Easy Beef Tongue Recipe (Tender and Delicious)

Beef tongue recipe is a culinary adventure that promises to tantalize your taste buds! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth slices of beef tongue, slow-cooked to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices. This dish is elevated with a zesty marinade of lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Serve it with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad, and you have a meal that’s not just satisfying but also a conversation starter. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this unique delicacy!

Table of Contents
beef tongue recipe

beef tongue recipe

Chef Jasper
Discover a mouthwatering beef tongue recipe that will impress your guests! Tender, flavorful, and easy to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 3 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For boiling the beef tongue.

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole Beef tongue The star of the dish, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning and enhancing the beef tongue’s natural taste.
  • to taste Black pepper Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Aromatics

  • 2-3 cloves Garlic Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; use fresh cloves for the best flavor.
  • 1 whole Onion Provides sweetness and depth; can be used whole or chopped.
  • 2-3 leaves Bay leaves Adds a subtle herbal note during cooking.

Vegetables

  • 2 medium Carrots Contributes sweetness and color to the broth.
  • 2 stalks Celery Enhances the broth with its fresh, crisp flavor.

Broth

  • 4-6 cups Beef broth A flavorful base for simmering the tongue; can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Vinegar A splash helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy note.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Rinse the beef tongue under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in a large pot.

Seasoning

  • Add enough water to cover the tongue. Toss in a few bay leaves, peppercorns, and a couple of cloves of garlic for flavor.

Cooking

  • Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until tender.

Check for Doneness

  • Use a fork to test the tongue. It should be tender and easily pierced. If not, simmer a bit longer.

Cooling and Peeling

  • Once cooked, remove the tongue from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then peel off the tough outer skin.

Slicing and Serving

  • Slice the tongue into thin pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Final Serving

  • Serve the beef tongue warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy the tender, flavorful delight!
Keyword beef tongue

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tongue Recipe

  • It’s incredibly tender and melts in your mouth.
  • Simple ingredients make it easy to prepare.
  • Perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties.
  • Rich in flavor, it’s a unique twist on traditional beef dishes.
  • Great for meal prep; enjoy leftovers in sandwiches or salads!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Category:Main Dish
Cuisine:Global
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours
Total Time:3 hours 20 minutes
Dietary:Gluten-Free
Serves:4-6
Best Served:With mashed potatoes or in tacos

Ingredients for Beef Tongue Recipe

  • Beef tongue – The star of the dish, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
  • Salt – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the beef tongue’s natural taste.
  • Black pepper – Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
  • Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; use fresh cloves for the best flavor.
  • Onion – Provides sweetness and depth; can be used whole or chopped.
  • Bay leaves – Adds a subtle herbal note during cooking.
  • Carrots – Contributes sweetness and color to the broth.
  • Celery – Enhances the broth with its fresh, crisp flavor.
  • Beef broth – A flavorful base for simmering the tongue; can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
  • Vinegar – A splash helps tenderize the meat and adds a tangy note.
Ingredients for beef tongue recipe displayed on a wooden table.
All the ingredients you’ll need for a delicious beef tongue dish.

Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.

How to Make the Beef Tongue Recipe

Get ready to create a mouthwatering beef tongue dish that will impress everyone!

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Tongue

Rinse the beef tongue under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place it in a large pot.

Step 2: Season the Water

Add enough water to cover the tongue. Toss in a few bay leaves, peppercorns, and a couple of cloves of garlic for flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Tongue

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until tender.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Use a fork to test the tongue. It should be tender and easily pierced. If not, simmer a bit longer.

Step 5: Cool and Peel

Once cooked, remove the tongue from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then peel off the tough outer skin.

Step 6: Slice and Season

Slice the tongue into thin pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the beef tongue warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy the tender, flavorful delight!

A pot with beef tongue being prepared with seasonings like bay leaves and garlic.
Step-by-step preparation of beef tongue.

Pro Tips for Making the Beef Tongue Recipe

• Always soak the beef tongue in cold water overnight to help remove impurities and enhance flavor.
• Use a slow cooker for tender results; low and slow is the key to perfection.
• Add aromatics like garlic, onion, and bay leaves to the cooking liquid for extra depth.
• After cooking, let the tongue cool slightly before peeling for easier handling.
• Slice against the grain for the most tender bites and serve with your favorite sauce.

How to Serve Beef Tongue Recipe

  • Slice the beef tongue thinly for a tender bite.
  • Serve with a zesty chimichurri sauce for a fresh kick.
  • Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting side.
  • Top with sautéed onions and bell peppers for added flavor.
  • Enjoy in tacos with fresh cilantro and diced tomatoes.
  • Serve on a crusty baguette with horseradish sauce for a delicious sandwich.
  • Accompany with pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a pop of color.
  • Pair with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for balance.
  • Try it with a side of roasted root vegetables for a hearty meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Proper storage ensures your beef tongue remains delicious for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the beef tongue to cool completely before storing.
  • Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Place it in an airtight container for added protection.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

  • Slice the beef tongue into portions for easier thawing.
  • Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

  • Thaw the beef tongue in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.
  • Cover to retain moisture and heat until warmed through.
  • Alternatively, use a microwave on low power, checking frequently.

FAQs

What is the best way to prepare beef tongue?

Start by thoroughly cleaning the tongue and simmering it in a pot of water with aromatics like garlic, onion, and bay leaves. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. After a few hours, the tongue will be ready for peeling and slicing.

How long does it take to cook beef tongue?

Cooking beef tongue typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size. You’ll know it’s done when the meat is tender and easily pierced with a fork. Patience is key for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Can I use a slow cooker for beef tongue?

Absolutely! A slow cooker is a fantastic option for cooking beef tongue. Just add the tongue, some broth or water, and your favorite spices, then let it cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. You’ll be rewarded with incredibly tender meat.

What are some good serving suggestions for beef tongue?

Beef tongue is versatile! You can serve it sliced in sandwiches, diced in tacos, or as a main dish with sides like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget to add a zesty sauce or salsa for an extra flavor boost!