Beef tongue refers to the tongue of a cow that is used as a culinary ingredient. It is a muscle meat known for its rich flavor and tender texture. In many cultures, including South Africa, beef tongue is considered a delicacy and is prepared in various dishes. It is often braised, boiled, or roasted and can be served sliced or shredded. Beef tongue is known for its unique taste and is enjoyed by many meat lovers around the world.Cooking beef tongue in South Africa typically involves a combination of braising and simmering to achieve a tender and flavorful result. Here’s a basic recipe for cooking beef tongue in the South African style.
How to cook beef tongue South Africa
Ingredients
- 1 beef tongue (around 2-3 pounds)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Water
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the beef tongue. Rinse it under cold water and remove any excess fat or debris. You can also peel off the outer skin if desired.2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become slightly softened and fragrant.3. Add the beef tongue to the pot and pour enough water to cover the tongue completely. Add the bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt to the pot.4. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Allow the tongue to simmer gently for about 2 to 3 hours or until it becomes tender. Check occasionally and add more water if needed to ensure the tongue remains submerged.5. After the tongue is tender, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. At this point, you can choose to peel off the skin if you haven't done so already. It should come off easily.6. Once the tongue has cooled enough to handle, slice it into thin slices.7. Serve the beef tongue slices with your preferred accompaniments, such as mashed potatoes, vegetables, or rice. You can also serve it in sandwiches or use it in other recipes as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Lillian
Lillian loves to try her hands on new recipes. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: food is the way to everyone's heart.
