Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that challenges traditional recipe boundaries! Sweet and Sour Tongue is not just another Chinese dish - it's a bold culinary experience that transforms an often-overlooked ingredient into a mouthwatering masterpiece. This recipe promises to tantalize your palate with an incredible balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will make you question everything you thought you knew about cooking tongue.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 beef tongue
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the beef tongue. Rinse it under cold water to remove any impurities. Place the tongue in a large pot and cover it with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour. This initial cooking will help tenderize the tongue.
- After 1 hour, carefully remove the tongue from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once it is cool enough to handle, peel off the tough outer skin. This should come off easily, revealing the tender meat underneath. Cut the tongue into thin slices and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. This will be the base for your sweet and sour sauce.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Next, add the chopped bell pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften. This will add a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, add the sliced beef tongue to the skillet. Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the tongue and vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the sweet and sour tongue hot, garnished with additional chopped bell pepper or green onions if desired.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your sweet and sour tongue!
Tips
- Choose a fresh, high-quality beef tongue for the best texture and flavor.
- Be patient during the initial boiling process - slow cooking ensures tender meat.
- When peeling the tongue, wait until it's cool enough to handle comfortably.
- For extra depth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce to the sweet and sour mixture.
- Cut the tongue slices uniformly to ensure even cooking and presentation.
- Don't rush the simmering process - allowing the sauce to reduce will intensify the flavors.
- For a spicier version, add a teaspoon of chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Leftover sweet and sour tongue can be stored in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
