Beef cheek meats are one of the most intense and flavorful cuts.
Similar to a brisket, cheek meat has a prominent grain and are full of connective tissue.
When braised, all of this tissue melts into gelatin and the cheek becomes luxuriously tender.
Beef cheeks are a tough cut of meat. This is not the cut you'd want to quickly sear. But when properly cooked, which means slow-cooked, they are incredible. The meat becomes incredibly rich, and it's so tender, you could literally eat it with a spoon. It's a super-satisfying entree that can also come with vegs.
Unique texture achieves extraordinary taste. The perfect combination of beef and tendon.
How To Cook Beef Cheeks
Slow cooking/Oven is perfect for beef cheeks. It turns this tough meat into a wonderfully melt-in-your-mouth, rich, and tender delicacy.
Ingredients:
4 beef cheeks, trimmed of excess fat
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 cup beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef cheeks and sear them on all sides until browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the beef cheeks from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Return the beef cheeks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef cheeks are very tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Once the beef cheeks are cooked, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate.
Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the remaining liquid and vegetables into a smooth sauce.
Serve the beef cheeks with the sauce spooned over the top. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or another side dish of your choice.