Well now, if you ain’t never tried cookin’ beef tongue, don’t you be scared of it! It may look funny, but let me tell ya, it’s real tender and tasty once it’s cooked right. I reckon you can find it at most Mexican markets, just ask the butcher. It’s good stuff, really, especially if you’re makin’ tacos. I usually chop up some onions to go with it. But let’s get down to business and talk about how to cook it in a slow cooker, nice and easy.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 beef tongue
- Water (enough to cover the tongue)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (crushed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (whole or ground, up to you)
- 1-2 bay leaves
- Chili powder (for a little heat, if you like)
- Cumin (a good pinch)
- Oregano (just a sprinkle)
- Cayenne pepper (optional, if you want it spicy)
- Beef broth (if you got it, adds a little extra flavor)
How to Cook It:
First thing, give that beef tongue a good rinse under some cold water. Get all that extra stuff off it. After that, put it right in the slow cooker. I tell ya, this is the easiest way to go. You don’t gotta worry about much after that. Throw in the chopped onion, garlic, and all them seasonings — salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, cayenne, whatever you like. If you got beef broth, toss that in too. Then add water, just enough to cover the tongue. Don’t be shy with the water, ‘cause it’s gonna cook in there a long time.
Now, set that slow cooker to low, and let it cook for 8 to 10 hours. I know it sounds like a long time, but that’s the secret. You want it slow, real slow, so the meat gets all tender and the flavors soak in. Don’t mess with it too much, just let it be. The longer you leave it, the better it gets, trust me.
After It’s Done:
When you check it after 8 hours, the tongue should be tender, like butter. You can pull it out and peel off the skin. It comes off real easy after slow cookin’. Slice it up nice and thin — that’s how we like it. You can serve it on tortillas with some chopped onion, or use it however you please. It’s real good with some fresh salsa or even just a squeeze of lime if you like it tangy.
Storage:
If you got leftovers, you can store ’em in the fridge for a few days. Just make sure to keep it in a good airtight container so it stays fresh. You can even freeze it if you wanna save it for later, though I reckon it tastes best when it’s fresh.
Why Beef Tongue?
You might wonder why bother with beef tongue in the first place. Well, let me tell ya, it’s packed with nutrients, more than them fancy steaks you might be used to. It’s full of protein, and it’s real good for your brain and nervous system too. Some folks say it’s good for pregnant women, but I just think it’s a darn good meal. And don’t forget, slow cookin’ it makes all the fat and connective tissue melt away, which makes it so soft and tasty.
So, don’t be shy. Try cookin’ up some beef tongue in your slow cooker next time you get the chance. You might just be surprised at how good it tastes!
Tags:[beef tongue, slow cooker recipes, beef tongue tacos, Mexican food, slow cooker beef tongue, easy beef recipes, tender beef tongue, cooking beef tongue, beef tongue recipe, healthy beef recipes]