Tacos de lengua are made with what meat?

Tacos de lengua are made with beef tongue.

Lengua means “tongue” in Spanish, and tacos de lengua traditionally use the tongue of cattle. The meat is commonly simmered for several hours with aromatics such as onion, garlic, and bay leaves until tender. It is then sliced or chopped and often briefly sautéed before being served in tortillas.

These tacos are part of the broader family of tacos de cabeza, or head tacos, which can include several cuts from a cow’s head. Other examples include cachete, or cheek, sesos, or brains, and ojo, or eye. Although lengua may sound unusual to diners unfamiliar with offal, slow cooking gives it a notably soft texture and rich flavor.

Tacos de lengua are usually finished simply with onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime. They should not be confused with tacos made from lamb, chicken, or pork: the defining ingredient in the dish’s name is beef tongue. Recipes vary, but the meat identity remains consistent.