Where to Buy Beef Tongue – The Best Places to Purchase Quality Lengua

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Beef tongue, also known as lengua, makes for a unique and delicious meat that is rich in flavor. But where can you buy high-quality beef tongue? While many standard grocers may not carry it, specialty butchers and online stores offer various options for purchasing this underrated cut.

In this guide, learn the best places to buy fresh or pre-cooked beef tongue and how to select the right cut.

Buying Fresh Beef Tongue

Looking to cook up beef tongue yourself? Here are some top sources for fresh, raw lengua:

Local Butcher Shops

Many local independent butcher shops carry whole fresh beef tongue ready for cooking and slicing. The quality tends to be better than big box stores.

Mexican Meat Markets

Mexican grocers and carnicerias will frequently stock fresh lengua as it’s popular in Mexican cuisine. High turnover means fresher meat.

Asian Markets

Asian food stores aimed at Chinese, Korean, and Filipino populations often sell fresh beef tongue as it’s used in various Asian dishes.

Premium Online Butchers

Online butchers like Porter Road, Crowd Cow, and Snake River Farms sell top quality fresh beef tongue for delivery.

Direct from Local Farms

Check with beef cattle farms in your area to see if they will sell a whole fresh beef tongue. This offers the freshest local option.

Costco or Restaurant Depot

Large warehouse stores like Costco and Restaurant Depot sometimes have fresh beef tongue in bulk for purchase by consumers and food businesses.

Ask the butcher counter at your grocery store if they can special order one for you. For the freshest beef tongue, local butchers and specialty markets are your best options.

Where to Buy Pre-Cooked Beef Tongue

If you want to skip straight to eating without the prep work, look for pre-cooked beef tongue options:

Delis and Specialty Markets

Visit Italian, German, Jewish, or Eastern European delis and food shops for slices of cooked pickled tongue ready for sandwiches.

Latin Markets

Latin grocers like Brazilian, Argentinian, or Cuban markets sell ready-to-eat cooked lengua for Latin American dishes.

Online Spice Shops

Order pickled cooked beef tongue online from specialty spice purveyors to use in European recipes or charcuterie boards.

Canned from Amazon

Canned cooked beef tongue is handy for quick tacos or nachos. Convenient but not as tasty as fresh.

Jarred from Butchers

Some butchers like Pat LaFrieda sell high-end jarred beef tongue ready for slicing and eating. High price but quality taste.

Look for venerated brands and ingredients from Venezuela, Italy, or Germany for authentic flavor.

What to Look for When Buying Beef Tongue

To choose the best quality beef tongue, look for:

  • Bright color without dark spots
  • Firm texture without sliminess
  • Clean scent lacking strong ammonia odor
  • Well trimmed to remove glands and bones
  • Packaged in plastic, not sitting openly

For pre-cooked tongue, opt for minimal added ingredients like salt, water, vinegar. Avoid lots of preservatives.

How Much Does Beef Tongue Cost?

On average, expect to pay:

  • Fresh beef tongue: $3-6 per pound
  • Pickled cooked tongue: $12-15 per pound
  • Canned cooked tongue: $5-10 per can

Pricing varies based on source, quality, and preparation. Fresh costs less than pre-cooked.

How to Prepare and Cook Beef Tongue

Beef tongue needs special prep before cooking:

  • Rinse well under cold water
  • Trim off fat, glands, bones, and membrane
  • Soak in salt water for 1-2 hours to draw out blood
  • Simmer tongue for 1-3 hours until tender
  • Peel off outer skin layer after cooking
  • Slice cooked tongue thinly across the grain

Popular cooking methods include boiling, simmering, grilling, roasting, and sautéing. Add spices to complement the rich meatiness.

Serving Ideas for Beef Tongue

Beef tongue works in various cuisines:

  • Tacos and burritos
  • Sandwiches and paninis
  • Charcuterie and cheese boards
  • Asian noodle and rice bowls
  • European stews and braises
  • Skewers and salads
  • Hash and eggs for breakfast

Slice it thinly and explore different seasonings and cuisine styles.

Where to Buy Beef Tongue Conclusion

While specialty stores and onlinebutchers offer the best quality, don’t be afraid to ask your regular grocery meat counter to order some. With a unique texture and rich flavor, beef tongue makes a delicious addition to sandwiches, tacos, and shareable appetizers. Just be sure to source fresh high-quality lengua and prepare it properly.

Frequency of Entities

  • Beef tongue: 23
  • Buy: 16
  • Fresh: 10
  • Cook/Cooked: 9
  • Pre-cooked: 5
  • Markets: 5
  • Online: 4
  • Specialty: 4
  • Butcher: 4
  • Latin: 3
  • Quality: 3
  • Asian: 3
  • Prep/Prepare: 3
  • Local: 3
  • Slice: 2
  • Flavor: 2
  • Cuisine: 2

Smoked Beef Tongue! | Chuds bbq

FAQ

How much do beef tongues cost?

Beef Tongue (1 per pack) $6.95/lb – BP Farms.

What is the name of beef tongue meat?

Beef tongue (also known as neat’s tongue or ox tongue) is a cut of beef made of the tongue of a cow.

Is beef tongue good meat?

Although its appearance may seem a little off-putting at first, beef tongue is a delicious delicacy in many parts of the world, especially in Southeast Asia and Central and South America. In Japane, Beef Tongue is called Gyutan which is thinly sliced beef tongue which is then grilled with salt and citrus.

Is beef and ox tongue the same?

Beef tongue, also commonly referred to as Ox tongue, falls into the same category as cuts of meat like pig’s trotters, lamb kidneys and pig’s ear.

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