Beef marrow guts may seem intimidating, but they can add amazing depth of flavor to soups, stews, and other dishes when cooked properly If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen, learning how to cook beef marrow guts is worth the effort.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about preparing and cooking beef marrow guts, from start to finish. You’ll learn about:
- What are beef marrow guts?
- Benefits of cooking with beef marrow guts
- How to prepare and handle beef marrow guts
- Different cooking methods and recipes
- Serving suggestions and pairing ideas
- Safety precautions for handling
Let’s get started!
What Are Beef Marrow Guts?
Beef marrow guts, sometimes called marrow gut, are a tube-like organ that connects the two stomachs of a cow. This tube contains bone marrow-like substances, which gives marrow guts their name. They are most often taken from younger cows that have not yet been weaned from their mother’s milk.
While not commonly found in most mainstream grocery stores, beef marrow guts have been used for centuries in many traditional cuisines around the world. They can be a great way to use more of the animal and reduce waste. Marrow guts are nutrient-dense and packed with protein.
When preparing beef marrow guts, it’s important to clean them thoroughly, removing any excess fat or membrane. Once cooked low and slow, they become tender and can add a rich, meaty flavor to dishes.
Benefits of Cooking with Beef Marrow Guts
There are many health and culinary benefits to cooking with beef marrow guts:
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Nutrient-dense: Packed with protein, vitamins like B12, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium and selenium.
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Collagen-rich: Contain high levels of collagen, which supports skin, hair, nail, and joint health.
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Reduces waste: Uses more of the animal and minimizes food waste.
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Adds richness: Provides depth of flavor and luxurious, fatty mouth-feel to soups, stews and more.
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Unique flavor profile: Imparts a rich, meaty umami flavor unlike any other ingredient.
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Versatile: Can be used in many dishes, from toast toppings to baked goods and beyond.
Getting creative with beef marrow guts can allow you to make the most of their nutritional value while also discovering new flavors and textures.
How to Prepare and Handle Beef Marrow Guts
Handling beef marrow guts properly is important for safety. Here are some tips:
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Purchase fresh: Look for raw marrow guts that look moist and shiny, not dried out. Avoid any with an off-putting odor.
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Clean thoroughly: Rinse under cool running water. Trim away any discolored portions or excess fat with a sharp knife.
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Cut into pieces: Slice marrow guts into smaller 2-3 inch pieces to allow flavors to penetrate during cooking.
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Use quickly or freeze: Raw marrow guts are highly perishable. Cook within 2 days of purchasing, or freeze for later use.
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Prevent cross-contamination: Use a separate cutting board and knife only for the marrow guts. Never place raw guts back on a board/surface that touched other ingredients.
Proper handling and preparation will help make your beef marrow guts delicious and safe to eat. Now let’s look at cooking methods.
Different Cooking Methods for Beef Marrow Guts
Beef marrow guts require slow, moist-heat cooking methods to become tender. Here are some techniques:
Braising
Braising involves browning the marrow guts first, then cooking over low heat in a small amount of liquid. Try braising in broth, wine or tomato sauce until fork tender.
Stewing
For stews, cover marrow guts with water or stock in a saucepan or slow cooker. Simmer gently until soft, 1-2 hours.
Slow Roasting
Roast marrow guts low and slow in the oven at 300°F. Baste frequently with pan juices for added moisture and flavor.
Pressure Cooking
A pressure cooker allows you to cook marrow guts until tender in less time. Cover with broth and cook for 20-40 minutes under pressure.
Poaching
Gently simmer marrow guts in liquid like broth, milk, wine or water flavored with herbs and aromatics. Cook until softened.
When cooked, marrow guts should be fork-tender but not falling apart. Now let’s look at some delicious recipes!
Beef Marrow Gut Recipe Inspiration
Here are just a few ideas for putting beef marrow guts to delicious use:
Hearty Beef Marrow Gut Soup
Simmer cleaned marrow guts low and slow in beef broth with veggies like onions, carrots, celery, and cabbage. Finish with parsley and lemon.
Italian-Style Braised Marrow Guts
Braise marrow guts in tomatoes, red wine, and Italian herb seasoning mix until tender enough to toss with hot pasta.
Mexican Menudo Soup
For this traditional Mexican tripe soup, simmer marrow guts in broth with onions, chiles, lime, cilantro. Top with chopped onion and oregano.
Thai Beef Marrow Gut Salad
Poach marrow guts, then chill and toss in a spicy dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, chili garlic sauce, and minced herbs.
Savory Marrow Gut and Veggie Pot Pie
Simmer marrow guts with carrots, peas and pearl onions, then bake under a flaky pie crust in ramekins.
The opportunities are endless! Having recipes on hand will help you put your cooked marrow guts to delicious use.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When serving beef marrow guts, consider these flavorful pairing ideas:
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On toasts, crostini or bruschetta – try with parsley, lemon, parmesan
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Over roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts
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On creamy polenta or grits
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In potato salad or pasta salad
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On pizza or flatbread – goes great with earthy toppings like mushrooms
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With shaved Brussels sprouts and pancetta
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On charcuterie or antipasto boards
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In pho, ramen or Korean bone broth noodles
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In poutine, topped on fries with gravy and cheese curds
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Folded into gnocchi or ravioli filling
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In savory bread pudding or strata
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On biscuits or scones – delicious with some jam!
The rich, meaty flavor pairs well with crisp, bright and acidic ingredients to balance the richness. Marrow guts also complement
Eating Cow GUTS! (Delicious Tripas Recipe) Clean and Cook
FAQ
What are cow intestines in Mexican food?
How do you cook whole beef intestines?
Place whole beef intestines, or tripe, into a large stockpot. Cover the tripe with water, at least 2 inches above the tripe. Add vanilla and vinegar to the water. Bring the tripe to a boil over high heat. Turn the heat to low and simmer the tripe between 1 hour and 1-1/2 hours. Drain the water from the tripe and allow it to cool.
How to cook marrow bones on the grill?
Place the marrow bones cut side up in a cast iron skillet, and place on the grill. Grill for 10-20 minutes, depending on the bone size and how much marrow they contain.
How do you cook boneless marrow?
Place the marrow bones cut side up in a cast iron skillet, and place on the grill. Grill for 10-20 minutes, depending on the bone size and how much marrow they contain. You’ll know they’re done when the marrow begins to gently bubble on the surface.
Is beef marrow a diet food?
Marrow is mostly fat (to learn more about marrow and bones, read my article Mythbusting: Does The Bone Make The Meat Better?) so it helps to think of it like butter or bacon. Not diet food. But if you want a treat, ask your butcher for some beef marrow bones.