Beef Tongue Recipes: How to Cook Cow Tongue 11 Ways

Introduction

Beef tongue, also known as cow tongue, is a delicious and tender cut of meat that’s widely appreciated across many cultures. Although it may seem intimidating for those unfamiliar with it, beef tongue can be transformed into an array of mouth-watering dishes with the right cooking techniques. Known for its rich flavor and tender texture, it’s a delicacy that deserves a spot on your dinner table.

In this article, we’ll explore 11 different ways to cook beef tongue and provide you with easy-to-follow recipes to help you master this unique cut of meat. From slow-cooked tacos to smoked beef tongue, you’ll find something to suit every taste.

1. Boiled Beef Tongue

Recipe Overview

Boiling is one of the simplest and most popular methods for cooking beef tongue. Once boiled, the tongue becomes incredibly tender and can be sliced for use in various dishes, such as sandwiches, salads, or on its own with sauces.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water to cover

Instructions

1. Wash the beef tongue thoroughly.
2. Place the tongue in a large pot and cover with water.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 3-4 hours until tender.
5. Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool slightly.
6. Peel off the skin and slice the meat.

2. Grilled Beef Tongue (Japanese Style)

Recipe Overview

Grilling beef tongue in the Japanese style (gyutan) is a popular dish often served in yakiniku restaurants. The tongue is sliced thin and grilled quickly for a deliciously smoky and charred flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• Soy sauce
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slice the beef tongue thinly.
2. Marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat.
4. Grill the slices for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.

3. Beef Tongue Tacos (Tacos de Lengua)

Recipe Overview

Beef tongue tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine. The tender beef tongue is slow-cooked, then diced and pan-fried to create a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• Corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro and chopped onion for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil the beef tongue with the onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt for 3 hours until tender.
2. Once cooked, peel off the skin and chop the meat into small cubes.
3. Heat a pan with some oil and fry the cubed beef tongue until crispy.
4. Serve in warm corn tortillas with cilantro, chopped onion, and your favorite salsa.

4. Braised Beef Tongue

Recipe Overview

Braised beef tongue is a comforting dish perfect for hearty meals. The tongue is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, making it tender and rich.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup red wine
• Thyme, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Brown the beef tongue in a large pot.
2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Pour in the beef broth, wine, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer for 3 hours until tender.
5. Slice and serve with the braising liquid as a sauce.

5. Smoked Beef Tongue

Recipe Overview

Smoking beef tongue gives it a deep, smoky flavor and tender texture. This method is great for those who love the complex taste that smoking imparts.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Your favorite wood chips for smoking

Instructions

1. Rub the beef tongue with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the smoker to 225°F (107°C) and add the wood chips.
3. Smoke the tongue for 4-5 hours until tender.
4. Let it cool, peel the skin, and slice thinly.

6. Pressure-Cooked Beef Tongue

Recipe Overview

A pressure cooker reduces the cooking time for beef tongue while ensuring it’s perfectly tender. This method is quick and easy for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• Water

Instructions

1. Place the beef tongue, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and salt in a pressure cooker.
2. Add enough water to cover the tongue.
3. Cook on high pressure for 1 hour.
4. Let the pressure release naturally, then peel and slice.

7. Pickled Beef Tongue

Recipe Overview

Pickling beef tongue is a traditional method that preserves the meat while imparting a tangy, flavorful profile. It’s great in sandwiches or served cold as an appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 2 cups vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Boil the beef tongue for 3 hours until tender.
2. Remove the tongue, peel it, and slice thinly.
3. Combine vinegar, water, onion, bay leaves, sugar, salt, and pepper in a pot and bring to a boil.
4. Pour the mixture over the sliced tongue and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving.

8. Beef Tongue Stew

Recipe Overview

Beef tongue stew is a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for cooler weather. The tongue is simmered with vegetables and spices to create a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• Thyme, salt, and pepper

Instructions

1. Boil the beef tongue until tender, then peel and dice.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in a large pot, then add the diced tongue, carrots, potatoes, and beef broth.
3. Simmer for 1 hour until vegetables are tender.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

9. Beef Tongue Soup

Recipe Overview

Beef tongue soup is a nourishing and comforting dish, often served with vegetables and herbs in a light broth.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

Instructions

1. Boil the beef tongue in water for 3 hours, then peel and chop.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery.
3. Add beef tongue and broth, simmering for 30 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

10. Beef Tongue Sandwich

Recipe Overview

A beef tongue sandwich is a flavorful alternative to traditional deli meats. Thinly sliced tongue pairs well with mustard, pickles, and fresh bread.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue, boiled and sliced
• Mustard
• Pickles
• Fresh bread

Instructions

1. Boil and peel the beef tongue, then slice thinly.
2. Spread mustard on fresh bread, add slices of tongue, and top with pickles.
3. Serve as a hearty sandwich.

11. Beef Tongue Stir-Fry

Recipe Overview

For a quick and easy meal, beef tongue stir-fry combines thin slices of tender tongue with vegetables and a savory sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 beef tongue, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Soy sauce, ginger, and garlic

Instructions

1. Boil the beef tongue and slice thinly.
2. Stir-fry the tongue with bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic until vegetables are tender.
3. Serve over rice or noodles.

Conclusion

Beef tongue is an incredibly versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways. Whether you prefer it grilled, boiled, smoked, or in a stew, the rich flavor and tender texture make it a wonderful addition to your meal rotation. The next time you’re looking to try something new, consider one of these 11 beef tongue recipes for a satisfying and unique dish!