Boiled Tongue
Boiled tongue is a tender, flavorful dish featuring slow-cooked beef tongue served with a rich tomato-based sauce. The combination of savory, tangy, and umami flavors makes it a hearty choice for those who enjoy traditional, comforting meals with a unique twist. Perfect for special occasions or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrub the beef tongue well.
- Cover the tongue with boiling water and bring to a boil.
- Skim off any foam, cover, and simmer until tender, about 3 to 4 hours.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon salt per pound of tongue when partially cooked.
- Remove the skin from the tongue when tender.
- In a separate saucepan, combine 2 cups of the strained water from boiling the tongue with the stewed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, mushrooms, salt, and pepper.
- Blend the mixture to form a sauce.
- Place the cooked tongue in a roasting pan and pour the sauce over it.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, turning often.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful tongue, consider marinating it overnight in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper before boiling. If you want a thicker sauce, increase the flour to 1/2 cup and whisk it in while blending. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also elevate the dish. Additionally, for more texture, you could substitute canned mushrooms with fresh sautéed ones.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the boiled tongue sliced, drizzled with the savory sauce, and accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. For a vibrant contrast, add a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad. This dish pairs beautifully with American recipes like Old Fashioned Pot Roast With Egg Noodles, creating a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover boiled tongue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the tongue and warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, covered, to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Boiled Tongue contains roughly 608 calories, with 26g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (53% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1823mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when the tongue is fully cooked?
The tongue is fully cooked when it is tender and easily pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 3 to 4 hours. Once it reaches this tenderness, the skin will begin to peel off easily. Make sure to check it periodically during cooking to avoid overcooking.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef tongue?
While this recipe is specifically for beef tongue, you can experiment with other cuts of beef or pork for similar flavor profiles. However, the texture will differ, so adjust cooking times accordingly. Braising methods for tougher cuts can achieve a tender result, much like boiling the tongue.
What can I do with leftover sauce?
Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It's great as a topping for roasted vegetables or can be used as a sauce for sandwiches or wraps. You could also use it as a base for a savory stew, enhancing the flavor profile of your next meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).