Delicious Beef Heart Recipe: Easy Homemade Meal

Ever wondered how to make a feast from an often-overlooked meat? Beef heart is a nutrient-dense gem that could be the secret ingredient you’ve been missing. It’s affordable and flavorful, rivaling the taste of a tenderloin steak when cooked right.

Vered DeLeeuw created this beef heart recipe, which nutrition expert Rachel Benight MS, RD, reviewed. It has a 5-star rating from 39 votes. It’s a smart choice for your wallet and health. A single beef heart can weigh up to 2 pounds, making it perfect for family meals or meal prep.

If you’re new to offal or a pro, this recipe will introduce you to beef heart’s rich flavors and nutritional benefits. We’ll cover slow-cooked stews and quick-seared steaks. Your beef heart dish will be tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Key Takeaways

• Beef heart is a budget-friendly, nutrient-dense meat option
• The recipe has a 5-star rating and takes about 4 hours to cook
• Beef heart can be prepared as a stew or grilled as steaks
• Cooking rare to medium-rare yields the best taste and tenderness
• One serving contains 381 calories and is packed with vitamins and minerals
• Leftovers can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 days

Introduction to Beef Heart Cuisine

Beef heart is a nutrient-rich organ meat that’s becoming more popular. It’s a big muscle, weighing 4 to 6 pounds. It offers a special taste for those trying beef offal recipes.

What is beef heart?

Beef heart is lean and flavorful, tasting a bit like sirloin steak. It’s gentler than other organ meats, perfect for offal newcomers. The outer layer, or pericardium, gets crispy when cooked.

Nutritional benefits of beef heart

Beef heart is packed with nutrients. A 3-ounce serving gives you:

• 27% of daily protein needs
• 383% of Vitamin B12 RDI
• 68% of iron RDI
• 48% of selenium RDI
• Only 4 grams of fat

These nutrients boost energy and help with Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Why you should try cooking beef heart

Cooking beef heart is a unique experience. It’s affordable at about $2 per pound. You can grill, pan-fry, or slow cook it. Its rich taste and health benefits make it a great choice for your meals.

Selecting and Preparing Beef Heart

Cooking beef heart is a fun culinary adventure. This lean and flavorful meat offers a unique taste. It’s perfect for those who love to try new things. Let’s dive into how to pick and prepare this nutritious cut.

Where to Buy Beef Heart

You can find beef heart at local butcher shops, specialty meat markets, or some grocery stores. Asian markets also carry this cut. If they don’t have it, ask your butcher if they can order it for you.

Choosing Quality Beef Heart

Look for a beef heart that weighs 3-4 pounds. It should have a deep red color and little fat. Choose hearts from organic, grass-fed cattle for the best taste and nutrition.

Trimming and Cleaning

To get the heart ready for cooking, start by rinsing it under cold water. Then, trim off any visible fat, connective tissue, and valves. Cut it into 1-inch cubes for stews or 1-1.5 inch slices for grilling. This should take about 30-45 minutes.

A single beef heart can feed four to five people. This makes it a great choice for heart meat dishes. With the right selection and preparation, you’re all set to try out many delicious beef heart recipes.

Essential Ingredients for Beef Heart Recipe

Starting with the right ingredients is key to making a tasty beef heart recipe. This meat is full of important amino acids, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. It’s also a great source of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is good for the heart.

• 1 beef heart, trimmed and cleaned
• High smoke point oil (ghee or coconut oil)
• Beef stock
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano

To make the heart taste better and be softer, marinate it in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or milk for 24 hours. This step gets rid of any strong smells and makes the meat tender.

For a quick beef heart steak, try this easy recipe:

• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 tablespoon rosemary-infused olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sear the seasoned heart for 5 minutes on each side until it’s browned outside but still pink inside. This makes a juicy, steak-like dish that’s sure to impress. For more recipe ideas, check out this KFC-style coleslaw recipe as a perfect side dish.

Choosing grass-fed beef can boost the omega-3 fatty acid content. This makes your beef heart recipe even more nutritious. With these ingredients and tips, you’re all set to make a delicious and heart-healthy meal.

Seasoning and Flavor Profiles for Beef Heart

Beef heart is a key part of offal cuisine, known for its unique taste. The right seasonings can make it even better. Let’s look at spices, herbs, and marinades that can turn your beef heart into a tasty meal.

Traditional Spice Combinations

Classic spice mixes can really boost the flavor of beef heart. A mix of cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and oregano is a great choice. It adds depth and warmth, making the meat taste richer. For something different, add a bit of cinnamon to your mix.

Herbs that Complement Beef Heart

Fresh herbs can make heart meat dishes pop. Thyme is a great match for beef heart, adding an earthy flavor. Cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy taste that balances the meat’s richness. Mint can also surprise you with its refreshing contrast to the beef heart’s strong flavor.

Marinades and Rubs for Enhanced Taste

Marinades are great for tenderizing and flavoring beef heart. A simple marinade uses apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, and spices. For a quick rub, mix smoked paprika, coriander, and a bit of cinnamon. These not only taste great but also make the meat tender.

Cooking Methods for Tender Beef Heart

Learning to cook beef heart opens up a world of tasty dishes. This meat is full of nutrients and can be cooked in many ways. You can make it tender and flavorful with different methods.

Slow cooking is great for making beef heart tender. Put it in a Crockpot on high for 4 hours. Or, use an Instant Pot for a quicker option, cooking it in 1 hour and 15 minutes under high pressure.

For thin slices, quick-searing is the way to go. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes. Make sure to cook it to medium-rare to avoid toughness. It can become chewy if it’s overcooked because it doesn’t have much fat.

Try air frying beef heart at 400°F for 12 minutes for a special touch. This method gives it a crispy outside and a tender inside.

• Stovetop skillet: Ideal for quick-seared steaks
• Slow cooker: Perfect for beef heart stew
• Instant Pot: Fast and tender results
• Air fryer: Crispy exterior, tender interior

No matter the method, make sure the beef heart reaches 160°F inside for safety. With these tips, you’ll soon be making delicious heart meat dishes.

Slow Cooker Beef Heart Stew Recipe

Want a hearty offal meal that’s easy to make? Try this slow cooker beef heart stew recipe. It has a 4.3 out of 5 rating from 11 reviews and over 1K shares. It’s a favorite that you should try.

Ingredients

• 1 beef heart (approximately 1 pound)
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 onion, sliced

Cooking Instructions

1. Trim and clean the beef heart, then cut it into cubes.
2. Mix the spices in a bowl.
3. Place the beef heart cubes in the slow cooker and sprinkle with the spice mix.
4. Add the sliced onions on top.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender.

Tips for Perfect Slow-Cooked Beef Heart

For the best results, let the beef heart cook slowly. This makes the tough muscle fibers tender and flavorful. If you like tacos, use the cooked beef heart as a filling for a new twist.

This beef heart recipe is not just tasty but also healthy. It’s full of CoQ10, great for aging people. It can help with heart issues and reduce inflammation. Try this nutritious and delicious meal!

Quick-Seared Beef Heart Steaks

Craving a unique beef heart recipe? Try our quick-seared beef heart steaks! This dish is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Beef heart has all the essential amino acids, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus. It’s a top source of protein and coenzyme Q10.

You’ll need 4 slices of beef heart, each 1″ thick, for this recipe. Marinate the heart in 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar or plain milk for 24 hours. This step helps remove any strong flavors. Season the steaks and let them sit in the fridge for 8 hours or overnight.

When you’re ready to cook, heat a skillet with ghee or olive oil. Sear the beef heart steaks for 2-3 minutes per side. This method ensures a rare to medium-rare doneness, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This quick-seared beef heart steak recipe is both tasty and nutritious. A serving gives you 80g of protein, 29g of fat, and only 4g of carbohydrates. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

For the best flavor and nutrition, choose your beef heart from organic, free-range, grass-fed animals. Grass-fed beef often has more omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef.

Beef Heart Recipe: Nova Scotia Style Stew

Nova Scotia’s culinary traditions offer a hearty beef heart recipe. This stew, from the 1960s, turns a humble organ into a comforting meal. It’s perfect for chilly Maritime evenings.

Origin and History

Home cooks in Nova Scotia have always loved beef heart for its flavor and value. This stew recipe tenderizes the heart with slow cooking. It fills it with rich flavors.

Ingredient Breakdown

The main ingredients for this beef heart recipe are:

• 1 pound cubed beef heart
• Flour for dredging
• Vegetable oil for browning
• Diced onions
• Water or beef broth
• Salt and seasoned salt

Cooking Process

To make this Nova Scotia style stew:

1. Dredge beef heart cubes in flour
2. Brown in hot oil
3. Add onions and seasonings
4. Cover with liquid and simmer for 2-3 hours

For a quicker version, use a pressure cooker and cook for 45 minutes. Serve this stew over noodles or mashed potatoes. It’s a meal that honors Nova Scotia’s offal cuisine traditions.

Pairing Side Dishes with Beef Heart

Beef heart is a star in heart meat dishes. It deserves sides that make its rich flavor even better. Look for sides that soak up the juices and add nutritional balance to hearty offal meals.

Crusty homemade bread is great for dipping in stew juices. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice. Roasted red potatoes with rosemary add a rustic flavor.

For a lighter option, try a green bean salad. It cuts through the richness of the beef heart.

Rice dishes also make excellent sides. Brown rice with butternut squash and sweet potatoes is nutritious. For a Mediterranean twist, pair beef heart with rice and arugula.

• Caramelized mushrooms (20 minutes): Adds buttery, garlicky notes
• Sumac onions (10 minutes): Offers Middle Eastern zest
• Garlic parmesan orzo (quick prep): Provides creamy decadence
• Roasted carrots with honey and thyme: Creates sweet contrast

For special occasions, try Duchess potatoes. They have a crispy outside and a creamy inside. They take about an hour to make but make your beef heart meal unforgettable.

The key to great pairings is balancing flavors and textures. Try these sides to find your perfect match for beef heart dishes.

Wine and Beverage Pairings for Beef Heart Meals

Finding the right drink to go with beef heart can make your meal special. The rich taste of beef heart needs drinks that match its unique flavor.

Red Wine Recommendations

Full-bodied red wines are great with beef heart. Try a Zinfandel like Biale Zinfandel “Black Chicken” for a perfect match. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, or Malbec also work well, balancing the meat’s bold taste.

Beer and Cocktail Suggestions

Beer lovers should try dark ales or stouts with beef heart. These beers have rich, malty flavors that go well with the meat. Cocktails made with strong spirits like whiskey or aged rum are also good choices.

Non-alcoholic Pairing Options

If you don’t want alcohol, try strong herbal teas or fruit mocktails. These drinks can clean your palate and balance the richness of beef heart dishes.

Finding the perfect pairing is all about balancing the flavors of your meal. Try different drinks to see what works best with beef heart dishes.

Health Benefits of Incorporating Beef Heart in Your Diet

Beef heart is a top choice for those looking for nutrient-dense meat recipes. It’s packed with nutrients that are great for your heart. This cut of meat is a smart pick for anyone wanting to eat heart healthy recipes.

For those who love protein, beef heart is a dream. A 3-ounce serving gives you 24.2 grams of protein. This protein helps repair muscles, grow them, and keep your metabolism healthy. Plus, it’s very low in carbs, with only 0.1 grams per serving.

Beef heart is full of important vitamins and minerals. These nutrients are key for staying healthy:

• Vitamin B12: 383% of the daily value in a 3-ounce serving
• Vitamin B2: 61% of the daily value
• Selenium: 48% of the daily value
• Iron: Over two-thirds of the daily requirement

These nutrients help with energy, fighting off sickness, and carrying oxygen in the body. The iron is especially good for keeping your energy up and preventing anemia.

Beef heart also has Coenzyme Q10, which fights off harmful free radicals and helps the heart. It has collagen and elastin too, which are good for your skin. These can help reduce wrinkles and make your skin look better.

To get the most nutrition, choose beef heart from organic, pasture-raised cattle. Try marinating it in balsamic vinegar overnight and then grill it. This makes for a tasty, healthy meal that meets your health goals.

Overcoming Hesitations: Why Beef Heart is Delicious

Many people are hesitant to try beef heart, a key part of offal cuisine. But, this organ meat brings a special taste to nose-to-tail eating. Let’s see why it should be on your plate.

Addressing common misconceptions

Beef heart often gets a bad reputation. People worry about its taste, texture, or safety. But, it’s actually a lean, tasty cut that’s safe to eat when cooked right. Plus, it’s easy on the wallet, costing about $5 per pound, while grass-fed ribeye is around $20.

Taste comparison to other beef cuts

Beef heart tastes like a mix of beef tongue and filet mignon. It’s seen as an ultra-flavorful beef tenderloin, great for offal cuisine beginners. Its mild taste often surprises those trying it for the first time.

Testimonials from beef heart converts

Many who try beef heart quickly become fans. One person said, “I was hesitant at first, but beef heart tastes amazing! It’s now a regular in my meals.” Another noted its health benefits, saying a small amount of organ meat like kidney gives you all the B vitamins and minerals you need daily.

Adding beef heart to your meals is simple. You can blend it into burgers, spaghetti, or meatloaf if you’re still unsure. As more people learn about its great taste and health perks, beef heart is becoming more popular in offal cuisine.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Beef Heart

After enjoying your delicious beef heart recipe, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep the quality high. Leftover beef heart can be as good as when it was first cooked if stored and reheated correctly.

For short-term storage, put your leftover beef heart in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you won’t eat it in that time, freezing is a good option. Frozen beef heart can last up to three months.

When reheating your beef heart, use gentle methods to avoid overcooking. For the microwave, cover the dish and use 50% power. Or, reheat in a skillet over low heat. This keeps the meat’s texture and flavor intact.

Here are some quick tips for storing and reheating beef heart:

• Store refrigerated leftovers for up to 4 days
• Freeze for longer storage, up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen beef heart overnight in the refrigerator
• Reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor
• Use within 3 days of reheating for best quality

Remember, proper storage and reheating not only make your beef heart dishes last longer but also keep them safe to eat. With these tips, you can enjoy your heart meat creations more than once without losing their great taste or quality.

Creative Uses for Leftover Beef Heart

Embracing nose-to-tail eating opens up exciting culinary possibilities. Leftover beef heart can be turned into delicious meals. This reduces food waste and adds variety to your diet. Let’s explore some inventive ways to use this nutrient-dense organ meat.

Beef Heart Tacos and Sandwiches

Slice leftover beef heart thinly and use it as a protein-packed filling for tacos or sandwiches. The meat’s rich flavor pairs well with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime. For a quick meal, try adding beef heart to a hibachi-style stir-fry with vegetables.

Incorporating into Salads and Grain Bowls

Beef heart can add a boost of protein to salads and grain bowls. Chop it into small pieces and toss with mixed greens, roasted vegetables, and your favorite dressing. For a heartier meal, add it to quinoa or rice bowls with avocado and a zesty sauce.

Beef Heart Jerky Recipe

Turn leftover beef heart into a savory snack with this simple jerky recipe:

1. Slice the heart into 1/4-inch strips
2. Marinate in soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, and spices for 8-24 hours
3. Pat dry and arrange on dehydrator trays
4. Dehydrate at 165°F for 4-6 hours until dry and chewy

This protein-rich jerky is perfect for on-the-go snacking. It introduces more people to beef offal recipes. By exploring these creative uses, you’ll discover the versatility of beef heart in your kitchen.

Sustainable Eating: The Role of Organ Meats like Beef Heart

Embracing nose-to-tail eating is a key part of sustainable eating. By adding organ meats like beef heart to our meals, we cut down on meat waste. This supports ethical farming and helps our health and wallets.

Beef heart is packed with nutrients. A 4-ounce serving gives you 20 grams of protein and 161% of your daily B12. It’s full of iron, zinc, and selenium too. Organ meats like beef heart are much richer in nutrients than muscle meats.

Choosing organ meats is also good for your wallet. Heart meat is often cheap or even free. This makes it easier for more people to eat well and support sustainable farming.

Cooking with beef heart is simple and fun. You can marinate it for a few hours before grilling or sautéing. You can also use leftover cubes in stews or burgers. This makes eating sustainably tasty and easy, helping our food system be more eco-friendly.