Boiled tongue might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a delicious and comforting meal, but trust me on this one. This often-overlooked cut of meat is incredibly flavorful and surprisingly versatile. With a tender texture similar to pot roast, boiled tongue can be enjoyed in sandwiches, salads, or served as a hearty main course.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of How To Make Boiled Tongue, from prepping the meat to serving it up. We’ll also share some expert tips and tricks to ensure your boiled tongue turns out perfectly tender and flavorful every time. Get ready to impress your family with this unique and satisfying dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delicious boiled tongue, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pounds) beef tongue
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Slotted spoon
- Sharp knife
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prep the tongue: Rinse the tongue under cold water and use a sharp knife to remove any remaining cartilage or fatty tissue from the base.
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Boil the tongue: Place the tongue in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with cold water. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, peppercorns, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2.5-3 hours, or until the tongue is fork-tender.
Beef Tongue Simmering in a Pot -
Peel the skin: Once the tongue is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it cool for a few minutes until you can handle it comfortably. Using your fingers or a small knife, gently peel off the tough outer skin. It should come off easily.
Peeling the Skin off Boiled Tongue -
Slice and serve: Slice the tongue thinly against the grain and serve it hot. You can enjoy your boiled tongue as is, or use it in your favorite recipes.
Tips for the Best Boiled Tongue
- Don’t skip the simmer: The long simmering time is crucial for breaking down the tough proteins in the tongue and ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add flavor to the broth: For extra flavor, you can add other aromatics to the boiling liquid, such as bay leaves, parsley stems, or a few sprigs of thyme.
- Use a pressure cooker: To cut down on cooking time, you can cook the tongue in a pressure cooker for about 90 minutes.
Delicious Ways to Serve Boiled Tongue
Boiled tongue is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic Tongue Sandwiches: Slice the tongue thinly and pile it high on toasted rye bread with mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles.
- Tongue with Horseradish Sauce: Serve slices of boiled tongue with a dollop of creamy horseradish sauce and a side of boiled potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Tongue Salad: Dice the boiled tongue and add it to your favorite salad recipe for a protein boost.
Delicious Boiled Tongue Sandwich
FAQs About Making Boiled Tongue
Q: How can I tell if the tongue is cooked?
A: The tongue is fully cooked when it’s fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork, and the skin will peel off easily.
Q: Can I freeze boiled tongue?
A: Absolutely! Let the tongue cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using.
There you have it! Now that you know how to make boiled tongue, why not try this unique and flavorful dish for yourself? You might be surprised at how much you love it. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes on Family Cuisine for more culinary inspiration. What are your favorite ways to enjoy boiled tongue? Share your thoughts and recipes in the comments below!
