Seco de Lengua de Res
A tender and flavorful beef tongue stew, slow-cooked in a rich, herb-infused sauce with cilantro, onions, and bell peppers. Typically served with rice and avocado.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef tongue(cleaned)
- 1 bunch Cilantro(stems and leaves, finely chopped)
- 2 large Onion(chopped)
- 1 green Bell pepper(chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(peeled, seeded, and pureed)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Achiote paste(or annatto oil)
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Oregano(dried)
- 1 cup Beer(light lager)
- 2 cups Water or beef broth(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the beef tongue in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and boil for 10 minutes. Drain and rinse.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
In the same pot (or a pressure cooker), place the tongue back. Add enough water to cover, add a chopped onion, garlic cloves, and a bay leaf (optional). Cook until the tongue is very tender, about 2-3 hours on the stovetop or 45 minutes in a pressure cooker.
⏱️ 2-3 hours - 3
Once tender, remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool slightly. Peel off the thick outer skin. Dice the tongue into bite-sized pieces.
💡 Tip: The skin should peel off easily when the tongue is still warm. - 4
In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add achiote paste and stir until dissolved.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 7-10 minutes.
- 6
Stir in minced garlic, pureed tomatoes, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 7
Add the diced beef tongue, beer, and 1 cup of the reserved tongue cooking liquid (or beef broth). Bring to a simmer.
💡 Tip: You can add more liquid if needed to reach desired consistency. - 8
Cover and simmer gently for at least 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded. Stir in most of the chopped cilantro during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
⏱️ 1 hour - 9
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in remaining cilantro just before serving.
- 10
Serve hot, typically with white rice, avocado slices, and a side of pickled red onions.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Beef tongue can be found at Latin American or specialty butcher shops.
- ✓Using a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time for the tongue.
- ✓The longer the stew simmers, the more tender the tongue will become and the richer the flavor.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a diced potato or two to the stew during the last 30 minutes of simmering.
- For a spicier version, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes with the vegetables.