Taco de lengua
My love affair with tacos began years ago when my husband and I were dating. He brought me to a local Los Comales restaurant for the purpose of introducing me to the wonderful and delicious world of Mexican tacos. My only stipulation that day was that I wanted to try them all without knowing what they were. I would taste them and once I found the ones I liked the most, then he could tell me.
I knew then as I know now that we, as humans accustomed to our own tastes and habits, often carry misconceptions about unfamiliar foods. I also knew that I didn’t want my own potential misconceptions to keep me from tasting and/or eating something I would really enjoy. And let me tell you, the pay off in my case was like hitting the culinary lottery. As luck would have it, tacos de lengua (along with tacos de tripitas, but we’ll get to them another day) were my favorite.
The flavor of beef tongue is simply fantastic. The meat is tender and juicy and melts in your mouth. These tacos are also so easy to make that it would be a shame to deprive yourself. Topped with the usual onions, cilantro and lime along with a great salsa, you will pick tacos de lengua as your favorite too.
Tacos de lengua
1 medium sized beef tongue, about 3 lbs.
3 garlic cloves
1 medium onion, whole
3 bay leaves
generous salt
warm corn tortillas ( l like El Milagro Blancas)
½ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup finely chopped cilantro
lime wedges
salsa for tacos (see links below)
Prepare tongue by rinsing well. Place in Dutch oven or large pot (with a lid) and cover with water. Add in garlic, onion, bay leaves and salt and bring to a boil. Gently simmer for 2½ to 3 hours, checking occasionally for water level. Add water as needed to keep tongue covered. When done, remove from heat and allow meat to cool in its broth.
Once cool enough to handle, remove from broth. Prepare tongue by carefully peeling away rubbery outer skin and removing any excess fatty tissue. What should remain is a tender portion of meat that is similar to a fine-textured pot roast, but with a slightly higher fat content. Slice or dice as preferred and check for salt. Serve on warmed corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Top with your favorite taco salsa.
Recipes for salsa for tacos:
Salsa verde para tacos
Salsa roja para tacos
Chile de arbol salsa
More taco recipes from the Chicago Mexican Food Examiner:
Tacos de Tripas
Tacos de Chorizo con Papas
Tacos de Cecina de Res
Tacos de Papa
Tacos de Lomo Encebollado
More from the Chicago Mexican Food Examiner:
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Share your Mexican food recipes, memories and experiences!
Comments
Amy, you're braver than I am....LOL
Hi Amy:
I know, these tacos de lengua are delicious.
Simply Delicious! I absolutly love these tacos.
I'm going to have to add this site to my favorites. Great Recipes Amy. Thank you!
I served these during a poker party my husband was hosting. Everyone loved it and this was the first food item gone... Great recipe, everyone asked for it...
Very glad I found your recipes!!!! Now my soon to be husband, "which is Mexican" doesn't have to go to his moms to eat!!!! Now I know how to make the food he likes! THX AMY!
hi
thanks amy for your advice for my food project at school
I just wanted to comment that I am thrilled beyond measure to hear that you all are enjoying this recipe. It is definitely one of my favorites as well.
Chelsea: Good luck on your Mexican cooking adventures. I married into it also and the cuisine will never leave you bored. What a treasure of fun, interesting, and delicious things to eat! Don't hesitate to email me at chicagomexicanfoodexaminer@yahoo.com if you need help with something. Amy
being mexican myself, I can tell you this is the right way to prepare them... simply delicious!
Edna:
Thanks so much for your kind comment. I hear from people all the time that they love these tacos. It makes me very happy to hear that they also meet with your approval. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
I l0v3 thi5 f00d 0mq l0l but 50m3 pp1 wud n0t lk3 iit but still qudddddddd!!!!! l0l ii l0v3 beinq M3xiCaN l0l!!!!!!!!!!!
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