Delicious Beef Heart Recipe
Growing up on a small farm, I remember the smell of slow-cooked organ meats. Beef heart was a special treat that brought warmth and tradition to our home. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that brings out the rich flavors of beef heart. It’s easy to make and perfect for home cooks.
This beef heart stew is cooked in a slow cooker and seasoned with warm spices. It’s a nutritious cut that’s full of protein and iron. This recipe makes beef heart tender and delicious, unlike when it’s not cooked right.
Slow cooking makes this tough cut tender and flavorful. The recipe is easy to follow, making it a great addition to your cooking. It’s perfect for those who want to try new flavors or add more organ meats to their diet.
What is a Beef Heart?
Beef heart is a nutritious and often overlooked cut of meat. It’s packed with protein, iron, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a great source of B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and CoQ10, a powerful antioxidant.
Nutritional Benefits of Beef Heart
One 100-gram serving of cooked beef heart contains:
- 157 calories
- 28 grams of protein
- 5 grams of fat
- 0 grams of carbohydrates
- 6.4 mg of iron
- 5 mg of calcium
- 21 mg of magnesium
- 219 mg of potassium
Beef heart is high in lean protein, perfect for low-carb diets. It’s also rich in iron, important for making red blood cells and carrying oxygen.
Where to Purchase Beef Heart
Beef heart is not common in regular stores but can be found at specialty butchers or online. Choose high-quality, grass-fed beef for the best nutrition and taste.
Adding beef heart to your diet is a tasty and healthy choice. It’s full of nutrients and can be cooked in many ways, making it a valuable addition to your meals.
Preparing Beef Heart for Cooking
Before you can enjoy the delicious flavors of beef heart, it needs to be properly prepared. Begin by washing the beef heart under cold running water. This step helps remove any impurities or debris from the surface.
Next, trim away any excess fat, connective tissue, and the heart’s valves. These parts can be tough and chewy. So, it’s best to remove them. Cut the beef heart into 1/2-inch thick strips or 1-inch cubes, depending on your recipe.
To tenderize the beef heart and add flavor, consider marinating it. Use a mixture of acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), oil, and spices. This process breaks down the meat’s fibers and lets the seasonings penetrate deep.
- Start by rinsing the beef heart with cold running water.
- Trim away any excess fat, connective tissue, and the heart’s valves.
- Cut the beef heart into 1/2-inch thick strips or 1-inch cubes.
- Marinate the beef heart in a mixture of acid, oil, and spices for at least an hour.
By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your beef heart is ready for a delicious cooking experience. Remember, the key to enjoying this unique cut of meat is to clean and tenderize it before cooking.
Slow Cooker Beef Heart Stew Recipe
Try this tasty slow cooker beef heart stew for your next meal. It’s easy to make and packed with savory flavors. The beef heart and aromatic seasonings will make your taste buds happy.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs of beef heart, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons of avocado or extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 3 cups of beef broth
- ¼ cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (for thickening)
Instructions
1. In a large slow cooker, mix the beef heart, oil, garlic, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure the beef heart is well coated with the seasonings.
2. Add the beef broth and water, stirring gently to mix.
3. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours. The beef heart should be tender and easy to shred.
4. In the last 15 minutes, mix cornstarch with a bit of the cooking liquid. Stir this slurry into the stew to thicken it.
5. Serve the stew hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite sides. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal!
“The slow cooker beef heart stew is a game-changer! The meat is so tender and the flavors are out of this world. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try something new and delicious.”
Grilled Beef Heart Skewers
Grilling makes grilled beef heart tender and flavorful. This recipe for beef heart skewers highlights the meat’s unique taste and lean texture.
Start by marinating the beef heart in a mix of garlic, spices, and citrus. Cut the heart into thin strips, about 5 mm thick. Then, thread them onto bamboo skewers that have been soaked in water. Grill the skewers over high heat for 3 minutes on each side. This will give them a nice char and medium-rare doneness.
The grilled beef heart turns out tender and full of savory flavor. You can serve these skewers as an appetizer or with sides like avocado, crispy kale, or sweet potato fries. They pair well with hoppy IPAs, full-bodied red wines, or refreshing cocktails.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Beef heart | 1 lb |
Garlic cloves | 5 |
Ground cumin | 1 tbsp |
Smoky paprika | 1 tbsp |
Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
Sumac | 1/2 tsp |
Lemon (zest and juice) | 1 |
Extra virgin olive oil | 60 ml |
Salt and pepper | to taste |
Bamboo skewers | 12 |
Soak the bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to use. This prevents them from burning.Let the beef heart marinate in the garlic, spice, and citrus mixture for at least an hour. This tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
When ready to grill, put the marinated beef heart on the skewers. Grill over high heat for 3 minutes on each side. Serve the grilled beef heart skewers hot, garnished with 1fresh herbs or lemon wedges if you like.
The grilled beef heart’s tender, lean texture and robust, beefy flavor make these skewers a distinctive and tasty complement to any meal.
Beef Heart Tacos
Beef heart is a great choice for tacos, adding a unique flavor. First, marinate the cubed beef heart in spices and herbs. This makes the meat tender and flavorful.
Taco Seasoning
For the seasoning, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano. This blend gives the beef heart a bold, smoky taste. It’s perfect with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
After marinating and cooking the beef heart, it’s time to make the tacos. Place the seasoned beef in warm tortillas. Add onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa. The mix of tender beef and fresh toppings is amazing.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings |
---|---|---|
30-45 minutes | 10-15 minutes | 4 |
Beef heart tacos are a hit with their unique taste and texture. Marinating and seasoning the meat makes them unforgettable. Your guests will love this beef heart tacos dish.
beef heart recipe
Beef heart is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in many delicious ways. It can be used in slow cooker stews, grilled skewers, stir-fries, braised dishes, or even ground into burgers or meatballs. This offal is packed with nutrients.
The key to cooking beef heart is to choose the right method. Cook it low and slow to tenderize it, or slice it thin and cook quickly to avoid toughness. With the right cooking method and flavorful seasonings, beef heart dishes can be a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal.
Quick-Cooking Beef Heart Recipes
- Stir-Fried Beef Heart with Vegetables
- Grilled Beef Heart Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce
- Beef Heart Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Slow-Cooked Beef Heart Recipes
- Braised Beef Heart in Red Wine Sauce
- Beef Heart Chili with Beans and Spices
- Slow Cooker Beef Heart Stroganoff
No matter how you choose to prepare beef heart, the result is always flavorful and nutritious. It’s a great source of iron and vitamins and minerals. This underappreciated cut of meat is worth trying in your kitchen.
“Beef heart is an exceptionally versatile ingredient that can be used to create a variety of tasty and nutritious dishes.”
– Vered DeLeeuw, Certified Nutritionist
Tips for Cooking Beef Heart
Beef heart is a tasty and healthy addition to your meals. But, it needs special care to be tender and flavorful. Here are some tips to cook beef heart like a pro:
Marinades and Tenderizing
Beef heart is tough, so tenderizing is key. Use an acidic mix like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine to soften it. For the best results, marinate it for 12-24 hours in the fridge.
Cooking Methods
- Slow Cooking: Beef heart is great for slow cooking like braising or stewing. This method breaks down tough fibers, making it tender and flavorful. Cook it in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or on the stovetop for 2-3 hours.
- Grilling: You can also grill beef heart. Cut it into thin strips or cubes and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they’re nicely browned.
- Searing: For a quick method, sear the heart in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side. This seals in juices and flavor while keeping it tender.
It’s crucial not to overcook the beef heart. Cook it to medium-rare or medium to keep it tender and flavorful.
By marinating, tenderizing, and cooking beef heart right, you can enjoy it in many dishes. Whether slow-cooking, grilling, or searing, the key is to care for it. This way, you’ll unlock its full taste and nutrition.
Pairing Beef Heart with Sides
Beef heart is a flavorful and nutrient-dense cut of meat. It pairs well with many side dishes. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the right side can make the meal better.
For a hearty breakfast, try beef heart with avocado, sunny-side-up eggs, and crispy kale or baked beans. The heart’s rich flavor goes well with the avocado’s creaminess and the eggs’ warmth.
At lunch, consider a zesty quinoa salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. The heart’s bold taste matches the quinoa salad’s bold flavors. Mashed potatoes offer a comforting, starchy base.
- Zesty Quinoa Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
For dinner, beef heart goes well with heartier dishes like udon noodles, gravy-smothered mashed potatoes, or flatbreads with tzatziki and hummus. The heart’s tenderness absorbs the flavors of the noodles or gravy. Flatbreads are great for enjoying the meat’s rich taste.
When serving beef heart, choose sides that complement its bold flavor. Experimenting with different flavors and cooking methods can make a delicious meal. This underappreciated cut of meat deserves to be celebrated.
Conclusion
Beef heart is a meat packed with nutrients and flavor. It’s rich in protein, iron, and vitamins and minerals. This makes it an excellent option for your health.
At first, beef heart might seem scary to cook. But, the recipes and tips in this article make it easy. You can start cooking beef heart today.
Beef heart can be used in many tasty dishes. Try it in stews or on the grill. It’s a chance to enjoy new flavors and get more nutrients.
Beef heart is perfect for those wanting to try new proteins or boost their nutrition. It’s also a fantastic way to try out new recipes. With the help of this article, you can easily add beef heart to your meals.
FAQ
What is the nutritional value of beef heart?
Where can I purchase beef heart?
How do I prepare beef heart for cooking?
What are some tips for cooking beef heart?
What are some delicious ways to serve beef heart?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.