Beef Tongue is one of the most coveted cuts of beef in some parts of the world, and with good reason. It is flavorful and tender.
If you’ve found a delicious recipe for beef tongue and head on over to your local grocery store to buy it, you may be surprised to find the store does not carry it.
This is why you need to know where to purchase beef tongue. It will help you save time and money.
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Is Beef Tongue Healthy?
Yes, beef tongue is super healthy. Beef tongue contains a healthy portion of protein and nutritional compounds.
One 3 ounce serving of beef tongue will provide you with 16 grams of protein and 19 grams of fat.
Beef tongue’s fat and protein profile will keep you satiated for longer periods.
In addition to this, beef tongue also contains vitamins and minerals. Specifically, it is rich in vitamin B12 and zinc.
Vitamin B 12 is one of the most crucial vitamins, but most people do not get the amount they need.
Vitamin B12 plays a role in the formation of red blood cells and DNA and the functioning and development of brain and nerve cells.
On the other hand, zinc plays a vital role in the immune system and metabolism and is essential for healing wounds.
Beef tongue also contains moderate amounts of iron, Vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium.
Why Shouldn’t You Eat Cow Tongue
Even though beef tongue contains beneficial compounds, it contains high levels of saturated fat.
Saturated fats are associated with the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries.
This will increase LDL cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of stroke and heart diseases.
Nevertheless, beef tongue is not unhealthy as long as it is consumed in moderation.
Some saturated fat is needed in the diet, but do not consume it excessively.
If you are worried about saturated fats levels from beef tongue, you can offset it. If you are making beef tongue tacos, you can add a slice of avocado to the taco.
Avocados contain omega 3 fatty acids that can decrease cholesterol.
How Much Does Beef Tongue Cost
Beef tongue is relatively inexpensive. On average, they cost about $10 per pound. But this can vary.
Since most beef tongues are 2 pounds, they can cost up to $20 for 1.
However, the good thing about it is organic, and grass-fed beef will cost the same.
How Does Beef Tongue Taste?
When beef tongue is cooked correctly, it should have a mild beefy flavor and a tender texture.
Although it has a different flavor from the average eye of round steak, beef tongue’s flavor is not as strong as beef heart or liver.
The tongue is not as absorbent as a variety of meats, so it does not store blood or have an iron-like flavor.
Beef tongue is known for its flavor, but it is also known for its texture. If the beef tongue is undercooked, it will be rubbery and chewy.
On the other hand, when beef tongue is slow-cooked, its tough, rubbery texture transforms into a firm but tender texture.
Like pork roast, beef tongue can be diced or shredded.; However, it will not turn mushy.
Similar to ham, beef tongue can also be aged and preserved with salt and nitrates.
When it is preserved this way, beef tongue has a flavor reminiscent of corned beef. However, the texture is much softer.
How Do You Cook Beef Tongue
Beef tongue takes as long to cook as beef shanks. So. it is best to plan in advance if you are going to make beef tongue.
Unlike Ranch steaks which can be quickly grilled on a kamado grill, beef steaks cannot be thrown together in a few minutes.
Nevertheless, beef tongue is relatively easy to cook besides the long cooking time.
First, you must boil the beef tongue to make it easier to remove the outer skin. The hot water will detach the meat from the skin and tenderize it.
This boiling process can take up to 3-4 hours.
The skin must be removed because it will not become tender no matter how much you cook it.
In addition to this, it is coated with unappealing taste buds. Once you’ve boiled your beef tongue, you can serve it warm or cold.
Beef Tongue Substitutes
$10-$20 per pound for beef tongue can seem expensive to some. Luckily there are substitutes you can use for beef tongue.
Pork butt is a good option if you are hoping to make tacos or carnitas. Pork butt usually runs for about $1.79 a pound.
In addition to this, with pork butt, you will receive more meat, so you will be getting your money’s worth.
If you want to stay in the beef arena, bottom round roast is a good substitute for beef tongue.
It runs for $5.50 a pound. You can quickly cook it in your crockpot, and it doesn’t come with an unappetizing skin that you have to peel off.
Skirt Steak and flank steak are also great substitutes for beef tongue, but if you are pinching pennies, both flank and beef steak can be just as expensive as beef tongue. They can cost about $10-11 dollars per pound.
Nevertheless, since beef tongue has a mild flavor, you can substitute any of your favorite cuts of beef.
Where To Buy Beef Tongue
Have you ever noticed beef tongue in your local grocery store’s meat aisle? Unfortunately, you cannot walk into your local grocery store and purchase beef tongue.
You must seek out a butcher shop or local farm if you want to find beef tongue. You can also buy beef tongues from online retailers.
When purchasing beef tongue, make sure it does not have the tonsils attached.
It is illegal for meat retailers to sell beef tongue with the tongue attached because of sanitary reasons.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve found a recipe for beef tongue, get ready to experience a world of flavor.
Now that you know where to find beef tongue, you won’t have to drive up and down looking for this coveted cut of beef.
You might also be interested in the following:
- Where To Buy Beef Brisket
- Where To Buy Corned Beef
- Where To Buy Beef Liver
- Where To Buy Beef Ribs
- Where To Buy Pork Belly
- Where To Buy Beef Shank
- Where To Buy Beef Cheeks
I have been smoking and grilling meat from an early age and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise through the hundreds of articles I have written about BBQ. I hope to make everyone’s BBQ journey that little bit easier.