birria

American  

[bih-ree-uh, bee-ree-ah] / ˈbɪ ri ə, ˈbi ri ɑ /

noun

Mexican Cooking.

1. a stew traditionally made of goat meat cooked with vinegar, garlic, herbs, spices, and chiles.

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Etymology

Origin of birria

First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish, from Spanish: “garbage, trash, worthless person or thing,” from Vulgar Latin verrea (unrecorded) “despicable thing, stubbornness,” from Latin verrēs “boar”

Explanation

Imagine a rich, flavorful stew that warms your soul — that's birria, a traditional Mexican dish often made with goat or beef, and simmered to delicious perfection. Birria (pronounced BEE-ree-ah) is a savory Mexican stew that originated in the the state of Jalisco. While it is traditionally made with goat meat, it can also be prepared with beef, lamb, or pork. The meat is marinated in a mix of chiles, spices, and herbs, then slow-cooked until tender. Birria is a popular dish that is often served with tortillas and garnished with onions, cilantro, and lime.

Example Sentences

House-made corn tortillas, and your choice of lamb, goat, or beef birria, served traditionally or as grilled cheesy tacos with a dipping consommé.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Regulars come for the al pastor and birria, but I brake for the goat tacos and other menu items you don’t often see around the Puget Sound area.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 28, 2024

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, try the birria tacos for $14.99 at Mercado Antojitos in Section 4 — served with Juanita’s chips, they were hot, oniony and made with decent tortillas.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 28, 2023

In a city where everyone already has their favorite taco spot, and the trend for fusion tacos long ago ended in favor of birria anything?

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 29, 2023

Another time, a family friend prepared birria de res, the beef stew we have eaten our entire lives but which has become ubiquitous in Southern California only in the past seven years.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2023