Lengua Tacos Recipe
Authentic Mexican lengua tacos made with slow-simmered beef tongue until fork tender and served with onion, cilantro, lime, and homemade salsa.
Ingredients
- For the Lengua
- 1 whole beef tongue 3–4 pounds
- 1 white onion quartered
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Water to cover
- For Serving
- Corn tortillas
- White onion finely diced
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1
- Place the beef tongue, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and peppercorns into a large Dutch oven. Cover completely with water. Bring to a boil.
- Step 2
- Reduce heat and simmer for 3½–4 hours until fork tender.
- Step 3
- Remove the tongue and allow it to cool slightly. While still warm, peel away the outer skin.
- Step 4
- Dice the lengua into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 5
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly crisp the meat.
- Step 6
- Warm tortillas and build tacos with lengua, onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa.
- Step 7
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Peel the tongue while it's still warm.
- Don't rush the simmering process.
- Save some cooking liquid for reheating leftovers.
- Salsa Roja Taquera is the most traditional pairing.