What To Serve With Birria Tacos? 16 BEST Side Dishes

Birria tacos are a flavorful, savory delight that has been taking the culinary world by storm. These Mexican-originated tacos, filled with tender, stewed meat that's full of spices, are incredibly satisfying.

However, as delectable as birria tacos are on their own, pairing them with the perfect side dishes elevates the meal. Here are 16 tasty sides that are perfect for birria tacos.

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The best side dishes to serve with birria tacos are pineapple salsa, cheese dip, guacamole, tostilocos, refried beans, ranchero sauce, chicken burrito bowl, Mexican street corn, pico de gallo, chiles rellenos, churros, Mexican rice, taco soup, black bean salad, taco salad, and chicken quesadillas.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple salsa is a fresh and fruity side dish that beautifully complements the savory depth of birria tacos. The sweetness of the pineapple, combined with the tanginess of lime and the heat of jalapeños, adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, meaty birria. Plus, the crunch of the fresh veggies in the salsa provides a satisfying texture contrast.

2. Cheese Dip

A creamy, savory cheese dip is another wonderful side to serve with birria tacos. The rich, cheesy flavor pairs wonderfully with the spiced meat, and if you like, you can add a bit of heat with chopped jalapeños or chilies. It's a comforting side that makes the meal even more indulgent.

3. Guacamole

Guacamole, with its creamy texture and fresh flavors, is a classic pairing for any taco, including birria. The richness of the avocado combined with the tangy burst from lime juice and the heat from jalapeños complements the savory, spicy birria meat wonderfully. It's a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty tacos.

4. Tostilocos

Tostilocos, a popular Mexican street snack, are an adventurous and fun side dish for birria tacos. They are basically Tostitos tortilla chips served with a variety of toppings like cucumber, jicama, lime juice, hot sauce, and Japanese peanuts. The crunchiness and array of flavors add a dynamic element to your taco feast.

5. Refried Beans

Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and for good reason. Their creamy, savory flavor and soft texture make them an excellent side dish for birria tacos. They add a comforting, homey element to the meal and their mild flavor balances the robust flavors of the tacos.

6. Ranchero Sauce

Ranchero sauce, a flavorful blend of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices, brings a spicy, tangy touch to the table. You can drizzle it on your tacos or use it as a dipping sauce for extra flavor. Its vibrant taste enhances the rich, complex flavors of birria tacos.

7. Chicken Burrito Bowl

A chicken burrito bowl offers a hearty, substantial side that balances with the birria tacos. It's filled with seasoned chicken, rice, beans, and a variety of toppings like salsa, cheese, and sour cream. Each component adds a different texture and flavor, making the meal more satisfying and varied.

8. Mexican Street Corn

Elotes, or Mexican street corn, is a flavorful side that brings a smoky, cheesy, and creamy element to your birria taco meal. Grilled corn is slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, and cotija cheese, delivering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that pairs perfectly with the rich tacos.

9. Pico de Gallo

Pico de gallo is a fresh, chunky salsa that adds a refreshing note to any meal. Its blend of ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and spicy jalapeños provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the savory depth of birria tacos.

10. Chiles Rellenos

Chiles rellenos, poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and then battered and fried, offer a spicy and cheesy side that harmonizes well with birria tacos. Their spicy, savory, and crispy features add an extra dimension of flavor and texture to your meal.

11. Churros

Who says you can't serve dessert alongside your main course? Churros, with their sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating and tender inside, can provide a sweet contrast to the savory, spicy birria tacos. Plus, they add a fun and unexpected element to your taco night.

12. Taco Soup

Taco soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that mirrors many of the flavors found in birria tacos. It's usually packed with ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a blend of delicious spices. The soup's robust, savory elements pair well with the complex, rich taste of the birria, creating a comprehensive Mexican culinary experience. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the essence of a taco in a warming, comforting format.

13. Mexican Rice

Mexican rice, with its savory, tomato-based flavor and soft texture, makes a great side for birria tacos. It's a comforting dish that pairs well with the rich, complex flavors of the tacos, and it helps to make the meal more filling.

14. Black Bean Salad

A black bean salad, with its mixture of black beans, corn, tomatoes, onions, and a zesty dressing, offers a light, refreshing side that balances the hearty tacos. The salad's bright flavors and varied textures complement the richness of the birria.

15. Taco Salad

A taco salad can be a fantastic side dish for birria tacos. It's a colorful, flavorful salad that features many of the same elements as a taco—lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a tangy dressing—but served in a bowl. The lightness of the salad provides a nice contrast to the hearty tacos.

16. Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas, filled with juicy, seasoned chicken and melty cheese, are a hearty and satisfying side dish for birria tacos. Their crispy tortilla exterior and savory filling provide a contrast in both texture and flavor to the birria tacos.

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