After completing the cooking time, test the doneness of the beef tongue with a meat thermometer. Tongue is ready to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, take the cooked tongue out of the pot and place it on a cutting board to rest for five to ten minutes.
This rich and delicious beef tongue treat features that elusive combo of crisp seared crust surrounding impossibly tender meat.
Beef tongue is one of the BEST cuts you’ve probably never been game enough to try. Sometimes people are freaked out by the appearance, sometimes it’s because they just have no idea how to cook it. Problem solved, as I come at you with my ultimate beef tongue recipe. PLEASE, trust me on this one. I know some people are totally grossed out by offal or nasty bits of the animal. I myself am not a huge fan of brains, tripe, or anything with a weird texture or flavor. As long as you can get past the visual appearance of tongue, you’ll find it is one of the most sumptuous and rich cut on the steer. If there was ever a time I was going to practically guarantee you’re gonna like something, this would be it.
Tongue is commonly used to make Lengua tacos, where the meat is either cooked down into tender shreds or coarsely chopped before being thrown into a tortilla. And while lengua tacos are completely delicious, I don’t think they showcase the incredible texture the tongue meat has to offer. There’s a lot of fat inside the tongue itself, which bubbles and crisps up when seared. That’s why I employ a poach/sear method for this tongue recipe. I suppose its more accurately a boil than a poach, but the phrase “boiled tongue” does NOT do this justice. I am lucky enough to find whole beef tongue in my local grocery store, but it’s also commonly found at Mexican grocery stores, and there are places online who will ship it right to you.
Now, there is some pretty funky looking skin you will need to peel off the actual tongue meat, and it’s best to do this after it has been poached. It’s much easier to peel this way. You may need a paring knife to help you in spots. Also, there’s a funky bit at the base of the tongue that, while edible, is not the most appealing texture or flavor. It’s basically a huge chunk of what you will be purchasing, but I always trim it off and use it for dog food so it’s not just discarded as waste. It’s much easier to trim once cooked so when you slice the cooked tongue, you will see the portion that needs to be trimmed away. An inverted “V” shaped cut usually is all it takes to trim it away.
The tongue meat really shines during the final heat application. The first cooking step is to tenderize the meat, but the second step brings the real magic. As the fat renders out of the tongue, an incredible golden crust forms. This can be done either on a grill or in a pan. The sear will start off slow, but as the fat starts to render the whole cooking process will speed up dramatically. You’ll have to be quick about turning the pieces frequently so they can color without burning. As long as you know to expect it, you’ll be fine. And the results will absolutely be worth it.
I prefer to use Hardcore Carnivore Meatchelada seasoning for this recipe. It’s a bright but earthy chili lime rub (more flavor than heat) with a vivid all-natural red hue. The flavor profile fits this recipe really nicely, and the zing of lime works well with the richness of the meat. If you don’t want to use this seasoning (why tho?!) you can just season with salt.
Also for the record, if you wanted to put these slices in a tortilla and call it a taco, no one will be mad at you.
How to cook beef tongue, how to peel beef tongue
FAQ
How long does it take for a tongue to be cooked?
Can you eat beef tongue medium rare?
Is beef tongue tender or tough?
What does beef tongue taste like?
But when it comes to beef tongue, there is no taste the eater need acquire. When slow-cooked and prepared properly, it’s the richest, most tender, most flavorful beef you’ve ever eaten. If you have ever had a decent beef stew, then you know a shadow of what beef tongue tastes like.
My tongue feels rough after eating pineapple, what is the reason for this?
This may be related to enzymes present in the fruit, which may be more or less concentrated according to the ripening of the fruit. The ideal is to observe the consumption and try to relate the ripening of the pineapple. If it is something bothersome, it is better to avoid the consumption of this fruit.
What is beef tongue?
Beef tongue is, quite obviously, the tongue of a cow. It’s a powerful muscle, which means it is a big piece of gristle-free, no-bone meat once it passes through a butcher shop. The tongue is often classified as offal even though it’s not organ meat in the same way kidneys, hearts, or livers are.
How do you eat a beef tongue?
This simple beef tongue recipe results in tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat. The tasty mushroom onion sauce is optional, but it greatly enhances the dish. Leftovers are excellent too, whether gently reheated in the microwave or served cold. Nose-to-tail eating is the responsible way for meat-eaters to consume meat.