Tacos de Lengua is a classic in Mexico. Moist and flavorful, coupled with Tomatillo Salsa Verde, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese, it's a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
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In Mexico, and in Hispanic communities in the USA there are many recipes that use the less commonly-consumed cuts of meat, such as beef tripe, and beef tongue. Beef tongue tacos are much loved by Mexicans who will go out of their way to look for a taqueria that serves it but is avoided by most Americans.
Tacos de Lengua is a Mexican street food that I love to get whenever I go on shopping trips in Tijuana or Ensenada.
Classic Mexican street tacos de Lengua have been braised with garlic and onions, finely chopped, and served with salsa verde and avocados.
What does Beef Tongue taste like?
It's very tender and moist. The flavor is very distinct but it can also absorb the flavor of whatever it is cooked with, so it can vary depending on the preparation. Believe it or not, beef tongue tastes similar to other cuts of beef. It has a milder flavor and is a fattier cut of meat.
What else can I make with Beef Tongue Recipe?
- Burritos de Lengua is awesome! a flour tortilla filled with tender Lengua meat, your favorite salsa, onions, and cilantro, and served with refried beans, and rice.
- Mexican Tongue Sandwich in a sandwich of chunks of crispy browned tongue in between slabs of avocado and cheese, and I don't know if there's a better bite of food out there.
- Tostadas layered with refried beans, salsa verde topped with crispy tongue bits, and drizzled with lime crema sauce
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How to Cook Beef Tongue for Tacos
- Place the beef tongue in a crockpot, and fill it with enough water to cover the tongue. Add onions, 1 tbsp. garlic, oregano, cumin, and salt. Cook on high for 4-6 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours until the tongue is soft to the touch and tender. Once it’s tender, take the tongue out of the crockpot.
- Peel off the outer layer of the skin when you are able to handle the tongue. It’s easier to take the skin off while the tongue is warm. Dice tongue into 1⁄2-inch cubes and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, add lengua (tongue) cubes, and 1 tbsp. minced garlic, and cook until a little crisp. Warm the corn tortillas.
- Place lengua in warm corn tortillas, add Tomatillo Salsa Verde, diced onions, crumbled cotija cheese, and avocado slices.
Sauces To Try
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