This article was updated on the 29th of August 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your birria tacos, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 15 of the most popular side dishes for birria tacos.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with birria tacos are birria consome, refried beans, Mexican street corn, cilantro-lime rice, creamy Mexican coleslaw, and red pepper taquitos. Try tropical guacamole, mango pico de gallo, or cucumber tomato avocado salad for a more refreshing side.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Extra Toppings
Spruce up your Birria tacos with these delicious toppings. While you can never go wrong with a classic pico de gallo, why not switch things up with tangy pickled onions?
Birria Consomé
4.9 ⭐️ (32 ratings) | 3 hrs 50 mins
There’s no magic in food without a sauce, right? That’s why Birria tacos without consomé for dipping aren’t truly complete.
This Mexican broth is the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy notes that’ll make your taste buds sing. Simply dunk your Birria tacos straight into the consomé and take a bite. The whole thing gets a bit messy, but it’s totally worth it.
Psst… pour leftover consomé over rice or noodles for a fun twist.
What readers are saying…
“The best ever!! Very flavorful and of course you can add your own spices, but this had the house smelling delicious.”
“Honestly the best recipe for birria ever. My fiancé rated it better than our local Mexican restaurant.”
“I have made this recipe a few times now and I love it… Will continue to make. I don’t really mess with the original recipe and just leave it as is as it works for me.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tomatillo Salsa Verde
4.9 ⭐️ (103 ratings) | 35 mins
Do you feel like your birria tacos need a little extra zing? Serve this vibrant tomatillo salsa verde on the side. It’s fresh, tangy, and has a subtle fieriness that complements the deep, meaty flavors of your tacos.
Plus, it’s easy to make and only calls for six ingredients: tomatillos, white onion, cilantro leaves, lime juice, serrano peppers, and salt. Garlic is optional, but I always add about 5 cloves when I make this salsa for an extra garlicky punch.
Serve this tomatillo salsa verde as a dipping sauce or as a dressing. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit.
What readers are saying…
“Very good–I doubled the garlic because you can never have enough garlic. I roasted my jalapeno and then removed the skin and chopped it up.”
“Made it basically to the recipe, including broiling the tomatillos and garlic, and it is a genuine treat!”
“It was fabulously delicious!! My first attempt at salsa verde but definitely not my last. This will be a family favorite for sure.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tropical Guacamole
Total Time: 10 mins
Is it possible to eat tacos without guacamole on the side? I don’t think so. But you don’t have to stick with your usual guac.
Transform it into something special by mixing in some fresh pineapple and mango chunks. These tropical fruits add pops of sweetness that meld well with the creaminess of your guac. It’s the perfect summer treat.
You’ll never want plain guacamole again!
What readers are saying…
“This is my new addiction! I found it on Pinterest, and now that summer is finally close it’s the perfect snack.”
“This guacamole looks so delicious with that mango and pineapple — and it’s perfect for football this weekend! 🙂”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🔥 Grilled Avocado Guacamole
😋 Green Pea Guacamole
🤩 Edamame Guacamole
Mango Pico de Gallo
5.0 ⭐️ (103 ratings) | 5 mins
If you want something sweet to pair with your birria tacos, why not try mango pico de gallo?
After all, sweet and savory is always a good match. And don’t worry about this salsa being too sweet — the addition of garlic, the heat from the jalapenos, and the acidity from the lime and onions help balance the sweetness, giving you the perfect bite.
Another thing I love about this salsa is how pretty it looks. It instantly elevates any dish into an Insta-worthy plate.
What the chef says…
“This mango pico de gallo is the perfect dip to make ahead of time because it becomes more flavorful as it sits. In fact, I prefer making it one day before serving.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Pickled Onions
4.6 ⭐️ (63 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
I always like to have a jar of pickled onions in my fridge. They’re my go-to side dish when everything seems hectic in the kitchen.
They add a vibrant zing to any meal and easily cut through the richness of the birria filling.
And the best part is they couldn’t be any easier to make. The process involves minimal active cooking — you only need to heat the brine to ensure all the ingredients meld together.
The only catch? You do have to wait an hour before digging in these onions to ensure you get a nice tangy bite!
What readers are saying…
“I just love pickles of any kind! The longer you keep it in the fridge the better it will taste, and it goes with just anything.”
“This was so easy to make and fabulous. Will make again. Only used 1/2 of the large onion.”
“Love these pickled onions!! Not only do I eat them on these tacos but basically are good on any meal. Always have two jars in the fridge!! They are a must-make!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🌶 Pickled Jalapenos
🇲🇽 Escabeche (Mexican Pickled Vegetables)
Hearty Sides
Looking to indulge? Enjoy your Birria tacos with these hearty sides! They’re sure to leave you satisfied.
Cilantro Lime Rice
4.8 ⭐️ (15 ratings) | 35 mins
Rice is a quintessential pantry staple.
It’s easy to prepare and with a splash of lime, it’s the perfect addition to any Mexican menu. Stir in some cilantro and garlic, and you have a hearty but delightfully refreshing side.
I like adding a bit more fresh cilantro than the recipe calls for to achieve an extra citrusy kick, but no worries if you think cilantro has a ‘soapy’ taste. You can use fresh parsley or a medley of chives, dill, mint, and basil instead.
What readers are saying…
“I too love Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice. Making it at home is so much better. Your recipe is spot on, just more flavor. Loving it.”
“OMG. Made this recipe with dinner tonight and my boyfriend and I were literally eating it out of the pan before we could even serve it with dinner!”
“Next time I am doubling the recipe. There were no leftovers. My new favorite rice dish. My husband loved it!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Mexican Street Corn
5.0 ⭐️ (23 ratings) | 17 mins
Are you looking for a fun side for your birria tacos? Nothing beats grilled Mexican street corn.
Fondly known as elotes, this street corn is an ultimate must-have for any backyard BBQ. The smoky charred corn is drizzled with sour cream, lots of cheese, and some chili powder. They’re just as messy to eat as birria tacos, so provide napkins!
Psst… not in the mood to grill? Food with Feeling also provides instructions for roasting the corn in the oven.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe was really good. I didn’t have a few things so I had to make some substitutions.”
“This corn is amazing! I made it exactly as written and it turned out great! It reminded me of being in Mexico and buying Street Corn from a sidewalk vendor!”
“Delicious, an easy recipe! Making it for the third time this week for another dinner party. It was a huge hit at my last party and perfect for special day!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Spicy Refried Beans and Tortilla Chips
5.0 ⭐️ (25 ratings) | 40 mins
You could cheat and use refried beans from a can, but that would be doing a disservice to your birria tacos. Homemade is always best, and your tacos deserve the best!
These refried beans are warm, filling, and a little bit spicy — perfect for accompanying your tacos or scooping up with crunchy tortilla chips.
I used canned pinto beans when making this recipe. But if you opt for dried beans, soak them overnight or the beans will be too firm and you won’t get a silky smooth consistency.
What readers are saying…
“OMG! I’m never going back to canned refried beans again. These are so good! I used dried pinto beans and a tsp of ancho chili powder and a tsp of cumin. Definitely a keeper!”
“I didn’t know how easy it was to make refried beans. This is getting put into my monthly rotation.”
“These are perfect refried beans! Easy recipe – I didn’t change a thing. Cooking them again tonight for Cinco de Mayo.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Red Pepper and Lentil Taquitos
Total Time: 30 mins
Red pepper taquitos are a clever way to get some vegetables on the plate without anyone noticing.
They’re filled with red pepper (obviously) and lentils but still have a rich, smoky flavor. And they’re a great finger food, so your guests can grab as many pieces as they want. But I do have to warn you — these taquitos will run out fast. They’re a total crowd-pleaser!
All Types of Bowls serve these taquitos with homemade avocado crema, but you can also dip them in your Birria taco’s consomé if you fancy.
What the chef says…
“This recipe can be completely vegan by using dairy-free yogurt for the crema and sprinkling some dairy-free cheese on top.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
French Fries
5.0 ⭐️ (35 ratings) | 1 hr 15 mins
French fries aren’t a traditional side dish for birria tacos, but they work so well together!
These golden delights add a light crispy bite to contrast the tender tacos, and they’re great for soaking up your birria’s savory sauce and juices.
The trick with making fries from scratch is frying them twice. This technique gives them perfectly crisp exteriors that stay that way!
What readers are saying…
“I had to leave a review because you just ended a years-long search for actual crispy homemade fries. These were wonderful. Better than most restaurants.“
“These are, without a doubt, the best french fries ever... hey looked (and tasted) like fries from a restaurant.”
“I made them and, yep, they were crispy and delicious. I don’t know if they stayed crispy as they were totally gone burgers within five minutes.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍠 Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges
🧘♀️ Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
😇 Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Fresh and Light Sides
These sides are the way to go if you want to bulk up your Birria tacos without making it too heavy. From crisp, creamy slaws to a unique cactus salad, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
Creamy Mexican Coleslaw
4.4 ⭐️ (233 ratings) | 15 mins
If you want a fresh side that also seems indulgent, coleslaw is the way to go.
The crunchy veg brings some much-needed texture to your meal, and the creamy, tangy dressing helps offset any heat, giving you a more balanced bite.
This slaw can be served immediately, but I prefer letting it chill in the fridge for an hour or two. It requires a bit of patience, but the resting time allows the flavors to develop, making the slaw even tastier.
What readers are saying…
“This was delicious and a nice change from our ‘usual’ coleslaw. I also like that it made plenty and budget friendly.”
“This was amazing. I wouldn’t mind dipping some fries in the dressing alone. I used light sour cream, light Mayo and less sodium taco seasoning and it was still delicious!”
“This is delish. My family isn’t crazy about coleslaw usually but everyone went back for seconds.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
4.8 ⭐️ (49 ratings) | 20 mins
Cucumber tomato salad is a deliciously refreshing classic. But you know what makes it better? The addition of buttery avocado slices. They add a soft bite to contrast the crunch of the cucumbers and a delicate richness that pairs well with the sweet-acidic tomatoes.
These elements are then tied together with a zesty honey lime dressing that helps offset the bold, savory flavors of your tacos.
Psst… still don’t think this is filling enough? Erin from Well Plated recommends adding leafy greens like arugula or spinach and corn kernels to beef this salad up.
What readers are saying…
“Wow. I could taste it while I read the recipe. I didn’t have cilantro or feta handy so I used dill and fresh mozzarella.”
“This is now one of my most requested sides from family and friends in the summer. So delicious!”
“This IS my favorite new salad! And I agree with other reviewers- the dressing is soooo delish! Perfect.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Grilled Pineapple
5.0 ⭐️ (26 ratings) | 15 mins
Want to try something different with your birria tacos? Grilled pineapple is the way to go!
The high heat caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, offering a sweet contrast to the savory notes of your taco meat. And if that’s not enough, the honey lime marinade also adds a lively kick that makes these oh-so-addictive.
Skinny Taste uses cinnamon to give the pineapple an added warm spice, but I usually swap it out for chili powder for some spice.
What readers are saying…
“So easy and ammmaZZING! I love this glaze and can’t believe how so few ingredients have such complex flavor.”
“I have made this twice. Exactly to the recipe. It’s absolutely delicious! Even the one leftover slice I ate cold the next day!”
“Made this tonight. OMG,so good! Will do this again for sure!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Grilled Cactus Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 28 mins
If you’ve never tried cactus salad before you’re in for a treat with this recipe.
The cactus pads on their own have a relatively mild flavor with a subtle sourness. But grilling infuses them with a lovely smokiness that pairs well with a spicy chili lime vinaigrette.
Serve this salad with your Birria tacos for the ultimate Mexican-inspired meal!
Psst… you can get edible cactus pads on amazon.
What readers are saying…
“Great refreshing salad, yum. I never had this before, they taste like green beans!”
“This looks so delicious and looks so great!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Watermelon Agua Fresca
5.0 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 5 mins
This isn’t technically a side dish, but you’ll need something refreshing to wash down the savory, spicy goodness of your birria tacos. And what better than agua fresca?
This classic Mexican drink is made with four ingredients: watermelon, maple syrup, water, and lemon juice.
It’s super healthy, and you can easily adjust the sugar levels to your liking. I’ve even had success with skipping the sweetener entirely when I got lucky with an extra-sweet watermelon.
What readers are saying…
“Perfect and refreshing summer drink. So easy and healthy too.”
“This is the most refreshing summer drink!! I love that you used maple syrup!”
“This is just what I needed for a hot summer day on the porch. I love that this tastes so good AND is low calorie!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Birria Tacos – 15 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion birria consome
- 1 portion cilantro lime rice
- 1 portion pickled onions
- 1 portion creamy mexican slaw
- 1 portion mango pico de gallo
- 1 portion tomatillo salsa verde … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your birria tacos according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it!
- Side dishes include: birria consome, cilantro lime rice, mexican street corn, tomatillo salsa verde, spicy refried beans and tortilla chips, tropical guacamole, red pepper taquitos, mango pico de gallo, pickled onions, creamy mexican coleslaw, and cucumber tomato avocado salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
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