How to Cook Black Angus Beef Cheek for the Best Flavour

Here are some of the best recipes for cooking beef cheek that bring out its rich flavour and tender texture. These methods involve slow cooking or braising to make the most of this cut:

1. Red Wine Braised Beef Cheek

This is one of the most popular ways to cook beef cheek. Slow-cooked in red wine with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, the beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the wine's rich flavours. Serve with mashed potatoes or polenta.

Ingredients:

• Beef cheeks around 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs
• 500 ml (2 cups) red wine
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Trim the Beef Cheeks then Sear the beef cheeks in olive oil on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, then remove.
• Sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the same pan until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add red wine and beef broth, stirring to combine.
• Add thyme, bay leaves, and the seared beef cheeks. Cover and braise in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for 3-4 hours until tender.

 

2. Slow Cooker Beef Cheek Tacos

Beef cheeks make a fantastic filling for tacos. After slow cooking, the meat becomes tender and shreddable, making it perfect for serving with corn tortillas, fresh salsa, and avocado.

Ingredients:

• Beef cheeks around 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Juice of 2 limes
• 12 corn tortillas
• Fresh salsa, avocado, and cilantro for serving

 

Method:

• Trim your Beef Cheeks then Place beef cheeks, beef broth, onion, garlic, chili powder, and cumin in a slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours until beef is tender and easily shredded.
• Shred the beef and serve in corn tortillas with salsa, avocado, and cilantro.

 

3. Beef Cheek Ragu

Beef cheek is perfect for a rich and hearty ragu sauce. Serve it over pasta like pappardelle or tagliatelle for a comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• Beef cheeks around 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs
• 800 g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 250 ml (1 cup) red wine
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 500 g (1 lb) pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta
• Parmesan cheese for serving

 

Method:

• Trim your Beef Cheeks Sear the beef cheeks in a pan, then remove.
• Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add crushed tomatoes, red wine, beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
• Add the beef cheeks back into the mixture and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
• Toss with cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.

 

4. Beef Cheek Stew

Beef cheek makes an excellent addition to stews, as the meat becomes incredibly tender. A hearty beef cheek stew with root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and turnips makes for a perfect winter dish.

Ingredients:

• Beef cheeks around 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs
• 500 g (1 lb) potatoes, cubed
• 3 large carrots, chopped
• 2 turnips, cubed
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 250 ml (1 cup) red wine (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Method:

• Trim your Beef Cheeks and Sear the beef cheeks and remove them from the pot.
• Sauté the onion and garlic, then add potatoes, carrots, and turnips.
• Add beef broth (and red wine, if using) along with thyme, bay leaves, and the seared beef cheeks.
• Simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender.
• Serve hot with crusty bread.

 

5. Asian-Style Braised Beef Cheeks

For a flavourful twist, braise the beef cheeks with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and star anise. The result is a rich, umami-packed dish perfect with rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• Beef cheeks around 1.5 kg or 3.3 lbs
• 250 ml (1 cup) soy sauce
• 500 ml (2 cups) beef broth
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 250 ml (1 cup) rice wine or sherry
• Green onions and cilantro for garnish
• Steamed rice for serving

 

Method:

• First Trim your Beef Cheeks and Sear the beef cheeks, then remove.
• Sauté the garlic and ginger in the same pot for 1-2 minutes.
• Add soy sauce, beef broth, rice wine, star anise, and cinnamon stick.
• Return the beef cheeks to the pot and braise for 3-4 hours at low heat until tender.
• Serve with steamed rice, garnished with green onions and cilantro.

 

 These quantities are designed for 4-6 servings per recipe.

 

These recipes highlight beef cheek's versatility and its ability to absorb deep, complex flavours when slow-cooked or braised. Enjoy exploring these dishes!