Hey folks, today we gonna talk about cooking beef tongue in a crock pot! Now, I know some of ya might be turnin’ up ya noses, but trust me on this—beef tongue is tender and tasty. This dish takes a while to cook, but that slow cookin’ in the crock pot makes it soft as butter, just perfect for things like tacos, sandwiches, or just eatin’ plain if ya like!
First Things First: What You’ll Need
- 1 beef tongue, usually found at local butchers or sometimes a Mexican market
- Water, enough to cover the tongue in the crock pot
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2-3 bay leaves, for flavor
- Garlic cloves, optional but gives extra flavor
- Onion, chopped, for garnish later on
Step 1: Cleanin’ That Tongue
Alright, first ya gotta rinse that beef tongue under cold water. Give it a good scrub, ‘cause we want it clean as can be. After ya rinse it off, pat it dry with a paper towel. Nothin’ fancy here, just good ol’ cleanin’.
Step 2: Seasonin’ the Meat
Now, you’re gonna season it just like you would with any beef roast. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on there. Add those bay leaves and if ya like garlic, toss in a few cloves for that extra flavor. Don’t go overboard, though! Simple seasoning works best to let the taste of the meat come through.
Step 3: Into the Crock Pot It Goes
Once it’s all prepped, gently place that beef tongue into your crock pot. Pour in enough water to cover the whole thing. Turn it on low and let it cook for about 8 hours. That’s right—8 hours, folks! This ain’t no rush job; slow cooking is what makes the tongue super tender.
Step 4: Checkin’ and Peel Off the Skin
After 8 hours or so, the beef tongue should be real tender. Carefully take it out and let it cool a bit—just enough so ya don’t burn your hands. Here’s the tricky part: peel off that outer layer of skin. Don’t worry, it comes off easy once it’s cooked. This part might look a bit odd, but it’s worth it, believe me!
Step 5: Slicing and Serving
Now, slice that meat up however ya like it. Thin slices work best for tacos, but thicker ones are nice if you’re just eatin’ it straight. The meat’ll be so soft and juicy. Sprinkle some chopped onion over it, and maybe a bit of fresh cilantro if that’s your style. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for some tang.
Health Benefits of Beef Tongue
Now, I ain’t no doctor, but beef tongue’s got some good stuff in it. It’s full of Vitamin B12, which is real good for your nerves and keeps ya feelin’ strong. Just three ounces of this stuff gives ya a big chunk of your daily B12 needs! So, if you’re lookin’ to add some nutrients to your diet, beef tongue ain’t a bad choice.
Ways to Enjoy Beef Tongue
- Tacos: Use those thin slices, add chopped onion and cilantro, and wrap it in a soft corn tortilla.
- Sandwiches: Great on crusty bread with mustard or mayo. Adds a nice, rich flavor!
- Plain: Yep, just as is. The flavor’s rich enough to enjoy without all the fixings.
So there ya have it! Next time ya see beef tongue at the butcher, don’t be scared. Just throw it in the crock pot, let it slow cook all day, and you’ll have a tender, flavorful meal that’s worth the wait. Ain’t much to it, but it sure hits the spot!
Tags：[beef tongue, crock pot, slow cooker recipe, beef recipes, taco filling]
