19 Japanese Beef Cheeks Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
When it comes to cooking Japanese beef cheeks, choosing the right cut of meat is crucial to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. The most popular and recommended cut for this recipe is the Wagyu beef cheek, known for its marbling and rich, buttery flavor. However, if you can't find Wagyu, any beef cheek cut will do as long as it has a good amount of fat and connective tissue.
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheek, Unsalted Butter, Flour, Red Wine, Beef
This hearty and rich beef stew is the perfect comfort food for a cold winter night. The addition of wine adds a depth of flavor to the tender beef, making it a standout dish. Slow cooked in a crockpot, this dish is effortless to make and will leave your house smelling amazing. Serve with some crusty bread for the ultimate cozy meal.
2of 20
Beef Barbacoa
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, Ground Cumin
Barbacoa is a traditional Mexican dish that is usually made with beef, goat, or lamb. This slow-cooked beef version is tender and flavorful, with a mix of spices and chilies that give it a delicious kick. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
3of 20
Luscious Daube Beef Cheeks in the Slow Cooker
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Red Wine, Oil, All Purpose Flour, Onions
These daube beef cheeks are a French classic that is perfect for a special occasion. Slow cooked in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce, the beef cheeks become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite side vegetables for a luxurious meal.
4of 20
Barbacoa (True Texas Style)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Beef Cheeks, Salt, Onion, Garlic, Bayleaves
This Texas-style barbacoa is a delicious and easy way to enjoy beef cheeks. Slow cooked in a blend of spices and beer, the beef cheeks become fork-tender and full of flavor. Serve in tacos or over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
5of 20
Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Ginger, Garlic, Long Red Chili, Birdseye Chili, Brown
This simple and flavorful recipe for slow cooked beef cheeks is a great way to enjoy this underrated cut of meat. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a mix of beef broth and herbs, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is perfect for shredding and using in various dishes.
6of 20
Birria Style Beef Cheek (Birria de Res)
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheek, Chicken Bouillon Powder, Cracked Pepper
Birria is a traditional Mexican dish that is usually made with goat, but this version uses beef cheeks for a rich and flavorful twist. Slow cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce, the beef cheeks become incredibly tender and full of flavor. Serve in tacos, burritos, or over rice for a delicious and unique meal.
7of 20
Braised Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Beef Cheeks, Brown Onion
This recipe for braised beef cheeks is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy this underrated cut of meat. The beef cheeks are cooked in a flavorful red wine sauce until they are fall-apart tender. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables for a delicious and satisfying meal.
8of 20
Tender Slow Cooker Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Red Wine, Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Brown
This recipe for tender slow cooker beef cheeks is perfect for those busy days when you still want a delicious and comforting meal. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a mix of beef broth and spices until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
9of 20
Amazing Smoked Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Rub, Stout, Butter, Brown Sugar
If you have a smoker, then you have to try this recipe for amazing smoked beef cheeks. Slow cooked in a mix of spices and beer, the beef cheeks become incredibly flavorful and tender. Serve in tacos, sandwiches, or on its own for a mouthwatering meal.
10of 20
Instant Pot Chipotle Barbacoa Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Salt, Cumin, Oregano, Smoked Paprika
This recipe for Instant Pot chipotle barbacoa beef cheeks is perfect for those days when you need a flavorful and effortless meal. The beef cheeks are cooked in a tangy and spicy sauce that is made with chipotle peppers and other spices. Serve in tacos, burritos, or over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Slow Cooker Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Star Anise, Cumin Seeds, Cardamon, Cracked
This recipe for slow cooker beef cheeks is perfect for busy days when you still want a delicious and satisfying meal. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a flavorful broth until they are tender and ready to be shredded. Serve in tacos, sandwiches, or on top of your favorite grains for a tasty meal.
12of 20
Barbacoa
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheek, Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper, Peppers
This classic barbacoa recipe is simple and full of flavor. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a mix of spices and beer until they are fork-tender and perfect for shredding. Serve in tacos, burritos, or on top of a salad for a delicious and versatile meal.
13of 20
Braised Beef Cheeks With Baby Carrots
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Cheeks, Garlic, Brown Onions, Celery
This recipe for braised beef cheeks with baby carrots is the ultimate comfort food. Slow cooked in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce, the beef cheeks become incredibly tender and are complemented by the sweet and tender baby carrots. Serve with mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
14of 20
Slow-cooked, Italian Beef Cheek Ragu On Pappardelle
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Olive Oil, Pancetta, Onion, Celery
This Italian-inspired recipe for slow-cooked beef cheek ragu on pappardelle is perfect for a special occasion. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce until they are fall-apart tender. Serve over pappardelle pasta for a decadent and delicious meal.
15of 20
Beef Cheeks, Baby!
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Beef Cheeks, Onion, Medium
This playful recipe for beef cheeks is full of flavor and perfect for a casual meal. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a mix of beer and spices until they are tender and ready to be shredded. Serve in tacos, sandwiches, or on top of crispy fries for a fun and delicious meal.
16of 20
Chipotle Rubbed Smoked Beef Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Chipotle In Adobo, Lime, Black Pepper
This recipe for chipotle rubbed smoked beef cheeks is perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. The beef cheeks are rubbed with a spicy and smoky chipotle seasoning before being slow cooked to perfection. Serve in tacos, sandwiches, or on its own for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
17of 20
Beef Cheek Lasagna With Scalloped Cheesy Potato Crust!
Main Ingredients: Beef Cheeks, Tomato Passata, Lasagna Sheets, Butter
This unique and delicious recipe for beef cheek lasagna with scalloped cheesy potato crust is perfect for a special occasion. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce before being layered with lasagna noodles and a cheesy potato crust. This dish is sure to impress your dinner guests.
18of 20
South Texas barbacoa
Main Ingredients: Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Granulated
This recipe for South Texas barbacoa is a true taste of the region. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a blend of spices and beer until they are fall-apart tender and full of flavor. Serve in tacos, burritos, or over rice for a delicious and authentic meal.
19of 20
Beef Cheeks In Red Wine With Creamy Mashed Potato
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Cheeks, Onion, Celery Stalk, Carrot
This recipe for beef cheeks in red wine with creamy mashed potato is a classic and elegant way to enjoy this underrated cut of meat. Slow cooked in a rich and flavorful red wine sauce, the beef cheeks become melt-in-your-mouth tender. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a luxurious meal.
20of 20
Keto Beef Cheeks with Cauliflower Mash
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Beef Cheeks, Small White Onion, Celery
This keto-friendly recipe for beef cheeks with cauliflower mash is perfect for those looking for a low-carb option. The beef cheeks are slow cooked in a flavorful broth until they are fork-tender and served with a creamy and delicious cauliflower mash. Enjoy this satisfying and healthy meal guilt-free.
The Secret to Perfectly Tender Japanese Beef Cheeks
The Importance of Choosing the Right Cut
The key to achieving the perfect texture in this dish lies in the connective tissue. Beef cheeks are a tough and fibrous muscle, but when cooked correctly, the connective tissue breaks down and becomes tender, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. This is why it is important to choose a cut with a good amount of fat and connective tissue.
The Importance of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is the key to unlocking the full potential of Japanese beef cheeks. Unlike other cuts of beef that can be cooked quickly at high temperatures, beef cheeks require a low and slow cooking method to allow the connective tissue to break down and become tender. This can be achieved through braising, which involves cooking the meat in a liquid over low heat for an extended period of time.
Another important factor in slow cooking is the use of a heavy-bottomed pot. This helps to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the meat from burning or sticking to the bottom. It also allows for a longer cooking time without the risk of the liquid evaporating too quickly.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
While the beef cheeks are the star of this dish, the flavors that accompany it are just as important. A traditional Japanese beef cheeks recipe will often include ingredients such as soy sauce, sake, mirin, and dashi to create a savory, umami-packed broth.
For an extra depth of flavor, try marinating the beef cheeks in the broth overnight before slow cooking them. This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and result in an even more flavorful dish.
The Final Touch: Perfectly Tender Beef Cheeks
After hours of slow cooking, the beef cheeks should be fall-apart tender and full of flavor. The final step is to reduce the broth to a thick and rich sauce, which can be done by simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes. This sauce can then be poured over the beef cheeks, adding an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish.
Now that you know the secret to perfectly tender Japanese beef cheeks, it's time to try it for yourself. With the right cut of meat, slow cooking method, and a delicious blend of flavors, you'll have a mouthwatering dish that will impress even the most discerning of taste buds.