Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Plate of authentic tacos de lengua with salsa verde and fresh toppings

Tacos de Lengua Recipe (Beef Tongue Tacos)

This Tacos de Lengua recipe will guide you through making authentic Mexican beef tongue tacos that are tender, flavorful, and perfect for taco lovers. Slow-cooked with aromatic spices and served in warm corn tortillas with salsa verde, onions, and fresh cilantro, these tacos bring the traditional flavors of Mexico straight to your kitchen.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3 to 4-pound) beef tongue
  • 2 large onions, peeled
  • Cloves from 1 head (yes, an entire head) of garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 6 to 7 bay leaves
  • 1 tablespoon peppercorns
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • Vegetable oil
  • 12 to 24 corn tortillas (2 to 3 per person)

Salsa verde

  • Avocados
  • Cilantro
  • Chopped red onion
  • Thinly sliced radishes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Simmer the Tongue: It must be changed. Fill a large (12-quart if you have one) stockpot two-thirds full with water. As you drop in the tongue, onions, crushed garlic cloves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt, the water begins to take on a rich, savory aroma. Bring it to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld as the tongue transforms into a fork-tender delicacy. The kitchen will fill with the deep, comforting scent of slow-cooked beef and spices.
  2. Remove the Skin-like Covering: Take the tongue out of the water and let it cool for a few minutes. Notice the light-colored, skin-like layer covering most of the tongue. Using your fingers and/or a sharp knife, carefully peel and discard it. The meat underneath is velvety-soft and infused with the slow-simmered flavors of garlic and bay leaf. There is a rough patch of meat where the tongue attaches to the bottom of the mouth—some people prefer to remove this for a smoother texture, but it is completely edible.
  3. Slice, Sauté, and Dice the Tongue: Slice the tongue into 1/4-inch pieces. (If not using the entire tongue for tacos, you can return the unused portion to the cooking water to keep it moist.)
  4. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. As the pieces hit the pan, they sizzle instantly, releasing a mouthwatering, beefy aroma. Let them sear until lightly browned, forming a crispy, golden crust that locks in flavor. Flip and repeat on the other side. Remove from the pan and slice into thin strips, then dice into small cubes, ensuring each bite is packed with deep, rich flavor.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas until they become pliable and slightly charred, releasing a toasty, nutty fragrance. Place a generous spoonful of the diced meat in the center of each tortilla. The juices glisten as they soak into the warm, soft corn tortilla. Spoon over some tangy salsa verde, letting its vibrant acidity cut through the richness of the meat. Add creamy avocado, crisp red onion, and fragrant fresh cilantro. Garnish with thinly sliced radishes for a refreshing crunch, and enjoy the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, let the cooked tongue rest in the broth before slicing.
  • The beef tongue can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
  • For crispier meat, sauté the diced tongue for a few more minutes.
  • If you prefer a smoky flavor, try grilling the tongue after simmering.
  • Author: Joël
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cook + Sauté
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Tacos de Lengua, beef tongue tacos, authentic Mexican tacos, slow-cooked beef tongue, traditional tacos recipe