Tongue Meat Recipes

Tongue meat is one of the most underrated cuts of meat, yet it holds a unique position in various cuisines worldwide. Tongue meat, often overlooked, is a delicious and flavorful cut that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some popular tongue meat recipes to try:

1. Braised Beef Tongue

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tongue (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bottle (750 ml) red wine
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tongue:

• Rinse the beef tongue and place it in a large pot. Cover it with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the tongue is tender.
• Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, peel off the outer skin and trim any excess fat.

1. Braise the Tongue:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the peeled tongue to the Dutch oven and sear on all sides until browned.
• Pour in the red wine and beef broth. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven.
• Braise the tongue for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until it is very tender.

1. Serve:

• Remove the tongue from the Dutch oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Slice the tongue thinly and serve it with the braising liquid as a sauce.

Meat Grinder Recipes

2. Pickled Beef Tongue

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tongue (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tongue:

• Rinse the beef tongue and place it in a large pot. Cover it with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the tongue is tender.
• Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, peel off the outer skin and trim any excess fat.

1. Pickle the Tongue:

• In a large pot, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
• Add the sliced onion, carrots, celery, and smashed garlic to the pot.
• Place the peeled tongue in the pot and ensure it is submerged in the pickling liquid.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the tongue cool in the pickling liquid.

1. Serve:

• Once cooled, slice the tongue thinly and serve it with the pickled vegetables.

3. Tongue Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tongue (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• Tortillas, for serving
• Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tongue:

• Rinse the beef tongue and place it in a large pot. Cover it with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the tongue is tender.
• Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, peel off the outer skin and trim any excess fat.

1. Cook the Tongue:

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
• Add the peeled tongue to the skillet and cook until browned.
• Pour in the apple cider vinegar and water. Stir to combine and cook until the liquid has evaporated.

1. Serve:

• Slice the tongue thinly and serve it in tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream.

4. Tongue Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tongue (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tongue:

• Rinse the beef tongue and place it in a large pot. Cover it with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the tongue is tender.
• Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, peel off the outer skin and trim any excess fat.

1. Cook the Stew:

• In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the peeled tongue to the Dutch oven and sear on all sides until browned.
• Pour in the beef broth and red wine. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the tongue is very tender.

1. Serve:

• Slice the tongue thinly and serve it in bowls with the stew.

5. Smoked Beef Tongue

Ingredients:

• 1 beef tongue (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tongue:

• Rinse the beef tongue and place it in a large pot. Cover it with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 3 hours, or until the tongue is tender.
• Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool. Once cooled, peel off the outer skin and trim any excess fat.

1. Season the Tongue:

• In a bowl, mix together the salt, brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Rub the spice mixture evenly over the entire tongue.
• Wrap the tongue tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

1. Smoke the Tongue:

• Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) using your preferred wood (e.g., hickory, oak, or mesquite).
• Place the tongue on the smoker and smoke for about 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

1. Serve:

• Slice the tongue thinly and serve it with your favorite barbecue sauce.

Tips for Cooking Tongue Meat:

1. Tenderize: Simmering the tongue in water before cooking helps to tenderize the meat and make it easier to peel and trim.
2. Season Generously: Tongue meat has a mild flavor, so don’t be afraid to season it generously with herbs, spices, and sauces.
3. Cook Slowly: Tongue meat benefits from slow cooking methods, which help to tenderize the meat and bring out its flavors.
4. Slice Thinly: Tongue meat is best when sliced thinly against the grain, which makes it more tender and easier to chew.
5. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and cooking methods to find your perfect tongue meat recipe.

Tongue meat is a versatile and delicious cut that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re braising, pickling, smoking, or making tacos, these recipes will help you create mouthwatering dishes that your family and friends will love. Happy cooking!

5 FAQs About Tongue Meat

1. Is tongue meat safe to eat?
Yes, tongue meat is completely safe to eat when properly cleaned and cooked. It is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it both nutritious and delicious. Always ensure you boil or cook it thoroughly before consuming it.

2. How long should I boil tongue meat?
The boiling time depends on the size and type of tongue, but typically, a beef tongue requires 2–3 hours of simmering. The goal is to make it tender enough so that the outer skin can be easily peeled off.

3. How do I store cooked tongue meat?
Cooked tongue meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2–3 months. Slice it before freezing for easier portioning later.

4. Can tongue meat be grilled or smoked?
Absolutely! Tongue meat can be grilled or smoked after it has been boiled and peeled. These methods enhance its flavor and add a smoky, rich taste that pairs well with sauces and seasonings.

5. What are the most popular dishes made with tongue meat?
Some popular dishes include:

• Tacos de Lengua (Mexican beef tongue tacos)
• Smoked Tongue (a barbecue favorite)
• Pickled Tongue (preserved with vinegar and spices)
• Beef Tongue Stew (a hearty and comforting dish)
• Gyutan (Japanese grilled beef tongue)