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–+ servings

Carnivore Diet Tongue & Sweetbread Tacos

This flavorful carnivore diet taco recipe features slow-cooked beef tongue and crispy sweetbreads for a rich, protein-packed meal.
Enhanced with creamy avocado chimichurri and served alongside herbaceous celeriac rice, these tacos offer a satisfying twist for anyone following a carnivore-focused lifestyle.
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Active Time 1 minute
Total Time 8 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired
Servings 6
Calories 526 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Food processor or blender
  • Large skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Tongue

  • 2 to 3 pounds beef tongue
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 3 bay leaves

For the Avocado Chimichurri

  • 1 medium avocado halved, seeded, and peeled
  • ¼ cup beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1½ tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

For the Sweetbreads

  • 5 to 6 ounces sweetbreads (thymus or pancreas)
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt plus extra to taste
  • 1 tablespoon tallow

For the Cilantro-Celeriac Rice

  • 1 large celeriac peeled and chopped into chunks
  • 2 tablespoons tallow
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste

For Serving

  • Carnivore tortillas
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

Substitutions

  • Tallow can be swapped for butter, ghee, or duck fat if preferred.

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Beef Tongue: In a slow cooker, combine the beef tongue with salt and bay leaves. Pour in enough water to fully submerge the tongue. Cook on low for about 8 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  • Prepare the Tongue: Take the tongue out of the broth, saving the liquid. Allow it to cool until manageable, then peel off the skin with a knife and your hands. Shred the meat, working from the thicker base to the tip. Transfer to a bowl and mix in 3 to 4 tablespoons of the reserved broth to keep the meat moist.
  • Make the Avocado Chimichurri: Place the avocado, beef stock, cilantro, parsley, salt, lemon juice, lime juice, vinegar, and oregano into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Prepare the Sweetbreads: Rinse the sweetbreads thoroughly under cold water. Soak them in a bowl with water and vinegar for 5 minutes, then drain. Place in a saucepan, season with salt, and add water to cover. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer with the lid on until the sweetbreads become firm and pale beige, around 15 minutes. Drain, cool, and pat dry. Cut into ½-inch pieces.
  • Cook the Sweetbreads: Heat tallow in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sweetbreads and sauté until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Make the Cilantro-Celeriac Rice: Blend the celeriac in a food processor until it resembles rice grains. Heat tallow in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the celeriac until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Spread a portion of avocado chimichurri onto each tortilla. Top with shredded beef tongue and crispy sweetbreads. Drizzle with extra broth to keep the filling juicy. Serve with celeriac rice and garnish with cilantro. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

Notes

  • Crispy sweetbreads provide a rich, savory contrast to the tongue and can replace traditional cheese for those following a strict carnivore diet. If desired, shredded cheese can be added.
  • Leftovers keep well: store beef tongue and sweetbreads (with broth) for up to 5 days in the fridge, and celeriac rice and chimichurri for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 35gFat: 38g
Keyword beef tongue tacos carnivore, carnivore diet, carnivore meal prep tacos, carnivore taco recipe, offal recipes carnivore diet, sweetbread taco ideas
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