Lengua (Beef Tongue)
Lengua, or beef tongue, is a delicacy in various cuisines, known for its tender texture and rich flavor. This recipe guides you through preparing lengua, resulting in a succulent dish perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or as a main course.
Ingredients
• 🐄 1 beef tongue (approximately 3–4 pounds)
• 🧅 1 large onion, quartered
• 🥕 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
• 🌿 2 bay leaves
• 🧄 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 🧂 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 🧂 1 tablespoon salt
• 💧 Water (enough to cover the tongue)
For Serving
• 🌮 Warm tortillas (if making tacos)
• 🥑 Guacamole
• 🍅 Salsa
• 🥗 Chopped onions and cilantro
• 🍋 Lime wedges
Equipment
• Large pot or pressure cooker
• Tongs
• Cutting board and knife
• Skillet (if searing)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
• Pressure Cooker: 1.5–2 hours
• Stovetop: 3–4 hours
Calories & Macros (per serving)
• Calories: 250
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 18g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Tongue
o Rinse the beef tongue thoroughly under cold water.
o Place it in a large pot or pressure cooker.
2. Add Aromatics
o Add the quartered onion, carrots, bay leaves, garlic cloves, black peppercorns, and salt to the pot.
o Pour in enough water to cover the tongue completely.
3. Cook the Tongue
o Pressure Cooker: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 1.5–2 hours.
o Stovetop: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 3–4 hours, or until the tongue is tender.
4. Peel the Tongue
o Once cooked, remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool slightly.
o Using a sharp knife, make a small incision on the surface and peel off the outer skin. It should come off easily.
5. Slice and Serve
o Slice the tongue into thin pieces.
o For added flavor, you can sear the slices in a hot skillet with a bit of oil until browned.
o Serve in warm tortillas with guacamole, salsa, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges, or enjoy as a main course with your preferred sides.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Flavor Variations: For additional flavor, marinate the cooked and sliced tongue in your favorite sauce before searing.
• Storage: Store leftover lengua in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Lengua is versatile and can be used in tacos, sandwiches, or served with rice and beans.
Enjoy this tender and flavorful lengua as a unique and delicious addition to your culinary repertoire!
