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Beef Tongue! Before you say anything, hold your tongue.
One of the things that always surprises me is how unappreciated and absolutely delicious this cut of meat is. When people criticize this cut, I want to give them a tongue lashing. (OK. I’ll stop). Lol.
This is an easy, step-by-step tutorial on how to make Beef Tongue in Roasted Mexican Salsa, or Lengua en Salsa Asada.
I picked up this Rumba Meats Beef Tongue. Love that it’s vacuum-sealed. It locks in freshness and taste. It can be hard to find, but you can also order Beef Tongue online. {AFFILIATE}
How does beef tongue taste like?
It tastes like other red meats like flank steak, lamb shank, filet mignon. It is fattier but milder in taste. Tongue is soft, only slightly chewy.
We do not waste food in Mexico. Several of our authentic Mexican recipes are made of “weird” cuts of meat like Menudo and Beef Shanks in Chile Colorado.
- Open the package and rinse the Beef Tongue well.
- It usually takes about 3 rinses until there is no blood.
Is cow tongue safe to eat?
Yes, cow tongue is safe to eat. However, it has its nutritional advantages and disadvantages.
Nutritional Advantages: It is rich in zinc, iron, choline, and vitamin B12.
Disadvantages: It is fatty and is high in cholesterol.
It is said to be beneficial for women who are pregnant.
- Place the tongue in the slow cooker along with garlic, onion, a bay leaf, and salt.
- Cover with water. Let cook on low for 6-8 hours.
You can’t rush the cooking process. Beef Tongue is a very tough meat. It needs hours and hours to soften.
How to Cook Beef Tongue on the Stove
- Add water (about 3 inches above the meat) in a large and deep stockpot.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours.
Check every hour if it needs more water. Add more water as needed.
- Once it’s fully cooked, remove from the slow cooker.
- Let it cool slightly before removing the outer layer.
You MUST take it off when it’s hot or when it’s warm. If you don’t, it will stick to the meat and you’ll have a hard time taking it off.
As you can see from the picture, there is a lot of fat still attached. Remove this part after it’s cooked and warm to the touch.
Who eats beef tongue?
Beef Tongue was very popular in the US until the 1950s. It is still eaten throughout the world and in many cultures.
Here are some examples: Pickled Beef Tongue (Jewish) or Gytuan, or BBQ Beef Tongue (Japanese).
To make this Mexican beef tongue recipe, slice the meat.
If you are going to make Tacos de Lengua, however, you should chop the meat into tiny little pieces.
Remember that the meat will break down even further when it’s in the pan. It’s all preference.
how to cook beef tongue mexican style
What makes this a Mexican tongue recipe is the salsa. To make the salsa, you need to roast the tomatoes, onion, chile peppers, and garlic.
- Put all the ingredients under a broiler for 10 minutes until they blister.
- Then add them to a blender. Blend until smooth.
You can make the salsa ahead of time and save time.
This is the same way we make Roasted Tomato Salsa.
Pro Tip: Make a double batch of the salsa. Use half now and freeze the other half for later.
FYI: This recipe is sometimes referred to as Lengua Ranchera, or Ranch-Style Beef Tongue.
- Heat two tablespoons oil to a large skillet.
- Add the salsa and stir for a few minutes.
You can also make this dish using Salsa Verde. In that case, you’d be making Lengua en Salsa Verde.
- Next add the cooked Beef Tongue.
- Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Don’t be tongue tied. Serve it with pride.
Beef Tongue in Roasted Mexican Salsa, or Lengua en Salsa Asada is a bold and flavorful dish. So tender and so delicious.
Serve with tortillas, pinto beans, Mexican rice, and enjoy!
Beef Tongue in Roasted Mexican Salsa (Lengua en Salsa Asada)
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse the beef tongue with enough water until the water comes out clean.
- It usually takes about 3-4 rinses.
- Place the beef tongue in the slow cooker.
- Add enough water to cover the meat.
- Add 1 garlic clove, ½ onion, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and set on low for 6-8 hours, or high 4-6 hours.
- Remove the cooked beef tongue from the slow cooker and set aside.
- Let cool to touch and peel the outer layer using your hands or tongs.
- Remove any fatty areas. (You can also do this part before cooking).
- Cut into thin slices.
- Set aside.
- In a foil-lined sheet pan, add the tomatoes, ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, 1 jalapeño.
- Coat with 1 tablespoon olive oil and add salt and pepper.
- Broil on high for 8-10 minutes, or until everything is blistered.
- Add all the roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeño to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste for salt.
- In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons olive oil.
- Add the roasted tomato salsa and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked beef tongue.
- Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve with tortillas and Mexican rice.
- Enjoy!
I LOVE LENGUA, THE FIRST TIME I MADE IT FOR MY HUSBAND, HE WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZED, NOW HE ASKED FOR IT ALL THE TIME, BUT IT IS VERY EXPENSIVE.
I know what you mean. We only have it on special occasions.
This definitely sounds like a unique but flavorful dish!! Will definitely have to try someday!
Kileen
cute & little
I’m one of those people who say what cow tongue????? But this does look good!
that looks super good, thanks for sharing xx
Have never tried sounds really good.