Rich in nutrients and surprisingly tender, beef heart is a versatile and budget-friendly option for carnivore diet enthusiasts. Though technically an organ meat, heart tastes more like steak, with a mild, meaty flavor and firm texture.
This pan-seared heart recipe keeps it simple, bringing out its natural goodness with just salt and high-heat searing.
Perfectly Seared Beef Heart
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 beef heart (about 2 pounds)
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon tallow or another heat-tolerant fat, for the pan
Instructions
- Slice the beef heart into 4 steaks, trimming off any tubes, exterior fat, or tough pieces. This ensures a more uniform texture and appearance.
- Pat the heart steaks dry with paper towels and lightly sprinkle salt on both sides.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until it starts to smoke lightly.
- Add the tallow to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
- Place the heart steaks in the pan, ensuring not to crowd them, and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. For a perfect sear, avoid touching or moving the steaks during cooking.
- Let the steaks rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy as a main or side dish.
Tips for Cooking Beef Heart
- Keep It Medium-Rare: Overcooking heart can make it tough. Stick to medium-rare for the best texture and flavor.
- Trim Thoroughly: Removing tubes and tough pieces ensures a tender, steak-like result.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a rich sauce like Blue Cheese Cream Sauce or enjoy alongside other carnivore-friendly dishes like Crispy Chicken Thighs or Baked Bacon.
Why Beef Heart Fits the Carnivore Diet
Beef heart is packed with essential nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and CoQ10, making it a powerhouse for those on the carnivore diet. Its affordability and mild flavor make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their protein options.
Whether as a main course or a side dish, pan-seared beef heart is a flavorful, nutrient-dense addition to any carnivore meal plan. Give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite way to enjoy organ meats!
Pan-Seared Heart Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 beef heart about 2 pounds
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon tallow or another heat-tolerant fat for the pan
Instructions
- Slice the beef heart into 4 steaks, trimming off any tubes, exterior fat, or tough pieces. This ensures a more uniform texture and appearance.
- Pat the heart steaks dry with paper towels and lightly sprinkle salt on both sides.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until it starts to smoke lightly.
- Add the tallow to the hot skillet and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
- Place the heart steaks in the pan, ensuring not to crowd them, and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. For a perfect sear, avoid touching or moving the steaks during cooking.
- Let the steaks rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy as a main or side dish.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.