How to Cook Beef Tongue: Best Methods for Tender Results

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March 7, 2024

Beef tongue offers a versatile and delicious way to change up your main dish favorites. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this flavorful cut is gaining popularity for good reason.

While it may be less common here, in the American mid-west, beef tongue is popular around the world. Its rich taste and tender texture make it a great choice for discovering and enjoying new recipes. After a slow cook to tenderize, you can slice it up for tasty lengua tacos, stir-fry, or sandwiches.

Adding beef tongue to your diet gives you a nutrient-dense, tasty cut that helps support the sustainable nose-to-tail approach. In addition, choosing grass-fed beef ensures you get high-quality meat free from hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs, making it a healthier and more ethical choice.

In this guide, we’ll explore three methods to cook beef tongue to perfection. Ready to try this lesser-known cut and prepare a delicious meal that will have your family and friends asking for more?

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 3-4 hours

Servings: 4

Tips for Cooking with Beef Tongue

Cooking with beef tongue might seem intimidating at first. Most people don’t know the right way to prepare it, unless they were fortunate enough to enjoy organ meats in their family’s traditional cooking. But here are some of our best tips to help ensure your meals come out great every time.

Use a cooking method that tenderizes the beef tongue (braise, boil, or pressure cooker)
Remove the tough outer skin, make sure to let the cooked tongue cool slightly first – but don’t let it cool too much, as the skin will become tricky to remove.
Remove the tough skin after it’s cooked and slightly cooled
If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, pan-fry the beef tongue in a couple of tbsps of extra virgin olive oil for 5-6 minutes after cooking and removing the skin.
Explore different cuisines by changing the herbs and spices you use.
Get high-quality, ethically sourced meat products to ensure you get the best taste and highest nutritional value.

How to Cook Beef Tongue

Our recipe is a like a classic beef stew, but the cooking method works great for any flavor profile. Swap out the seasonings and vegetables for whatever dish you’re making. For example, if you want to whip up some beef tongue fajitas, adjust the seasonings (paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes, etc.) and slice the meat into strips when it's done.

Once you’ve got your ingredients together, it’s time to get cooking. Here are the best three ways to cook beef tongue.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a few things to make a delicious meal with beef tongue, here’s what’s on the list for our recipe.

2 lbs. grass-fed beef tongue, cleaned and trimmed
1 large onion, chopped
1 cube butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, chopped
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine (optional)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste

Instant Pot Beef Tongue

This instant pot beef tongue recipe is delightfully simple and takes less than two hours to prepare. If you don’t have an instant pot, you can also use a pressure cooker, following the same steps below.

Place a tab of butter in the instant pot with chopped onions, carrots, and minced garlic. Saute until the onions start to brown.
Saute and add in the beef tongue, plus all other ingredients.
Put the lid on the pot and set it to sealing. Leave for 90 minutes.
Release the pressure and take out the beef tongue. Once cooled, remove the skin.
Cut into slices and pour on the sauce from the pressure cooker. Serve.

Beef Tongue in the Dutch Oven

This braised beef tongue recipe produces incredibly tender meat. It takes a little more time to cook, but the wait is well worth it.

Put the beef tongue in your Dutch oven or a roasting pan. Add all the other ingredients and stir well.
Place the lid on top and braise in the oven at 375 degrees for 5-6 hours.
Remove the beef tongue and let cool for about 15 to 20 minutes. Peel the outer layer of skin and discard, cutting the remaining meat into slices.
Pour on the sauce and serve!

Slow Cooker Beef Tongue

No Dutch oven? No problem! Here’s how to make beef tongue in the slow cooker.

Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Cook on the low setting for 8 hours.
Transfer the beef tongue to a work surface and let it cool for a few minutes. Peel the outer layer of skin and discard. Then slice the remaining meat.
Pour on the sauce and serve!

Side Dishes to Pair with Beef Tongue

Beef tongue is a super versatile cut of meat. Here are some delicious side dishes to pair it with for lunch and dinner:

Shredded beef tongue tacos with salsa verde and avocado
Teriyaki beef tongue with sticky rice and pak choi
Braised beef tongue with buttery mashed potatoes and roasted broccoli
Beef tongue sandwiches with honey and mustard dressing

Recipe FAQs

What does beef tongue taste like?

Beef tongue has a rich, meaty flavor and tender, buttery texture. It’s also exceptionally versatile, making it the perfect base for a variety of dishes.

Is beef tongue chewy or tender?

Beef tongue only becomes chewy if you cook it incorrectly. The best way to cook it is low and slow.

What is lengua meat?

Lengua is the Spanish word for tongue. If you see lengua on a menu in South America, it will probably mean beef tongue.

How do I ensure my beef tongue is tender?

For tender results, cook beef tongue low and slow.

Ready to cook?

Try these delicious recipes for yourself. Order Seven Sons’ grass-fed beef tongue today.

As always, we’d love to know what you think! So, let us know if you tried our recipes and how it turned out!

Curious for more? Try this simple Pickled Beef Tongue recipe or these authentic Mexican Beef Tongue Tacos!

French Chefs Visit the Farm

Earlier this month, Spencer and I had the privilege of hosting some incredible chefs from France for a farm tour. They are here in Indiana competing in the World Food Championships which are being hosted in Indianapolis. Last year, their team actually won the World Burger Championship! 🍔 While prepping for their event down in Indianapolis (about 90 minutes South of us), they looked online for a local farm to partner with to grab the meats they'd use for their competition.

5 Easy Ground Beef Recipes with Few Ingredients: Quick and Delicious Meals

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, and it’s easy to see why. This incredibly versatile protein source is easy to cook and naturally packed with flavor. Today, we’re sharing five simple ground beef recipes – needing only a few ingredients – that will bring a little flair to your dinner table. From Mexican to Italian to Asian, these recipes will help you whip up quick dishes that taste like you spent all day in the kitchen. The secret to these delicious recipes? We use grass-fed, grass-finished beef – you’ll taste the difference! Grass-fed beef is also better for you and the planet. No antibiotics or GMOs means better nutritional quality. Plus, we raise our cattle on regenerative pastures where they’re free to roam. They enjoy happy, healthy lives and nurture the natural ecosystem. It’s a farming method that’s a win-win—for your plate, your body, and the environment. So, let’s get cooking! 1. Ground Beef Tacos This speedy, tasty taco dish comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick midweek meal–or a weekend taco party! Here are the ingredients you’ll need: 1 Lb grass-fed ground beef 8 Taco shells or tortillas 1 Cup shredded lettuce 1 Cup shredded cheese Salsa and guacamole to serve And, of course, our healthy seasoning (no added sugars or preservatives, and MSG-free): 1 TBSP Chili powder 1 TBSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Cumin 2 TSP Salt And here’s what to do to make this 5 ingredient ground beef recipe: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Sprinkle the dry seasonings over the cooked beef. Follow the package instructions, which usually involves adding a bit of water (around 2/3 cup) and letting it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. When cooked, grab your taco shells or tortillas and start filling them with ground beef. Add the garnishings of your choice. You can add shredded lettuce and a generous sprinkle of cheese to each taco. If you’re using salsa and guacamole, add a dollop of each at this point. Serve and enjoy while they're warm! 2. Beef and Rice Skillet Cooking with one pot is great on those busy nights when you just don’t want to do the dishes. With maximum flavor and minimal washing up, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. You’ll need the following: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Cup Long-grain white rice 2 Cups Beef broth 1 Cup Frozen peas and carrots Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, break up the ground beef with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked – about 6-8 minutes. Add vegetables, broth, and rice. Stir in the rice, beef broth, peas, and diced carrots. Make sure everything is evenly combined. Bring to a boil. After the pot comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove the lid, stir, and taste. To ensure everything is just right, taste your creation after a quick mix. If needed, season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy. Separate the meal between 4-6 plates and dig in! 3. Beef and Tomato Pasta This hearty, comforting pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also highly customizable. You can add peas, carrots, peppers–whatever needs to be used in the fridge! To start, assemble these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Large onion, diced 1 Can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 8 Oz pasta (any shape) 1 TSP Paprika 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 Cup Shredded cheese (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Here’s how to make this: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the meat is browned and the onions are softened – about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes—season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the pasta is coated in the beef and tomato mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top and stir. Serve and Enjoy! 4. Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry This paleo-friendly stir fry recipe is rich in meaty, umami flavors. It’s a great choice if you’re craving takeout but want a healthy (and quick) alternative! You’ll need these ingredients: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Small head of cabbage, shredded 1/2 Cup shredded carrot 2 TBSP Bragg’s Aminos or Soy sauce (low sodium) 1 TBSP Honey 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch Ginger, grated Salt and pepper to taste Extra virgin olive oil Red chili flakes (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve How to make it. Mix ingredients. Combine the soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Set aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked–roughly 6-8 minutes. Add the shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to wilt. Pour the soy sauce and honey mixture over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly coated and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the stir-fry over a bed of your chosen rice. 5. Ground Beef and Black Bean Chili We simply couldn’t share a list of ground beef recipes without including a good ‘ol fashioned chili. This cozy, protein-packed dish is the definition of comfort food—perfect for chilly evenings when you need something warm and hearty. Here’s what you’ll need: 1 Lb Ground beef 1 Can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed 1 Can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies 1/2 Cup Water Salt and pepper, to taste Shredded cheese (optional) Sour cream (optional) Brown rice or cauliflower rice, to serve And our healthy chili seasoning mix: 2 TBSP Chili powder 2 TSP Ground cumin 1 TSP Garlic powder 1 TSP Onion powder 1 TSP Salt ¼ TSP Cayenne pepper Here’s how to make it: Cook the ground beef. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Add in everything else. Toss in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, dry ingredients, and water to the pot. Give it a good stir. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and season. Add salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls, serving with your favorite rice. For an extra touch, top it off with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of creamy sour cream! Grab a spoon and dive in! Is Ground Beef Healthy? Ground beef has an excellent nutritional profile. It’s rich in protein, iron, and other essential vitamins and minerals. However, not all ground beef is the same. Meat from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) has been shown to be lower in nutritional quality. If you’re concerned about your health, look for grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This type of beef has a better ratio of Omega 3 to Omega 6, and is higher in antioxidants and minerals. Which Ground Beef Is Best? 100% grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef is the best home cooking option. It’s incredibly flavorful, nutritionally rich, and better for the environment. Of course, there are different types of grass-fed ground beef–and that’s where your personal health and wellness goals come in: If you’re watching your fat intake, our ground sirloin is the leaner option at 90/10. Ground beef is great for everyday meals, and comes in at 85/15. Choose gourmet ground beef for show-stopping meals and entertaining, which is about 80/20. How Long Will Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? Raw ground beef lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers after cooking, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Ready to taste the difference? Are you ready to taste the difference that high-quality, grass-fed beef can make in your meals? Order Seven Sons’ ground beef today and elevate your meals.

3 Super Easy, Super Tasty Chicken Liver Recipes

Our commitment to ethically sourced meat includes using every part of our pastured chickens – including chicken liver! It's a delicious way to add nutrition and sustainability to your plate. If you’re unsure how to cook chicken liver, we’ve got you covered! In this post, you’ll find three methods for preparing chicken liver. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, the whole family, or hosting friends, these quick and delicious recipes will surely impress! Is Chicken Liver Good for You? Chicken liver is a nutritional powerhouse. Here’s why: Rich in nutrients: Chicken liver is nutrient-dense, loaded with iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, choline, selenium, and copper. These vital nutrients support immune function, help wounds heal faster, aid in developing strong bones, and assist with hormone regulation. All of which keep your body functioning optimally. High in protein: With 23 grams of protein per serving, chicken liver is a protein-packed choice that supports muscle tone, brain health, and blood sugar stability. Combat anemia risks: Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anemia, which means having too few red blood cells. Fortunately, chicken liver is an excellent source of iron and vitamins C and B, which work together to keep your blood cells healthy and lower the risk of anemia. The Best Way to Cook Chicken Livers Offal like chicken and beef liver are best cooked quickly. This is because of their naturally high water content. They'll become dry and tough if you cook them for too long. However, chicken liver turns out deliciously creamy, mild, and tender when cooked right. Here are some of the best ways to cook it: Sauté: Cook chicken livers in a pan with a small amount of grassfed butter or extra virgin olive oil for 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the liver’s exterior while keeping the inner meat tender and juicy. Fry: Coat the chicken livers in a little flower, then fry them in a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until they’re crispy on the outside and cooked through. Again, this will take 5-7 minutes. Grill: Thread chicken livers onto skewers and grill them over medium-high heat for 4 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Stir-fry: Cook chicken livers in a wok or pan with your chosen vegetables and sauce. Stir fry for 4-5 minutes. 3 Quick and Easy Chicken Liver Recipes Ready to unleash the wonders of chicken livers in your kitchen? Here are some recipes to try out. The best part? They all take less than half an hour to make! 1. Chicken Liver and Onions Liver and onions are a classic flavor combination for good reason. The deep, rich flavor of the liver balances the sweet, caramelized onions. This recipe is so delicious and satisfying, it will turn even the biggest liver skeptics into fans. To make it, you’ll need: 1 Lb chicken livers 2 Large onions, thinly sliced 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 2 TBSP Butter 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 TSP salt 1/2 TSP Black pepper 1 TSP Paprika 1/4 Cup flour (optional for coating) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Here are the steps to follow: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat dry with a paper towel. If you like a bit of extra crunch, coat them lightly in flour. In a large skillet, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil with a teaspoon of butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Toss in the onions and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and caramelized—this should take about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an extra minute until fragrant. Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the chicken livers. Sauté until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Stir everything and cook for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy! 2. Chicken Liver Salad with Spinach and Avocado If you’re in the mood for a light and fresh meal, this chicken liver salad fits the bill. It’s full of heart-healthy fats and iron, and packed with crisp, fresh vegetables. Simple, nourishing, and beautifully balanced. For this recipe, you’ll need: 1 Lb chicken livers 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 1 TBSP Balsamic vinegar 1 TBSP Dijon mustard 1 TSP Honey Salt and pepper to taste 6 Cups fresh spinach leaves 1 Ripe avocado, sliced 1 Small red onion, thinly sliced 1/2 Cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 Cup chopped walnuts (optional) Here’s how to make it: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken livers and cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make a zesty dressing. In a large bowl, toss together the spinach, avocado, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts. Add the warm chicken livers to the salad and drizzle with the dressing. Gently toss everything to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy! 3. Chicken Liver Stir-Fry with Vegetables This nutritious dish brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout without the excess sodium. It’s quick to prepare and a feast for the eyes—bright, colorful, and packed with nutrients. All you’ll need is the following ingredients: 1 Lb chicken livers 2 TBSP Soy sauce 1 TBSP Oyster sauce 1 TBSP Rice vinegar 1 TBSP Cornstarch 3 TBSP Extra virgin olive oil 1 Red bell pepper, sliced 1 Yellow bell pepper, sliced 1 Small broccoli head, cut into florets 2 Cloves garlic, minced 1 Inch piece of ginger, minced 2 Green onions, chopped 1/4 TSP red pepper flakes (optional) Cooked brown rice, for serving Once you’ve got the ingredients, just follow these steps: Rinse the chicken livers under cold water, pat dry with paper towel, then cut into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and cornstarch to create an Asian-style marinade. Add the chicken livers and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for 1 minute. Toss in the bell peppers and broccoli, and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Push the veggies to the side and add the marinated chicken livers to the skillet. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center–about 5-7 minutes. Mix everything, adding green onions and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Stir-fry for another minute to bring all the flavors together. Serve hot over a bed of cooked brown rice. How Long Should You Cook Chicken Livers? You should cook chicken livers quickly over high heat. Two great ways to cook this organ meat are sauteing and grilling. To saute, cook the chicken livers in a pan with a dash of olive oil for 5-7 minutes. To grill, simply thread the livers onto skewers and grill over medium-high for 4 minutes, turning halfway through. Why Do You Soak Chicken Livers in Milk? Soaking chicken livers in milk can enhance the tenderness of the meat. If you want a melt-in-your-mouth texture, place the chicken livers in a bowl of milk for 45 minutes before cooking. Which Recipe Will You Try? Ready to try one or all three of these chicken liver recipes? Seven Sons’ chicken livers come from ethical, pasture-raised chickens, making them a flavorful and nutritious choice. Give them a try today and taste the difference

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