-bought vegan queso into your filling for a decadent, cheesy infusion that won’t disappoint.

Each variation will provide a unique, personalized touch to your Spicy Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias, making the dish even more fun for you and your family. Happy cooking!

What to Serve with Spicy Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias

These delightful plant-based tacos call for a perfect accompaniment to elevate your meal experience.

  • Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing side dish that balances the bold flavors of the tacos, adding a zesty brightness with every bite.
  • Refried Black Beans: Creamy and hearty, these beans create a comforting, protein-packed addition, perfect for scooping up the tacos or quesabirrias.
  • Pickled Red Onions: Tangy and crunchy, these add a punch of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling. Plus, they bring a pop of color to your plate!
    Warm, inviting, and packed with flavor, they elevate your vegan birria experience from simply delicious to downright unforgettable.
  • Guacamole: Creamy and rich, a fresh guacamole offers a luscious texture that contrasts with the firm taco shell and savory filling, making every bite a festival of flavors.
  • Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled, buttery corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder is a multitudes of textures and sweet earthiness complementing the rich tacos perfectly.
  • Chilled Horchata: This sweet, creamy rice drink is the ideal way to wash down the spices from your tacos, refreshing your palate and enhancing the overall dining experience.

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Birria Tacos

Fridge: Keep the Vegan Birria Tacos in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This helps maintain their vibrant flavors and textures, making them easy to enjoy later.

Freezer: For long-term storage, place the tacos in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil. They’ll stay fresh for up to 6 months. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference!

Reheating: Thaw frozen tacos overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed to revive moisture.

Leftover Sauce: If you have extra sauce, store it separately in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for future use! It pairs beautifully with the tacos or other meals.

Expert Tips for Vegan Birria Tacos

  • Chili Soaking: Ensure dried chiles are soaked well to avoid bitterness; this enhances the overall flavor of your Vegan Birria Tacos.
  • Jackfruit Magic: Squeeze jackfruit thoroughly to remove excess water, which helps achieve a better texture in your tacos.
  • Smooth Sauce: Use a high-speed blender for a silky sauce; this ensures that all spices and flavors blend seamlessly in your tacos.
  • Make Ahead: Prep your sauce a day in advance to deepen the flavors, saving you time and boosting the taste of your Vegan Birria Tacos.
  • Customize Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices or chiles to personalize the heat in your Vegan Birria Tacos, making them uniquely yours.

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Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select jackfruit?
Absolutely! When choosing young green jackfruit, look for cans labeled “green jackfruit” in brine or water, which will give the best texture for tacos. Fresh jackfruit can be tough to find, but canned works perfectly; just make sure to drain and rinse it well!

How long can I store leftover Vegan Birria Tacos in the fridge?
Very! You can keep your Vegan Birria Tacos in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This ensures that the flavors remain vibrant and the textures stay enjoyable for your next meal.

Can I freeze Vegan Birria Tacos and for how long?
Absolutely! For freezing, place the tacos in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in foil. They’ll last for up to 6 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of freshness!

What should I do if my sauce is too spicy?
If your sauce ends up a bit spicier than you’d like, don’t worry! You can balance the heat by adding a splash of coconut milk or more vegetable broth to dilute the spiciness. Alternatively, some diced tomatoes can also help cool things down.

Are there any common allergens in Vegan Birria Tacos I should be aware of?
Very! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, but always double-check labels for processed ingredients like vegetable broth and vegan cheese, which may contain allergens. If you’re preparing for guests, it’s wise to ask about any specific dietary restrictions.

How can I reheat leftover Vegan Birria Tacos?
For reheating, thaw the frozen tacos overnight in the fridge if they were frozen. Then, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of vegetable broth to maintain moisture. This helps bring back that delicious taco experience!

Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria

Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria: Flavorful Plant-Based Twist

Discover Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria – a delightful plant-based take on traditional flavors with juicy mushrooms and jackfruit.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Best Recipes
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Filling
  • 1 can Young Green Jackfruit Drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Oyster Mushrooms Or other mushrooms if desired
Sauce
  • 2 pieces Chiles Ancho For depth and heat
  • 2 pieces Chiles Guajillo Adjust for spice level
  • 2 pieces Chiles Pasilla Adjust for spice level
  • 2 pieces Chiles Morita Adjust for spice level
  • 4 pieces Roma Tomatoes Roasted for flavor
  • 1 piece Onion Roasted for deep flavor
  • 4 cloves Garlic Roasted for deep flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Cloves Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 stick Cinnamon Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Marjoram Toasting enhances aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Toasting enhances aroma
Assembly
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth To adjust brothiness
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar For balancing flavors
  • 8 pieces Corn Tortillas Warm for best taste
  • 1 cup Vegan Cheese Optional for quesabirrias

Equipment

  • skillet
  • pot
  • blender

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Drain and rinse the young green jackfruit, then simmer with onion and bay leaf for 10 minutes.
  2. Toast dried chiles, soak in boiling water for 15 minutes, then blend all sauce ingredients until smooth.
  3. Cook oyster mushrooms until golden, then add jackfruit and sauce, simmer for 25 minutes.
  4. Warm corn tortillas, fill with mixture, and optionally dip for quesabirrias before cooking until golden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 9gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Prep sauce a day in advance for enhanced flavors. Thaw frozen tacos overnight before reheating.

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