A Simple Recipe for Pickled Beef Tongue
March 31, 2023
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 8
Ingredients
- (3-4 lbs) Beef Tongue
- (1 TBSP) Kosher salt
- (1) Large onion, quartered
- (1) Large onion, thinly sliced
- (2) Cloves garlic, crushed
- (4) Cloves garlic, sliced
- (4) Bay leaves
- (2 TBSP - separated) Whole black peppercorns
- (2 TBSP - separated) Kosher salt
- (Enough to cover beef tongue while boiling) Water
- (1 Cup) Apple cider vinegar
- (2 Cups) Water for brine
- (1 TBSP) Mustard seeds
Directions
How to Make Pickled Beef Tongue
- Rinse beef tongue under cold water, then place it in a large pot with enough water to fully submerge it.
- Add quartered onion, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, whole black peppercorns, and salt. Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cover after water starts to boil. Allow beef tongue to simmer for 3 hours, or until it becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork. This slow-cooking process ensures the meat achieves a melt-in-your-mouth beef tongue texture.
- While tongue simmers, prepare the pickling brine. In a separate pot, combine apple cider vinegar, water, salt, mustard seeds, minced garlic, and thinly sliced onion.
- Stir mixture while bringing it to a boil. Continue stirring until the salt completely dissolves. Remove the pot from heat and set the brine aside to cool to room temperature.
- Once the tongue is tender (test by piercing with fork), remove from pot and allow to cool slightly. While still warm, carefully peel off the outer skin of the tongue. Once cooled enough to handle comfortably, slice the beef tongue into thin, uniform slices – about 1/4 inch thick.
- Transfer sliced beef tongue into large, clean jar or container with a secure lid. Pour the cooled pickling brine over the slices, ensuring they’re completely submerged. Seal the jar tightly to lock in the flavors.
- Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator and let the pickled beef tongue marinate for at least 1 week.
- After the pickling period, your homemade pickled beef tongue is ready to be enjoyed!
What Can You Serve with Pickled Beef Tongue?
You can enjoy beef tongue straight out of the jar or a side dish. But there are also plenty of other creative ways you can enjoy it. Here are some ideas:
- Pickled beef tongue tacos with salsa verde and smashed avocado.
- Beef tongue, mustard, and caramelized onion sandwich
- A zesty pickled beef tongue salad with arugula, tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil
- Pickled beef tongue with creamy mushroom and garlic sauce on a bed of mashed potatoes
How Long Does it Take to Boil Pickled Meat?
Allow the tongue to simmer gently for approximately 3 hours on the stove for maximum flavor and tenderness.
What Cultures Eat Beef Tongue?
Beef tongue is especially popular in South America, Eastern Europe, and Asia.
Can I Reuse the Pickling Brine?
For food safety reasons, you should not reuse pickling brine. Thankfully, it’s quick to make your own brine with our recipe.
Ready to Make Your Own Pickled Beef Tongue?
Try our delicious pickled beef tongue recipe today! Our organ meats come from grass-fed and grass-finished cows, ensuring you get the highest quality meat. Order our beef tongue and discover the difference for yourself.
Remember to share how your recipes turned out in the comment section, try these Mexican Beef Tongue Tacos and more of our beef tongue cooking suggestions!
