Let’s be honest—beef tongue doesn’t get the love it deserves. I get it, the thought of eating tongue might make some folks squirm. But trust me, once you try it, there’s no turning back!
This tender, flavorful cut of meat is a hidden gem in the culinary world,and I’m here to show you how to make it taste absolutely amazing.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned tongue enthusiast, these beef tongue recipes will have you licking your lips (pun totally intended!).
1. Classic Slow Cooker Beef Tongue
If you love fall-apart tenderness with minimal effort, the slow cooker is your best friend. Simply toss in a cleaned beef tongue, a couple of onions, garlic cloves, bay leaves,
and some black peppercorns. Cover it with beef broth or water, and let it simmer on low for about 8 hours. Once it’s done, peel off the outer skin (it’s easier than it sounds)
and slice it up. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or even in sandwiches. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth delicacy that’s rich, beefy, and oh-so-satisfying.
2. Beef Tongue Tacos (Tacos de Lengua)
Now we’re talking! If you’ve never had beef tongue tacos, you’re missing out on one of the greatest taco experiences ever. First, simmer the beef tongue with onions, garlic,
and spices until tender. Once it’s done, peel and dice it into small cubes. Sauté the meat in a hot pan with a little oil until crispy on the edges. Pile it onto warm corn tortillas,
top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite salsa. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
3. Instant Pot Beef Tongue – Quick & Easy
For those of us who are impatient (or just really hungry), the Instant Pot is a game-changer. Toss in your beef tongue with garlic, onion, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt,
then pressure cook for about 90 minutes. Once it’s done, peel off the outer layer, slice it up, and boom—you have an incredibly tender, flavorful protein ready to use in tacos,
sandwiches, or even stir-fry. It’s like magic, but tastier.
4. Beef Tongue in Rich Tomato Sauce
If you’re looking for something hearty and comforting, this recipe will hit the spot. Start by boiling the beef tongue until tender, then peel and slice it into thick pieces. In a pan,
sauté onions, garlic, and tomatoes until they break down into a rich sauce. Add a splash of red wine,some beef broth, and seasonings like paprika and oregano.
Let the tongue simmer in the sauce for about 20 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Serve it over pasta, rice, or even creamy polenta. Fancy restaurant vibes, right at home.
5. Crispy Fried Beef Tongue
Who doesn’t love crispy, golden bites of deliciousness? After cooking and peeling the beef tongue, cut it into thin slices.
Dip them in beaten egg, coat them with seasoned breadcrumbs, and fry until crispy and golden brown. Serve with a spicy mayo or garlic aioli for dipping.
It’s crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and downright irresistible.
Final Thoughts
So, are you ready to give beef tongue a try? It might sound intimidating at first, but once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.
Whether you slow cook it, crisp it up in a pan, or smother it in sauce, beef tongue is a culinary experience worth having. Go on, surprise yourself—you just might find a new favorite dish!