Birria, a traditional Mexican beef or goat stew slow-cooked with spices and chilies, has gained immense popularity in the U.S. in recent years. It has seen a 412% increase on restaurant menus, with chains like Qdoba, El Pollo Loco, and Taco Bell adding their own versions of birria to their offerings. The dish has its roots in Jalisco, Mexico, where it was made with goat meat and chilies brought by European settlers.
The rise of birria’s popularity in the U.S. can be attributed to social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok, where influencers and food enthusiasts shared mouth-watering images and videos of birria tacos and consommé. This exposure led to a broader audience discovering and falling in love with the flavors of birria.
The versatility of birria as a protein has also contributed to its widespread appeal. It can be incorporated into various dishes such as quesadillas, grilled cheese, breakfast dishes, and even ramen. Large restaurant chains like Del Taco have successfully introduced birria-based items on their menus, leading to significant increases in sales and customer traffic.
Birria’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down, with predictions that its menu penetration will continue to grow over the next few years. Its flavorful and tender meat, slow-cooked with rich spices and chilies, has captured the hearts and taste buds of consumers across the U.S., making it a staple in the fast-food and casual dining scene.
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