Slow Cooker Lengua Recipe: Authentic Mexican Beef Tongue
If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Mexican dish, this Slow Cooker Lengua (Beef Tongue) Recipe is perfect for you. Tender, flavorful, and seasoned to perfection, this dish is a traditional favorite in many Mexican households. The slow cooker makes it incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or on its own for a truly memorable meal.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lengua Recipe
This recipe transforms a humble cut of meat into a flavorful delicacy that’s easy to make. By using a slow cooker, you achieve tender, juicy beef tongue without much effort. The combination of garlic, onions, and spices infuses the meat with rich flavors, making it a versatile filling for tacos, tortas, or even as a main dish.
Ingredients
- Beef tongue – 2 pounds, cleaned
- Garlic cloves – 4, crushed
- Onion – 1 large, quartered
- Bay leaves – 2
- Whole black peppercorns – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 tablespoon
- Water or beef broth – 4 cups
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (for searing)
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the beef tongue under cold water and trim any excess fat. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Step 2: Add garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt to the slow cooker. Pour in enough water or beef broth to cover the tongue.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the tongue is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove the beef tongue from the slow cooker and let it cool slightly. Peel off the outer skin and discard.
- Step 5: Slice the tongue into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the slices until browned on all sides.
- Step 6: Serve with chopped cilantro and lime wedges, or use it as a filling for tacos and burritos.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Lengua
- Clean the tongue thoroughly: Rinse well under cold water and trim any excess fat or gristle before cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: You can add cumin, oregano, or chili powder for extra flavor if desired.
- Make it spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker lengua is incredibly versatile. You can serve it in tacos with diced onions, cilantro, and salsa for a street-food experience, or add it to burritos, tortas, or even nachos for a hearty and flavorful topping. It’s also great served simply with a side of rice and beans.
Health Benefits of Beef Tongue
Beef tongue is not only tender and flavorful but also rich in essential nutrients. It’s a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are vital for energy production and maintaining healthy red blood cells. Additionally, it contains zinc and selenium, both of which support the immune system. Including organ meats like lengua in your diet can provide a nutrient-dense, low-carb, and high-protein meal option, especially for those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I cook lengua in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can cook beef tongue in an Instant Pot. Simply add all ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally before opening.
2. How do I store leftover lengua?
Store any leftover lengua in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use the cooking broth?
Absolutely! The broth from cooking lengua is full of flavor. Strain it and use it as a base for soups, stews, or even as a cooking liquid for rice.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Lengua is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for bringing a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine to your kitchen. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or simply with a squeeze of lime, this tender beef tongue recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it out and experience the rich flavors of this traditional Mexican delicacy!
How about checking out more Slow Cooker recipes? FoodZones Slow Cooker Recipes
Slow Cooker Lengua (Beef Tongue)
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef tongue cleaned
- 4 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 large onion quartered
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp salt
- 4 cups water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
- Optional: Fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional: Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Rinse the beef tongue under cold water and trim any excess fat. Place it in the slow cooker.
- Add garlic, onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Pour in water or beef broth to cover the tongue.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, until tender.
- Remove from slow cooker, let cool slightly, and peel off the outer skin.
- Slice into thin strips and sear in a skillet with olive oil.
- Serve with cilantro and lime wedges, or use in tacos.
Photo by Dogu Tuncer