Lengua en Salsa Asada

Lengua en Salsa Asada, or Beef Tongue in Roasted Mexican Salsa.

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.

How does beef tongue taste like?

Beef Tongue can be hard to find. Look for it in Mexican grocery markets or speciality stores.

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.

• Open the package and rinse the Beef Tongue well.
• It usually takes about 3 rinses until there is no blood.

We do not waste food in Mexico. Several of our authentic Mexican recipes are made of “weird” cuts of meat like Menudo Recipe, Carne con Chile Colorado, Higado Encebollado.

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.

Instructions

• 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. It is a very tough meat. It needs hours and hours to soften.

How to Cook Beef Tongue on the Stove

• Add water (about 4 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.

Note: There are some people who remove the fat before cooking, but I think it adds flavor to the meat.

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

• Put all the ingredients under a broiler for 10 minutes until they blister.
• Then add them to a blender. Blend until smooth.

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.

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.

• Heat two tablespoons oil to a large skillet.
• Add the salsa and stir for a few minutes.

FYI: This recipe is sometimes referred to as Lengua Ranchera, or Ranch-Style Beef Tongue.

• Next add the cooked Beef Tongue.
• Let simmer for 10 minutes.

You can also make this dish using salsa verde. In that case, you’d be making Lengua en Salsa Verde.

Side Dishes

• Frijoles de la Olla
• Arroz Mexicano
• Corn Tortillas
• Champinones a la Mexicana

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.

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