Tacos de Lengua
Learn how to make delicious Tacos de Lengua with this easy recipe! Tender beef tongue, fresh toppings, and authentic flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb beef tongue
- This is the star of the dish! Beef tongue is incredibly tender when cooked properly and absorbs all the wonderful spices.
1 onion, quartered
- Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor during cooking.
3 garlic cloves, smashed
- For that aromatic savory foundation.
2 bay leaves
- A key ingredient that gives depth and richness to the broth.
1 tbsp salt
- Helps to season the beef tongue during the simmering process.
1 tsp black pepper
- A little heat to balance the flavors.
3-4 cups water
- For simmering the beef tongue and creating a flavorful broth.
12 small corn tortillas
- Fresh tortillas are perfect for holding the tender beef tongue and all the tasty toppings.
Fresh cilantro
- For garnish and that fresh citrusy pop of flavor.
1 lime, cut into wedges
- A squeeze of lime just before eating adds the perfect tangy contrast.
Salsa (optional)
- A little kick with your choice of salsa—whether it’s red green, or your favorite variety!
Instructions
Prep the Beef Tongue:
- Start by giving the beef tongue a good rinse under cold water. Remove any excess fat or skin, if necessary, to ensure you get a smooth, clean texture when it’s cooked.
Cook the Beef Tongue:
- In a large pot or pressure cooker, add the beef tongue, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and water.
- Simmering: If using a regular pot, bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 2–3 hours, or until the beef tongue is fork-tender. If you’re using a pressure cooker, you can reduce the cooking time to about 45 minutes.
- Tip: The longer you simmer, the more flavorful the broth will be. If you’re using a pressure cooker, you can still achieve that deep flavor but in less time!
Peel and Shred the Beef Tongue:
- Once the beef tongue is cooked and tender, carefully remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly. Then, peel off the tough outer skin and discard it.
- Slice or shred the beef tongue into small, bite-sized pieces—this makes it perfect for tacos.
Warm the Tortillas:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until they become soft and slightly charred. This step helps bring out their natural flavor and makes them more pliable for assembling your tacos.
Assemble Your Tacos:
- Once your beef tongue is shredded and your tortillas are warm, it’s time to put everything together.
- Place a generous amount of shredded beef tongue in the center of each tortilla.
- Top with freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a spoonful of salsa if you like a little heat.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your tacos de lengua immediately with your favorite side dishes. The richness of the beef tongue pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice or refried beans.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving): •Calories: 250 •Fat: 12g •Protein: 25g •Carbs: 10g •Fiber: 3g •Sugar: 2g •Sodium: 500mg
