Beef Tongue Tacos
Beef Tongue Tacos, or Tacos de Lengua, are a beloved Mexican street food featuring slow-braised beef tongue that becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. The tongue is typically simmered with aromatics like onion, garlic, and bay leaves until fork-tender, then chopped and served on warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, onions, and salsa. This dish is a staple in taquerias across Mexico and among Mexican-American communities.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Beef tongue is a protein-rich cut with a higher fat content than leaner beef cuts, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. A typical serving of two tacos offers around 300-400 calories, along with significant iron, zinc, and B vitamins like B12.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 5.8 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8.5 mg |
| Phosphorus | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 320 mg |
| Selenium | 22 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
Per 3 tacos (approx. 210 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, lengua tacos are a prime example of 'nose-to-tail' eating, a sustainable practice that honors the whole animal. Nutritionally, despite its rich texture, beef tongue is a nutrient-dense food packed with essential minerals often lacking in modern diets.
