Beef spleen may seem like an intimidating ingredient, but it’s actually quite easy to cook and enjoy if you know a few tricks! This underrated organ meat has a unique taste and texture that can add exciting flavor to all kinds of dishes.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about cooking beef spleen, from choosing the right spleen to common cooking methods and flavor pairings We’ll also share some simple spleen recipes to inspire your cooking. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Best Spleen for Cooking
When selecting beef spleen to cook you’ll want to look for a fresh, high-quality piece of meat. Here are a few tips
-
Look for spleen that is bright red in color without any grayish tones, which can indicate spoilage.
-
Give it a sniff – fresh spleen should not have a strong odor. Any unpleasant or strong smells mean it’s best to pass.
-
Opt for grass-fed spleen when possible for better nutrition and flavor.
-
Plan to cook the spleen within a day or two of purchasing for ultimate freshness and taste.
Once you’ve picked out a nice spleen, it’s time to prep it for cooking. Rinse it under cold water and pat dry. Then carefully trim off any membranes or excess fat with a sharp knife. The spleen is now ready for your cooking method of choice!
Simple Ways to Cook Tender, Flavorful Spleen
Cooking beef spleen properly is important not only for taste but also for food safety. Here are some easy methods to try:
Slow Simmering
Simmering the spleen on low heat for 2-3 hours helps break down the meat’s tough connective tissues. This renders it fork-tender and ready to add to soups, stews, chili, etc.
Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer. Add your trimmed spleen and let cook at a bare simmer. Test for doneness after 2 hours. The spleen should be very tender when poked with a fork.
Pan Frying
Pan frying yields delicious crispy bits on the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy.
Cut spleen into 1/2 inch slices and coat lightly in flour. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Fry the spleen slices for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
Roasting
Roasting beef spleen brings out incredible richness and depth of flavor.
Place trimmed spleen on a baking sheet and rub with a bit of oil and your favorite spices. Roast at 400°F for about 1 hour until the exterior gets crusty.
Grilling
The high dry heat of the grill adds great charred flavor. Grill spleen slices over direct medium heat for just 1-2 minutes per side to get good char marks.
No matter which cooking method you use, always cook beef spleen to an internal temperature of 160°F or above to eliminate any bacteria. With a quick-read meat thermometer, that’s easy to confirm.
Infuse Your Spleen with Flavor
Spleen has a distinctive earthy, mineral-like taste that benefits immensely from added seasonings. Get creative with marinades, rubs, and sauces to make this unique ingredient shine. Here are some suggestions:
-
Middle Eastern spices – cumin, curry powder, cinnamon, coriander
-
Cajun seasoning – paprika, garlic, cayenne, thyme
-
Fresh herbs – rosemary, oregano, parsley, thyme, sage
-
Dry rubs – chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
-
Sweet and savory sauces – teriyaki, barbecue, hoisin
-
Acidic marinades – lemon juice, lime juice, red wine vinegar
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combos until you find ones you love!
Complementary Ingredients for Beef Spleen
What should you serve alongside your cooked beef spleen? Plenty of options!
- Grains like rice, quinoa, or barley
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Sautéed vegetables – onions, peppers, mushrooms, etc.
- Fresh greens like spinach, kale, or arugula
- Beans, lentils, or chickpeas
- Pasta with bold sauces
Pairing beef spleen with ingredients that balance its unique flavor is key. Starchy sides and veggies work wonderfully.
Tasty Beef Spleen Recipes to Get You Started
If you’re new to cooking beef spleen, simple recipes are the way to go. Once you get comfortable with the basics, you can start to get more creative. Here are a few easy spleen dishes to try:
Pan-Seared Spleen with Onions and Peppers
Slice spleen and coat with Cajun seasoning. Pan fry until browned. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the pan. Cook until softened. Serve over rice.
Spicy Spleen Chili
Simmer diced spleen for 2-3 hours until very tender. Add to your favorite chili recipe along with beans, tomatoes, onions, chili powder, cumin and other spices.
Crispy Spleen Tacos
Cut spleen into strips and marinate in lime juice, oil, cumin and chili powder. Pan fry until crispy. Serve in warm corn tortillas with salsa, avocado and lime wedges.
Mediterranean Spleen Kebabs
Cube spleen and marinate in lemon juice, olive oil and Greek seasoning. Thread on skewers with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms and peppers. Grill until done, turning occasionally.
Spleen and Potato Hash
Chop boiled spleen and pan fry with diced potatoes, peppers and onions. Season with rosemary, thyme and salt. Top with a fried egg for breakfast.
Don’t be intimidated by beef spleen. With the right prep and cooking techniques, you can transform this underappreciated cut into something delicious. Start with basic recipes, then get adventurous. Your taste buds will thank you!
Beef spleen recipe (oven roast)
FAQ
How long does spleen take to cook?
Is it healthy to eat beef spleen?
What does spleen taste like?
How to clean beef spleen?
How do you cook beef spleen?
Simmer water in a small sauce pan. Place the beef spleen in the simmering water and cook for two to three hours. Remove the beef spleen from the water with tongs and allow to cool. Cut into small chunks or cubes to add into different dishes, casseroles or recipes.
What is the cure for spleen lesion?
Minor lesions over the spleen can heal with oral medications but a tear or rupture of the spleen needs surgical intervention including partial or total splenectomy depending upon the severity of the injury.
How do you eat beef spleen?
Here’s how you can savor its goodness in various dishes: Stir-Fry: Thinly slice the beef spleen and stir-fry it with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices for a nutritious and delightful meal. Roasted: Experience the deep flavors of a stuffed and roasted spleen, which pays homage to age-old culinary traditions.
How to cook beef spleen in a crock pot?
Heat a pan with oil or butter over medium-high heat and add the spleen pieces. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Braising is a slow-cooking method that involves simmering the beef spleen in a flavorful liquid until it becomes tender and flavorful.