Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria for Flavor Lovers

Hi I'm Stacy

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on 15 February 2026

Last Saturday, while exploring the vibrant streets of Jalisco, I stumbled upon a charming little taquería that served the most mesmerizing vegan birria tacos. The thought of recreating that mouthwatering experience at home inspired me to experiment with meaty oyster mushrooms and young jackfruit. Trust me—these Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria will blow you away with their bold flavors and delightful textures. With a quick prep time and tantalizing spice blend, they’re perfect for a weeknight meal or sharing with friends during casual gatherings. Just layer them in warm corn tortillas, and you’ve got an easy, comforting dish that’s sure to impress—or shall I say, a real crowd-pleaser. Ready to take your taste buds on a delicious adventure? Let’s dive in!

Why Vegan Birria Tacos Shine

Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a blend of spicy and savory notes, thanks to the mix of dried chiles, roasted tomatoes, and spices, making it an unforgettable experience.
Textural Delight: The meaty oyster mushrooms and young jackfruit provide a satisfying bite that rivals traditional birria.
Easy Preparation: Minimal prep time ensures you can whip up this delight even on busy weeknights without sacrificing quality.
Versatile Options: Enjoy as tacos for a quick meal or elevate them into quesabirrias for a cheesy twist—both options are guaranteed to impress! For other creative variations, don’t forget to check out Mac Cheese Comfort for a delightful side dish.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Perfect for gatherings, these tacos are sure to win over friends and family alike! Indulge in a satisfying meal that’s plant-based yet packed with flavor.

Vegan Birria Tacos Ingredients

For the Filling

Oyster Mushrooms – These provide a meaty texture; shred them for the best results.
Young Green Jackfruit – Use this for a satisfying meat-like consistency; make sure it’s well-drained.
White Onion – Adds natural sweetness to the mix; chop finely for even distribution.
Bay Leaf – Enhances the aromatic quality during cooking; remember to remove it before serving.

For the Sauce

Dried Chiles (Ancho, Guajillo, Pasilla, Morita) – They form the flavorful backbone of the sauce; feel free to adjust spice levels to your taste.
Roma Tomatoes – These add acidity and sweetness; char them for a fuller flavor.
Garlic – Boosts flavor; char unpeeled cloves to deepen the flavor profile.
Whole Spices (Allspice, Peppercorns, Cloves, Cumin) – Toasting these spices intensifies their flavors; don’t skip this step!
Ceylon Cinnamon – Provides warmth; any type of cinnamon can work if you’re in a pinch.
Dried Herbs (Marjoram, Thyme, Oregano) – Add complexity to the sauce; opt for fresh if you have them.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Balances the flavors with its acidity; a key ingredient for the sauce.

For Assembly

Corn Tortillas – Essential for serving; warm them up for a better texture.
Cilantro & White Onion (for garnish) – Fresh herbs and onion enhance the final presentation; chop finely.
Vegan Cheese (optional) – Adds creaminess to quesabirrias; feel free to omit for a lighter version.

For Cooking

Vegetable Oil – Used for sautéing; omit for a no-oil version using broth instead.
Vegetable Broth – Adds moisture and depth; adjust for desired consistency in the filling.

Discover the delightful flavors of Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias with these carefully selected ingredients that will elevate your home-cooked meal!

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

Step 1: Prepare the Jackfruit
Begin by draining and rinsing the young green jackfruit thoroughly to remove excess brine. In a pot, combine the jackfruit with half a chopped white onion and a bay leaf, then cover with water and simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes. Once done, drain again, squeezing out any moisture, and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
Toast the dried chiles in a dry pan over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Transfer the chiles to a bowl, cover with boiling water, and let them soak for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, char the Roma tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves directly on a grill or in a hot skillet until blackened; then blend with the soaked chiles, straining in the soaking water as needed until smooth.

Step 3: Sauté the Ingredients
In a large pot, heat a splash of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add shredded oyster mushrooms, sautéing until they turn golden brown and start to crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Incorporate the prepared jackfruit into the pot, cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing both components to get well acquainted.

Step 4: Combine the Filling
Pour the blended sauce and enough vegetable broth into the pot to cover the filling mixture generously. Stir well to ensure everything is coated in the rich sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen, and season to taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Once the filling has simmered, drain any excess liquid if necessary. Warm the corn tortillas on a skillet until pliable, then spoon in the savory mixture, garnishing each taco with chopped cilantro and additional white onion. Serve these delicious vegan birria tacos with the remaining sauce for dipping.

Step 6: Create Quesabirrias (optional)
For a cheesy delight, dip each tortilla briefly into the leftover broth, then fill with the sauce, jackfruit mix, and a sprinkle of vegan cheese, if using. Fold the tortillas and cook on a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden brown. Serve these mouthwatering quesabirrias with broth for a true indulgence!

How to Store and Freeze Vegan Birria Tacos

Fridge: Store leftover Vegan Birria Tacos in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It keeps the flavors fresh and allows for easy reheating.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the filling in an airtight container for up to 6 months. This makes for a quick meal when you’re craving tacos!

Reheating: To enjoy, thaw the filling in the fridge overnight, then gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

Assembly Tip: If storing assembled tacos, consider keeping the filling and tortillas separate to maintain the right texture. Enjoy a comforting meal anytime!

Make Ahead Options

These Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance, which enhances the flavors even further. Simply toast the chiles, char the tomatoes, and blend, then store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The jackfruit filling can also be assembled, or simply store the sautéed mushrooms and jackfruit separately for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, ensure everything is cooled before refrigerating, and always reheat well before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos or quesabirrias, diving into a delicious meal with all the rich flavors preserved!

What to Serve with Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirrias

Elevate your taco night with delectable sides and drinks that perfectly enhance the vibrant flavors of these dishes.

Cilantro Lime Rice: This aromatic rice adds a zesty brightness that complements the rich spices of the birria beautifully.
Fresh Salsa Verde: A tangy, vibrant sauce made with tomatillos provides a refreshing kick that balances the hearty flavors.
Guacamole: Creamy, avocado goodness enriched with lime and jalapeño enhances texture and adds a luscious element to your meal.
Fried Plantains: Sweet and crispy, these play off the spices in the tacos, offering a delightful contrast in flavor.
Mexican Street Corn: Charred corn slathered with creamy sauce and crumbly cheese adds a smoky sweetness—the ultimate fun finger food.
Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add a protein-rich side that pairs well with the birria while providing a hearty addition.
Chilled Horchata: This sweet, creamy rice drink is the perfect complement to balance out the spices and ignite a touch of nostalgia.
Key Lime Pie: For dessert, this tangy dessert brings the meal full circle with its refreshing and vibrant flavor profile.
Spicy Pickled Vegetables: A jar of tangy pickled onions or jalapeños adds a crunchy, zesty bite that wakes up your palate.
Crisp Salad: A simple mixed greens salad topped with lime vinaigrette offers a fresh crunch that balances the richness of your tacos.

Expert Tips for Vegan Birria Tacos

Jackfruit Essentials: Thoroughly rinse and drain young green jackfruit to remove excess brine, ensuring the filling has the right flavor and texture.
Toast Spices: Don’t skip toasting whole spices like allspice and cumin; this step intensifies their flavors, creating a richer sauce for your vegan birria tacos.
Correct Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of dried chiles according to your spice tolerance to ensure a perfect balance in your sauce.
No-Oil Cooking Option: Use a non-stick pan and add vegetable broth in place of oil to sauté the mushrooms, keeping the dish oil-free while still achieving great flavors.
Taco Assembly Tips: Warm corn tortillas on a hot skillet to maintain flexibility; this ensures they won’t break when filled with your delicious jackfruit mixture.
Flavor Boost: Drizzle apple cider vinegar into your filling mixture while simmering for an extra pop of acidity that beautifully balances the richness of the Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria.

Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria Variations

Feel free to personalize your Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria with these creative swaps and twists that spark joy in every bite.

Mushroom Boost: Add more shredded oyster mushrooms for an even heartier texture. This builds depth while still keeping it entirely plant-based.
Spice Up: Experiment with chipotle chilies for a smoky heat that kicks the flavor up a notch. This little addition offers a beautiful complexity, enhancing that vibrant flavor profile.
Cheese Change: Try cashew cheese or any other preferred vegan cheese in place of the usual. This creamy element creates a delightful contrast with the savory filling.
Fresh Additions: Top your tacos with fresh avocado or tangy pickled onions for pops of flavor and texture. This not only looks gorgeous but also adds freshness to each bite.
Swap Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas or even lettuce leaves to wrap your filling. It’s a fun way to enjoy this dish if you’re looking for lighter options.
Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like mint or parsley for a refreshing twist. These herbs bring a lightness to the dish, making every bite feel vibrant.
Citrus Zest: Add a splash of fresh lime juice to the filling just before assembling to elevate the flavors. Citrus balances the richness beautifully and adds a cheerful brightness.
Fiery Fun: Increase the heat by adding jalapeños or serrano peppers into the filling or as a topping. The crunchy, spicy bits will thrill heat lovers!

The possibilities are endless! For further ideas on tantalizing tacos, don’t forget to check out Fish Tacos Mango for a burst of refreshing zing, or if you’re interested in creative combinations, Carne Picada Journey might serve as further inspiration. Whichever variations you choose, your taco adventure is bound to be delicious!

Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right jackfruit for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, use young green jackfruit packed in brine to mimic that satisfying meat-like texture. Make sure to drain and rinse it thoroughly prior to cooking, as this helps remove any excess saltiness from the brine.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
After enjoying your delicious Vegan Birria Tacos, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors intact and makes reheating a breeze!

Can I freeze the filling for later use?
Very! To freeze the Vegan Birria filling, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

What should I do if my filling is too dry?
If your jackfruit filling comes out a bit dry, don’t worry! Just add a splash of vegetable broth or water during reheating. This will help to rehydrate the filling and bring back that rich, saucy consistency!

Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Make sure to check the labels, but generally, this Vegan Birria Tacos and Quesabirria recipe is free of common allergens like gluten and dairy. However, if you’re cooking for someone with specific allergies, always confirm the ingredients, especially with store-bought items like vegetable broth and vegan cheese, which can vary.

Can I modify the spice level of the sauce?
Absolutely! You can adjust the number of dried chiles according to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for fewer chiles, or remove the seeds before blending. On the other hand, if you crave more heat, feel free to add extra chiles or a dash of hot sauce to the mix!