If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful cut of meat to add to your cooking repertoire, beef tongue might just be the answer.
While it may seem intimidating at first, cooking beef tongue in a pressure cooker can actually be a simple and efficient way to achieve tender and juicy results.
But how long should you cook it for? With varying opinions and methods out there, we’ve gathered some information to help guide you in the right direction.
So, grab your pressure cooker and let’s get started on mastering this delicious dish.
How Long To Cook Beef Tongue In Pressure Cooker?
The cooking time for beef tongue in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the size and weight of the tongue. However, most recipes suggest cooking it for around 90 minutes on high pressure.
If you have a particularly thick or heavy tongue, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure that it becomes tender and juicy. Some recipes suggest cooking it for up to 2 hours if using a regular pot instead of a pressure cooker.
It’s important to note that beef tongue is a high-fat cut of meat and needs to be braised, just like braising steak. This means that it needs to be cooked slowly in liquid to break down the tough fibers and create a tender texture.
To cook beef tongue in a pressure cooker, start by placing the tongue, aromatics, salt, and pepper into the pot. Fill with water until the tongue is covered and cook on high pressure for around 90 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the tongue from the pressure cooker and allow it to rest for a moment to cool. Then use a sharp knife to help peel off the tough white outer skin. You’ll know if it has boiled enough when the skin comes off easily.
Cut the beef tongue into chunks or slices and set aside. Strain the beef stock through a mesh sieve and set aside.
Heat butter or oil in a deep skillet and sauté onions until soft, de-glazing with stock as needed. Once onions are tender, add in vegetables like zucchinis and tomatoes and continue stewing until they are cooked through. Season with salt (and any other spices you’d like) to taste.
Add in cubed beef tongue and cook covered, adding broth as needed, until vegetables are completely soft and beef tongue is exceptionally tender. If there is too much liquid left at this point, simmer without a lid for a few minutes to evaporate some liquid.
Serve over rice or quinoa and enjoy!
Preparing The Beef Tongue For Pressure Cooking
Before pressure cooking beef tongue, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by rinsing the beef tongue under cold water to remove any debris or impurities.
Next, add the beef tongue to the inner pot of the pressure cooker, and add enough water to cover the meat. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with half an onion (either sliced or left whole) and a bay leaf for added flavor.
Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker, and cook on manual for around 90 minutes on high pressure. If your beef tongue is particularly large or thick, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure it becomes tender.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure and open the lid. Remove the beef tongue from the pot and allow it to cool for a few minutes before handling.
To peel off the tough white outer skin of the beef tongue, use a sharp knife to make a small incision and then gently pull back the skin. It should come off easily if the tongue has been cooked long enough.
Finally, slice or chop the beef tongue into bite-sized pieces and set aside until ready to use in your recipe.
Choosing The Right Cooking Liquid
When it comes to cooking beef tongue in a pressure cooker, choosing the right cooking liquid is crucial. Water is the most common liquid used for cooking beef tongue, but you can also use beef or chicken broth for added flavor.
If you want to add more depth of flavor to your beef tongue, consider adding aromatics like chopped onions, garlic, and peppercorns to the cooking liquid. This will infuse the meat with a delicious flavor that will complement any dish you make with it.
It’s important to note that the amount of liquid you use will depend on the size of your beef tongue and the size of your pressure cooker. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to use enough liquid to cover the beef tongue completely.
When using a pressure cooker, it’s important not to overfill the pot with liquid. Most pressure cookers have a maximum fill line that you should not exceed. This is because the pressure cooker needs space for steam to build up and create the pressure required for cooking.
Cooking Time And Pressure Settings
When cooking beef tongue in a pressure cooker, it’s important to set the pressure to high and cook for around 90 minutes. The high pressure setting is necessary to break down the tough fibers in the meat and create a tender texture. If you have a particularly thick or heavy tongue, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure that it becomes fully cooked and tender.
It’s also important to note that the amount of liquid used in the pressure cooker is crucial. Make sure to cover the tongue completely with water to prevent it from drying out during cooking. Additionally, it’s recommended to add aromatics such as onions, garlic, and herbs to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to release naturally or use quick release if necessary. Then remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool before peeling off the tough outer skin. The skin should come off easily if it has been cooked long enough.
After peeling off the skin, cut the beef tongue into chunks or slices and set aside. Use the leftover beef stock from the pressure cooker to create a flavorful stew. Sauté onions in butter or oil until soft, then add in vegetables like zucchinis and tomatoes. Add in cubed beef tongue and cook covered until vegetables are soft and beef tongue is exceptionally tender.
Natural Release Vs. Quick Release
When cooking beef tongue in a pressure cooker, it’s important to know the difference between natural release and quick release. Natural release means allowing the pressure to decrease on its own without manually releasing it. This can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes depending on the recipe and size of the tongue.
Quick release, on the other hand, means manually releasing the pressure by turning the valve to “venting”. This method can be used if you’re short on time or if the recipe calls for it. However, it’s important to note that quick release can cause meat to become tough and dry.
Most beef tongue recipes recommend using natural release to ensure that the meat remains tender and juicy. After cooking for 90 minutes, allow the pressure cooker to depressurize naturally for about 20-30 minutes before opening the lid.
Once the pressure has been released, carefully remove the beef tongue from the cooking liquid and allow it to cool slightly before peeling off the skin and slicing it against the grain. The natural release method ensures that your beef tongue is cooked to perfection and ready to be enjoyed in your favorite dishes.
Removing The Skin And Slicing The Tongue
After cooking the beef tongue in the pressure cooker, it’s time to remove the skin and slice it for serving. Begin by allowing the tongue to cool down slightly, then use a sharp knife to help peel off the tough white outer skin. The skin should come off easily if the tongue has been cooked long enough.
Once the skin has been removed, it’s time to slice the beef tongue. Cut against the grain of the meat to ensure that it is tender and easy to chew. You can slice it into thin strips or thicker chunks, depending on your preference.
Beef tongue can be served on its own as a main dish or used as a flavorful ingredient in other dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or sandwiches. It’s a versatile cut of meat that adds a unique flavor and texture to any meal.
So go ahead and try cooking beef tongue in your pressure cooker – with these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and tender meal in no time!
Serving Suggestions And Recipe Ideas
Beef tongue is a versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions and recipe ideas to help you make the most of your pressure-cooked beef tongue:
1. Tacos: Shred the beef tongue and serve it in soft tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
2. Sandwiches: Slice the beef tongue thinly and serve it on crusty bread with mustard or horseradish sauce.
3. Salads: Add sliced beef tongue to a bed of greens with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
4. Soups: Use the beef tongue stock to make a hearty soup with vegetables and grains.
5. Stews: Add cubed beef tongue to a stew with potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables for a comforting meal.
6. Stir-fries: Slice the beef tongue thinly and stir-fry it with vegetables and noodles for a quick and easy meal.
7. Appetizers: Serve sliced beef tongue on crackers with cheese or dip for a tasty appetizer.
No matter how you choose to serve it, pressure-cooked beef tongue is sure to be a hit at your next meal!
