Beef Tongue with Spicy Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Beef Tongue:

1 whole beef tongue (about 2-3 lbs)
1 onion, halved
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black peppercorns
Salt to taste
Water (enough to cover the tongue)
For the Spicy Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup chili paste or hot sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp honey
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Make It Happen:

Cook the Tongue:

Rinse the beef tongue thoroughly. Place it in a large pot with onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and cook for 2.5–3 hours, or until the tongue is tender and the skin peels off easily.
Prepare the Tongue:

Once cooked, let the tongue cool slightly. Peel off the outer skin and slice into thin pieces.
Make the Spicy Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Add tomato paste, chili paste, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and honey. Stir well and cook for 3–5 minutes.
Add lime juice, season with salt and pepper, and adjust spice level to your liking.
Combine and Heat:

Add the sliced beef tongue to the spicy sauce, stirring to coat each piece. Cook for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Serve:

Transfer to a platter and garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions.
Tips for Extra Magic:

Serve with steamed rice or warm tortillas for a hearty meal.
Add a pinch of ground cumin or oregano to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
For a milder sauce, reduce the chili paste and add a splash of coconut milk.
Enjoy:
Savor the tender beef tongue paired with a bold, spicy sauce—classic comfort with a fiery kick!