how to cook cow tongue in instant pot: Step by Step guide 2024! Best method.

Step by Step Guide: how to cook cow tongue in instant pot

Cooking cow tongue in an Instant Pot is a fantastic way to create a tender and flavorful dish with minimal effort.

Although it may seem intimidating at first, with the right instructions, you’ll find that preparing cow tongue is quite straightforward.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you master this unique dish.

Ingredients

Before we begin, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cow tongue (about 2-3 pounds)
• 4 cups of beef broth or water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
• Optional: spices such as thyme or allspice for added flavor

Equipment Needed

• Instant Pot
• Tongs
• Knife
• Cutting board

Step 1: Prepare the Cow Tongue

Start by rinsing the cow tongue under cold water to remove any impurities.

Trim any visible fat or connective tissue, although some may be left on as it adds flavor during cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics (Optional)

If you prefer deeper flavors, you can sauté the aromatics.

Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function, add a splash of oil, and sauté the onion and garlic until they are translucent.

This step will add additional depth to the broth.

Step 3: Add the Tongue and Liquid

Once you’re finished sautéing (or if you skipped this step), carefully place the cow tongue into the Instant Pot.

Add the beef broth or water, ensuring that the tongue is mostly submerged.

Toss in the quartered onion, smashed garlic, bay leaves, salt, peppercorns, and any additional spices you’re using.

Step 4: Seal the Instant Pot

Lock the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.

This is crucial for building pressure during cooking.

Step 5: Cooking Time

Select the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) button and set the cooking time for 90 minutes at high pressure.

If your tongue is particularly large, you might want to increase the cooking time to 120 minutes.

Step 6: Natural Pressure Release

After the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 15-20 minutes.

After this, you can switch the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining steam.

Step 7: Remove and Clean the Tongue

Carefully take out the cow tongue using tongs and place it on a cutting board.

Allow it to cool for a few minutes, then use a sharp knife to peel off the tough outer layer of skin. This step is important as the skin can be tough and chewy.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once the tongue is peeled, slice it into thin pieces against the grain.

Serve it hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, or in a taco format with salsa and avocado.

Conclusion

Cooking cow tongue in an Instant Pot is not only simple but also allows you to enjoy this delicacy in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.

With this step-by-step guide, you can impress your family and friends with a unique and delicious dish.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking cow tongue in an Instant Pot, from selecting the right ingredients to putting together delicious meal ideas that highlight this often-overlooked treasure.

how to cook cow tongue in instant pot.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious beginner, you’ll find everything you need to prepare this savory dish with ease.

Benefits of Cooking Beef Tongue in an Instant Pot

Cooking beef tongue in an Instant Pot is a game-changer.

This method yields an organ meat delicacy that is both tender and full of flavor. The pressure cooker’s magic turns what is often considered a tough piece of meat into one so tender you won’t even need a knife—you can shred the beef tongue with a fork or even by hand.

The cooking time is significantly reduced compared to slow cooker methods, making it ideal for quick recipes.

Another advantage of cooking beef tongue in an Instant Pot is the use of beef broth instead of just water.

The cups of beef broth create a beautiful beef stock during the cooking process and infuse the tongue with a rich, savory flavor that water alone cannot provide.

Aromatic seasonings such as bay leaf, black pepper, garlic cloves, and a tablespoon of salt added to the pot work their magic, enhancing the flavor profiles of the beef tongue.

As it cooks, the beef absorbs these spices, resulting in flavorful meat that complements various dishes.

Lastly, employing the natural release function of the Instant Pot allows the beef tongue to steadily approach the ideal texture, ensuring soft beef tongue slices without the need for additional resting.

This final step is crucial in creating the perfect melt-in-your-mouth meat experience.

Where to Buy Beef Tongue

Beef tongue, a flavorful organ meat also known as cow tongue, is a delicacy in many cuisines.

To purchase this piece of meat, you might need to explore various markets.

While Hispanic and Asian markets are known to stock beef tongue, often vacuum-sealed, specialty supermarkets also carry this item in their full-service meat departments.

However, it might not be readily on display, so inquiring with the butcher is key.

If you’re looking for the most tender part, consider asking for the beef tongue tips.

For cooking, a typical recipe might require about 3.5 pounds of beef tongue tips.

Those who enjoy Mexican cuisine might be familiar with beef tongue as it’s a popular ingredient in dishes like lingua de res tacos and burritos — a staple in many Mexican restaurants, especially around areas with a rich Hispanic culture, such as San Francisco.

Moreover, accessibility to beef tongue has increased with larger retailers like Wal-Mart starting to stock it. This expansion in availability has made it easier for consumers to try their hand at creating dishes with this tender and flavorful meat.

Whether slow-cooked in a crock-pot or prepared quickly in a pressure cooker, beef tongue can be transformed into several delicious forms, from savory stews to shredded beef for tacos.

Preparing Beef Tongue for Cooking

Preparing beef tongue may seem daunting, but with the right steps, you can ensure this organ meat is cleaned and ready for a delicious meal. Begin by giving the tongue a thorough rinse under cold water.

This initial rinse helps to remove any debris or impurities. Next, submerge the beef tongue in a large bowl filled with cool water, letting it sit for anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes.

If the water turns bloody, be sure to replace it with fresh water.

After soaking, the outer skin and taste buds still cling to the tongue and require removal. Take a large, sharp knife and carefully scrape along the tongue’s surface. This will clean it suitably for cooking.

Make sure to check and clean every crevice, as a well-prepared piece of meat can greatly influence the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Once prepared, you can cook the tongue in variety. It’s common to boil or braise it until the meat becomes wonderfully tender—this method releases the tongue’s inherent flavors and creates a pleasing texture.

After cooking, beef tongue can be a star ingredient in a range of culinary delights, such as stews, soups, sandwiches, and even as part of a charcuterie spread.

If you choose to store the tongue for later use, wrap it well in a resealable plastic bag, sucking out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn before placing it in the freezer.

Essential Ingredients for Instant Pot Beef Tongue

Cooking beef tongue in an Instant Pot transforms this unique piece of organ meat into tender and flavorful meat.

To begin, it is essential to use key ingredients that will enhance the flavor profiles and ensure the meat is cooked to perfection.

A savory base is crucial, and that’s where beef broth comes in; about 2 cups of beef broth will add depth and richness to the meat.

Bay leaves are another essential ingredient, with one or two leaves adding earthy undertones.

Incorporating aromatic vegetables such as one chopped onion and a couple of minced garlic cloves will significantly amplify the taste.

Seasoning is paramount—1 tablespoon of salt, a teaspoon of black pepper, and a dash of paprika will elevate the beef tongue to new heights.

These spices not only enhance flavor but also help to create a beautiful beef stock during the cooking process.

Place these ingredients into your Instant Pot along with the beef tongue, ensuring that the tongue is submerged in the flavorful liquid.

Utilizing the pressure cooker function will tenderize the beef tongue in a fraction of the time compared to a slow cooker or crock pot, giving you soft beef tongue that’s ready for various beef tongue recipes, from shredded beef to beef tongue slices.

Recommended Substitutions for Ingredients

When cooking beef tongue, flexibility in ingredients can help meet various dietary needs. Here are some recommended substitutions to tweak recipes to your preference:

• Beef Tongue: Opt for beef shank or beef banana shank as a soy-free alternative.
• Traditional Fats: While lard is commonly used, consider alternatives like vegetable oil for certain dietary restrictions.
• Spices: Garlic powder and cumin can elevate the dish’s flavor. These can be omitted for those on AIP diets.
• Salt: To cater to low-sodium diets, you can reduce or skip the sea salt without significantly affecting the cooking process.
• Additional Flavoring: Chopped red onions and garlic are great options for an extra flavor boost without compromising health guidelines.

Remember, when making these substitutions, always keep in mind your specific dietary needs and preferences. These simple swaps can make your beef tongue dish enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Cooking Instructions: Step-by-Step

To make tender and flavorful cow tongue in your Instant Pot, follow these simple steps:

1. Preparation: Rinse the beef tongue in cold water to clean it thoroughly. Gather your ingredients: one beef tongue, one chopped onion, two minced garlic cloves, one tablespoon salt, a teaspoon of paprika, a teaspoon of black pepper, four cups beef broth, and one bay leaf.
2. Seasoning: Season the tongue with salt, paprika, and black pepper.
3. Cooking: Place the seasoned beef tongue in the Instant Pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, and pour in the beef broth.
4. Pressure Cooking: Secure the lid on the pressure cooker and set the cooking time to 90 minutes on high pressure. Ensure that the steam valve is sealed.
5. Natural Release: Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure for 15 minutes once the cooking time is up.
6. Peeling: After the pressure has released, carefully remove the tongue and place it in a cold water bath. Peel away the softened outer skin.
7. Serving: Slice the beef tongue as desired. It pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes from tacos to fried rice.

The result should be a beautifully tender piece of meat, ready to be incorporated into a range of quick recipes or enjoyed as is, with its own beautiful beef stock intensifying the cow tongue’s flavor profiles.

Cooking Time and Pressure Settings

Cooking cow tongue in an Instant Pot is a convenient method to transform this organ meat into a flavorful and tender piece of meat.

Preparing beef tongue recipes using a pressure cooker requires attention to cooking time and pressure settings to ensure perfectly cooked results.

For a beef tongue weighing between 2 to 3 pounds, set the Instant Pot to cook at high pressure for about 45 minutes per pound. This usually amounts to a total cooking time of around 1.5 to 2 hours.

However, heavier tongues exceeding 2 pounds may require an adjusted cooking time of 60-80 minutes, depending on their actual weight.

When adding liquid to the Instant Pot, it’s important to use enough to fully cover the beef tongue.

Typically, this will be several cups of water or, for a richer flavor profile, you can use beef broth.

The addition of ingredients such as black pepper, bay leaf, garlic powder or cloves, and a tablespoon of salt can further enhance the taste.

After the high-pressure cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before removing the lid.

This natural release is crucial to retaining the meat’s tenderness and moisture. Finally, the cooked tongue must have its outer skin peeled away before it’s ready to be sliced and served.

By adherently following these guidelines, your Instant Pot will yield a soft beef tongue, ready for any additional preparation or to be enjoyed as is.

Tips for Achieving Tenderness

Cooking beef tongue to achieve the perfect level of tenderness requires patience and attention to detail.

Begin by cooking the beef tongue in your Instant Pot for approximately 20 minutes, using the pressure cooker function. It’s essential to check the beef tongue after this initial cooking time, as personal preferences for tenderness can vary.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly if the meat isn’t as soft as you’d like.

A helpful tip to assess doneness is to insert a knife into the center of the beef tongue; if the knife slides easily to the core, the meat is likely tender enough.

If the desired tenderness hasn’t been achieved, do not hesitate to allow it to simmer for an additional hour per pound of meat, keeping in mind that a minimum of 3 hours may be necessary for larger pieces.

In the event that the beef tongue remains less tender than you prefer, consider extending the cooking time by an additional hour.

This can effectively soften the meat further. Once fully cooked, the previously tough outer skin should peel off effortlessly, revealing the succulent and savory organ meat, ready to be enjoyed in a variety of beef tongue recipes.

Additional Flavoring Options

When cooking beef tongue, the right seasonings are key to unlocking the full potential of this underrated cut. There’s a world of aromatic herbs and savory spices that can elevate the dish. Here are some additional flavoring options to consider:

• Salt: A tablespoon of salt is essential for bringing out the meat’s natural tastes.
• Garlic: Either garlic powder or a few smashed garlic cloves can add a pungent, earthy layer.
• Onion: Including onion, whether chopped or in powder form, introduces a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Bay Leaves: A bay leaf or two impart a floral and slightly spicy nuance.
• Thyme: This herb contributes a subtle, minty lemon flavor.
• Black Peppercorns: They offer a sharp, woody note.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A splash can introduce a tangy, slightly tart flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these seasonings to customize your beef tongue’s flavor profile.

Remember, the goal is to complement the meat’s natural richness, so adjust quantities to suit your taste and create a dish that’s uniquely yours.

Remember to combine these seasonings with liquid, such as water or beef broth, to create a beautiful beef stock that’s perfect for tenderizing the tongue to perfection.

Serving Suggestions: Crispy Preparations

Beef tongue is a delicacy that offers a world of flavorful possibilities. One particularly tempting preparation is serving it crispy.

This method brings out the meat’s unique flavor while providing a satisfying texture that can enliven any meal. Here’s how to achieve that coveted crispness:

Start by cooking the beef tongue in your Instant Pot for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This pressure cooker marvel significantly reduces your cooking time and guarantees tender meat—a perfect canvas for crispiness.

Once cooked and cooled, peel off the outer skin of the tongue and slice the meat.

To add that irresistible crunch, fry the beef tongue slices in lard or your preferred traditional fat until golden and crisp on the edges.

This not only imparts a rich flavor but also perfects the texture.

Serving suggestions for the crispy beef tongue are abundant:

• Slice it up for savory fajitas or tacos, adding a punch to these classic dishes.
• Chop and scatter over a fresh salad for a protein boost with a twist.
• Incorporate into tapas for a conversation-starting appetizer.

Experiment with your crispy beef tongue slices to discover your favorite way to enjoy this underappreciated cut!

Recipes Featuring Beef Tongue

Cooking beef tongue in an Instant Pot offers a convenient and foolproof method to achieve tender meat that is versatile and full of rich, beefy flavor.

Once you’ve cooked the tongue, there’s an abundance of recipes you can use to showcase this unique piece of meat.

The process begins by cooking the beef tongue until it’s soft and easy to slice.

To do this, simply place the tongue in the Instant Pot with enough water to cover it along with seasonings such as garlic powder, black pepper, bay leaf, and a tablespoon of salt.

This seasoned liquid not only tenderizes the organ meat but gradually infuses it with delicious flavor profiles. After the cooking time is completed, allow the pot to natural release, ensuring maximum tenderness.

Peeling the tongue might seem daunting, but after pressure cooking, the tough outer skin comes off effortlessly when the tongue is cooled in cold water.

What’s left is a flavorful meat that can be sliced and incorporated into a variety of dishes, from simple sandwiches to complex stews.

Beef Tongue Tacos

One of the most beloved ways to enjoy this cut is beef tongue tacos. The succulent tongue meat takes center stage in a taco, surrounded by your choice of toppings like salsa, cilantro, and onion.

For this, prepare the beef tongue in your Instant Pot until tender, then shred or cut it into small pieces. Season the shredded beef with a touch more salt, pepper, and maybe some cumin for a unique spin.

Warm your tortillas then pile on the tender beef tongue, adding other ingredients like avocado and lime juice to enhance the dish’s delicious flavors.

Beef Tongue Soup

For something warming and hearty, beef tongue soup is a wonderful option. Begin by cooking your beef tongue in the Instant Pot as per your recipe.

Once tender, remove the tongue, strip off the outer skin, and slice or shred the meat. In the meantime, using the “Sauté” function on the Instant Pot, cook a mixture of onions, garlic cloves, and diced vegetables like carrots and potatoes.

Chop your cooked tongue into bite-sized pieces and add them back along with enough beef broth to create a soup. Let everything simmer together, so the flavors meld—serve hot for a nourishing meal that truly comforts.

Pickled Beef Tongue

For those who enjoy tangy and savory flavors, pickled beef tongue is a must-try. The process starts by cooking the beef tongue until it’s tender, then peeling and slicing it once cooled.

Prepare a pickling brine with ingredients such as vinegar, sugar, and a variety of pickling spices. Combine your thinly sliced beef tongue with the brine and let it marinate, allowing the tangy liquid to penetrate the tender meat.

Served chilled, pickled beef tongue can be an excellent addition to sandwiches, salads, or as an appetizer, often accompanied by crisp vegetables or a rich, creamy sauce to balance the acidity.

These recipes not only highlight the delicious flavor of beef tongue but also demonstrate how an Instant Pot can simplify the process of cooking this traditionally time-consuming organ meat.

Whether you’re exploring new culinary territories or rekindling a love for traditional dishes, beef tongue prepared in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for quick, flavorful recipes.

Storage and Freezer Tips

To ensure the longevity and freshness of cooked beef tongue, following proper storage techniques is crucial.

Once the tongue has fully cooled, it should be placed in an airtight container and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you’re looking to freeze beef tongue, there are some simple steps to follow. Start by allowing the cooked tongue to cool completely. Then, proceed to slice it into the desired portions.

Arrange these slices in a single layer on a baking sheet—this prevents them from sticking together—and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer the frozen beef tongue slices to a freezer-safe bag or container.

This method will keep your beef tongue fresh for an extended period, making it convenient for future use.

It’s important to note that prior to cooking, beef tongue should be prepared correctly.

Soaking the tongue in cold water for 10-30 minutes can help to remove any impurities or residual blood clots.

For an additional cleanliness step, rinse the tongue under cold running water before cooking.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy tender and flavorful beef tongue whenever desired, with the added convenience of having it on hand either in your refrigerator or freezer.

Common Allergens Related to Beef Tongue

Beef tongue is inherently not a top allergen, but it is the seasonings and sauces commonly used in beef tongue recipes that may introduce allergens into the dish.

Instant Pot beef tongue recipes can easily be adjusted to omit ingredients that may trigger allergies. For instance, soy sauce and molasses are suggested in some recipes, both of which could contain allergens such as soy and gluten.

They can be substituted with alternatives that fit individual dietary needs, ensuring the recipe remains inclusive for those with allergies.

When cooking beef tongue in an Instant Pot, it’s important to personalize the flavor profile by adjusting or omitting ingredients.

Consider substituting soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos if you have a gluten or soy allergy. For those avoiding dairy, ensure that any added butter or cream is omitted or replaced with plant-based options.

In recipes where nuts might be used for texture or garnish, simply leave them out or replace them with seeds or legume-based alternatives. Keeping these substitutions in mind, you can create delicious and allergen-friendly beef tongue dishes.

Safe Handling of Raw Beef

Properly handling raw beef tongue is essential to ensure both cleanliness and safety. Before cooking, it should be thoroughly rinsed under cold water.

Soaking the beef tongue in cold water for about 10 to 30 minutes is also recommended to help remove any blood clots and impurities.

If the water becomes bloody during the soaking process, replace it with fresh cold water and continue the cleaning process to ensure thorough cleanliness.

A large, sharp knife may also be useful to scrape off any residual matter and to help further clean the tongue.

This extra cleaning step is particularly important for a piece of meat that’s as dense and textured as beef tongue.

Once the beef tongue is cooked, food safety continues to be a priority. The tongue should be allowed to cool before placing it into an airtight container for refrigeration.

To maintain its safety and freshness, it should not be stored in the refrigerator for more than three days. For those planning to savor the beef tongue over a longer period, freezing is a practical option.

Cut the cooked beef tongue into slices and lay them flat on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer the slices into a freezer-safe bag or container.

Stored this way, the beef tongue can be enjoyed for up to three months. Always ensure the tongue is completely cooled before freezing to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

By following these handling and storage practices, you can ensure that your Instant Pot beef tongue not only tastes delicious but is also safe for consumption.