Tender Slow Cooker Lengua Tacos: A Mexican Comfort Food Classic

Slow Cooker Lengua (Beef Tongue)

Lengua tacos start with a tender, flavor-packed beef tongue, slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and bay leaf until melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lengua

• 1 beef tongue
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt, to taste
• Water, enough to cover
• 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing)

Instructions to Prepare Tender Lengua

1. Place the beef tongue in your slow cooker with onions, garlic, and bay leaves. Generously season with salt.
2. Pour enough water to fully cover the beef mixture. Cover and set to low for 8 hours, or until the tongue is fork-tender.
3. Once cooked, transfer the tongue to a cutting board. Remove and discard the outer skin. Slice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced lengua, sautéing until golden edges appear, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve on warm tortillas with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime for authentic lengua tacos.

Why Slow Cooker Lengua Works

Using a slow cooker means hands-off cooking and perfectly tender beef tongue every time. The long, gentle simmer breaks down connective tissue, delivering moist, flavorful meat ideal for tacos, burritos, or tostadas.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Top with fresh pico de gallo for a zesty kick.
• Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco to add creaminess.
• Swap bay leaves for oregano or cumin to experiment with flavor.

Pro Tips

• Trim excess fat from the tongue before cooking to reduce greasiness.
• Save the broth for soups or a rich beef stock base.
• For spicy lengua, add a chipotle pepper or chili flakes during cooking.

Enjoy crafting these savory, tender tacos with lengua.