Grilling & BBQ

Japanese Grilled Beef Tongue

Japanese Grilled Beef Tongue
This authentic Gyutan recipe delivers the perfect balance of smoky char and tender, springy texture characteristic of Japanese BBQ. Paired with a savory 'Negishio' scallion-salt sauce, it is an umami-packed delicacy that is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Prep

20m

Cook

10m

Serves

4


Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
1 lb 450 g Beef tongue, thinly sliced
4 stalks 40 g Scallions, finely chopped
2 tbsp 30 ml Toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp 15 ml Lemon juice
1 tsp 5 g Fine sea salt
0.5 tsp 2 g Black pepper
1 tsp 3 g Toasted sesame seeds
1 clove 3 g Garlic, grated

How to Make Japanese Grilled Beef Tongue

1

Step 1. If using a whole tongue, freeze it for 1-2 hours to firm up, then peel off the tough outer skin and slice into very thin rounds (about 1/8 inch). Skip if pre-sliced.

2

Step 2. In a small bowl, prepare the Negishio sauce by combining the chopped scallions, toasted sesame oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, sesame seeds, and half of the salt.

3

Step 3. Season the beef tongue slices lightly on both sides with the remaining salt and black pepper.

4

Step 4. Preheat a grill, cast-iron skillet, or yakiniku plate to high heat. Lightly oil the surface if necessary.

5

Step 5. Grill the beef tongue slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side. They cook very quickly; you want a nice char but still a juicy, tender interior.

6

Step 6. Remove from the heat immediately and plate. Serve hot with a generous spoonful of the Negishio sauce on top and extra lemon wedges on the side.

Chef's Tips

  • ·

    Partially freezing the meat is the secret to achieving those paper-thin restaurant-style slices.

  • ·

    High heat is essential for a good sear without overcooking the center; beef tongue can become rubbery if cooked slowly.

  • ·

    Look for the 'tongue root' (the back part) at the butcher, as it is the most marbled and tender portion.

  • ·

    The Negishio sauce can be made 30 minutes in advance to let the flavors meld.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beef tongue tough?
When sliced thin and grilled quickly at high heat, beef tongue is actually very tender with a unique, satisfying snap.
Do I have to peel the tongue?
Yes, the outer white/gray skin is very tough and must be removed before grilling.
Where can I buy pre-sliced beef tongue?
Most Japanese or Korean grocery stores sell beef tongue pre-sliced for yakiniku or shabu-shabu.
Can I use this recipe for other meats?
Absolutely, the Negishio (scallion salt) sauce works beautifully with grilled pork belly or chicken thighs.

Video Tutorials

Comments

(0)

Be the first to leave a comment.

Sign in to leave a comment.