How to Cook Beef Tongue in a Slow Cooker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever tried beef tongue? If not, you might be missing out on one of the most delicious and nutritious cuts of meat. Beef tongue is a lean and tender meat with a mild and beefy flavour. This food item is abundant in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

But how do you cook beef tongue? One of the easiest and best ways to cook beef tongue is in a slow cooker. A slow cooker allows you to cook the beef tongue slowly and gently, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also saves you time and effort; you don’t have to watch over the stove or oven.

In this blog post, I will show you how to cook beef tongue in a slow cooker in four simple steps. You will need a beef tongue, some seasonings, a skillet, a slow cooker, and a knife. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make your beef tongue more flavorful and moist.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Step 1: Rinse and trim the beef tongue

The first step is to rinse and trim the beef tongue. You want to remove any dirt or debris from the tongue’s surface. Run the beef tongue under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels to do this.

Next, you want to trim off any excess fat, skin, or cartilage from the beef tongue. These parts can make the beef tongue tough or chewy. To do this, use a sharp knife and cut off any visible fat, skin, or cartilage from the base and sides of the tongue. You don’t have to be too precise, as you will peel off the outer layer of skin later.

Optional: Brine it overnight in a saltwater solution if you want to add extra flavour and moisture to your beef tongue. To do this:

1. Dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 4 cups water in a large bowl or pot.
2. Add aromatics like bay leaves, peppercorns, garlic cloves, or onion slices.
3. Submerge the beef tongue in the brine and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. Tenderising the meat and adding salt and flavour can be achieved through this process.

Step 2: Season and sear the beef tongue

The second step is to season and sear the beef tongue. You want to add flavour to the tongue’s surface and create a nice crust. To prepare, start by seasoning the beef tongue with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any additional spices you choose. You can use your favourite spice blend or make your own.

Next, sear the beef tongue on all sides until browned. This will help lock in the juices and add colour and texture to the meat. Heat some oil in a large skillet over high heat to do this. When the oil is hot, add the beef tongue and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Finally, you want to transfer the beef tongue to a slow cooker and add some liquid to help it cook. You can use water or broth as your liquid base. Add more aromatics like onion wedges, carrot chunks, celery stalks, or herbs. These will add some more flavour and nutrients to your dish. Make sure to cover the beef tongue halfway with liquid.

Step 3: Cook the beef tongue on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours

The third step is to cook the beef tongue on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours. This is where the magic happens. The slow cooker will do all the work for you and transform your beef tongue into a succulent and tender delicacy.

Cover the slow cooker with a lid and set it low or high, depending on your preference and schedule. Low will give you more time to do other things while your beef tongue cooks slowly and gently. High will speed up the process but still give you great results.

You want to cook the beef tongue until it is very tender and easy to peel. To check for doneness, insert a fork or a knife into the thickest part of the tongue and see if it slides out easily. If it does, your beef tongue is ready. If not, cook it for another hour or so until it does.

When your beef tongue is done, please turn off the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before peeling off the outer layer of skin. This will make it easier to peel and slice later.

Step 4: Slice and serve the beef tongue

The final step is to slice and serve the beef tongue. You want to slice the beef tongue thinly across the grain using a sharp knife or an electric slicer. This will give you the best texture and flavour.

You can serve the beef tongue hot or cold with your favourite sauces, dips, or sides. Some of the popular ways to serve beef tongue are:

• With salsa verde, cilantro, and lime juice for a Mexican-inspired dish
• With horseradish sauce, mustard, and pickles for a German-inspired dish
• With barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and buns for a Southern-inspired dish
• With soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a Filipino-inspired dish

You can also use the beef tongue in sandwiches, salads, tacos, burritos, or wraps. The possibilities are endless!

Optional: To preserve any remaining beef tongue, it’s best to place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it using either the microwave, oven, or stovetop.

Conclusion

And that’s how you cook beef tongue in a slow cooker. You’ll notice that it’s quite easy indeed.

You need a few ingredients, a slow cooker, and some patience. You will be rewarded with a delicious and nutritious meal that will impress your family and friends.

It would make me happy if this blog post were enjoyable and informative. If so, please spread the word to your buddies and write feedback underneath. I’m eager to connect with you.

Have you ever cooked beef tongue in a slow cooker? How did it turn out? What are your favourite ways to serve it? Tell me your thoughts in the feedback area.

FAQs