I’m so excited to share this beef tongue taco recipe with you all. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The beef tongue is so tender and flavorful, and the way it’s cooked in the tacos is just perfect.
I love that this recipe is a great way to get in some extra protein and iron, and it’s also really easy to make ahead of time and store for later use. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always eager to get involved when we’re making this recipe. We like to serve it with all the fixings, including diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of queso fresco on top.
It’s just a really fun and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether we’re having a big family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is always a good idea. And the best part is that it’s so versatile – you can customize it however you like with different toppings and sauces.
I’ve even made it with different types of meat, like carne asada or chicken, but the beef tongue is definitely my favorite. There’s just something about the way it’s cooked that makes it so tender and flavorful. I could eat it every day of the week!
When we’re not using it for tacos, I also like to slice up the beef tongue thinly and serve it on its own as a snack or appetizer. It’s just so easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Beef Tongue Tacos
4.8 from 524 votes
Tender, slow-cooked beef tongue is shredded and seasoned with smoky chipotle and cumin, then served in warm corn tortillas with fresh salsa and crema. This taco recipe transforms an often overlooked cut into a rich and flavorful filling.
1Place the beef tongue in a large pot and add the quartered onion, smashed garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns, and salt.
2Pour in enough water to cover the tongue by 2 inches, then bring to a boil over high heat.
3Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 2. 5 to 3 hours until the tongue is fork-tender and the skin begins to peel away easily.
4Check the water level occasionally and add more if needed to keep the tongue submerged.
5Remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool for 10 minutes until safe to handle.
6Peel off the thick outer skin using your fingers or a knife, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces with two forks.
7Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
8Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
9Stir in the minced chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
10Add the shredded tongue and 1/2 cup of the reserved beef broth, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the liquid reduces and the meat is well coated.
11Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
12Fill each tortilla with the seasoned tongue mixture and top with crema, fresh salsa, and chopped cilantro.
For a milder flavor, use only one chipotle pepper. The tongue can be cooked a day ahead and refrigerated in its broth for easier peeling and shredding.
Watch Video Of How Beef Tongue Tacos Works
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your tastes – whether you prefer spicy toppings or tangy sauces, there are endless possibilities when it comes to serving up these delicious tacos.
And because they’re so easy to make ahead of time, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or big family gatherings where everyone wants something hearty but quick.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Tongue Tacos
1.
Q: What is beef tongue? A: Beef tongue is a type of meat that comes from the tongue of a cow. It’s usually sold in its raw form, which can be intimidating if you’ve never worked with it before. But don’t worry – once you get past the initial shock of cooking with organ meat, you’ll find that beef tongue is actually really delicious and versatile.
2.
Q: How do I cook beef tongue? A: To cook beef tongue, you’ll need to first boil it until it’s tender – this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your tongues. Once it’s cooked through, you can slice it up thinly and serve it on its own or use it in tacos like I do. You can also season the beef tongue with spices and herbs before serving for added flavor.
3.
Q: Is beef tongue safe to eat? A: Yes – as long as you cook your beef tongue properly, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to eat it safely. Just make sure to follow proper food safety guidelines when handling raw meat, and you’ll be golden!
4.
Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of beef tongue? A: Of course! While beef tongue is my personal favorite, you can definitely substitute other types of meat in this recipe if you prefer them. Try using carne asada or chicken for a different twist on tacos – or even try using pork or lamb if you want something more exotic.
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