Are you looking for a new and exciting protein to add to your meals?
Look no further than beef heart!
While it may seem intimidating at first, cooking beef heart is actually quite simple and yields a tender and flavorful result.
And what better way to cook it than in a pressure cooker?
In this article, we’ll explore different methods for cooking beef heart in a pressure cooker, from shredded tacos to hearty stews.
So grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Beef Heart In A Pressure Cooker?
There are several different methods for cooking beef heart in a pressure cooker, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are three of our favorite recipes:
Why Cook Beef Heart In A Pressure Cooker?
Pressure cooking beef heart is a popular method because it results in a moist and tender cut of meat that resembles a roast. Unlike other cooking methods that can dry out the meat, pressure cooking allows the collagen and thick muscle fibers to break down, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat. Additionally, pressure cooking is a quick and easy way to prepare beef heart, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. Another benefit of pressure cooking is that it retains more of the nutritional value of the beef heart, making it a healthy choice for those looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet. So, whether you’re looking to make tacos, stews, or pot roasts, using a pressure cooker to cook beef heart is a great option for achieving delicious and tender results every time.
Preparing The Beef Heart For Pressure Cooking
Before cooking beef heart in a pressure cooker, it is important to properly prepare the meat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare beef heart for pressure cooking:
1. Start by trimming any tough or fatty pieces from the heart cavity using a sharp knife. You can also trim some of the outer fat layer off if desired, but it is recommended to leave some of the tasty fat on.
2. Cut the beef heart into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and tenderly.
3. Once the beef heart is cubed, turn on your pressure cooker in “sauté” mode and add some butter and garlic (if desired). Once the pot is hot and the butter melts, add the heart meat.
4. Season the beef heart cubes with salt and your choice of herbs and let the meat sauté for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spatula.
5. Add bone broth or water to the pot and stir to combine. Turn off the “sauté” mode and set your pressure cooker on “slow cook” (normal setting) for 3 hours.
6. After 3 hours of slow cooking, you can add your choice of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots or potatoes. If you choose to add vegetables, turn off the pressure cooker, open the lid, combine the cubed vegetables in the pot with the meat, and turn on the Instant Pot on “pressure cook” for as long as the vegetables require (about 15 minutes should be enough for most).
7. If you prefer to serve your beef heart stew without any vegetables, skip step 6.
8. Once your meat and vegetables (if added) are cooked, open your pressure cooker and turn it on “sauté” mode for about 10 minutes or until the stew sauce has thickened enough. Stir frequently with a wooden spatula.
By following these simple steps, you can prepare your beef heart for pressure cooking and create a delicious and nutritious meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Recipe 1: Beef Heart Tacos
If you’re looking for a flavorful and unique twist on traditional tacos, try using beef heart as your protein. This recipe is made even easier with the use of an Instant Pot pressure cooker.
To start, cut the beef heart into three pieces and remove any fat, arteries, and silver skin. Then, pour four cups of beef broth into the Instant Pot liner and lay the pieces of beef heart evenly in the bottom of the liner. Add three garlic cloves, a bay leaf, and sprinkle the heart with salt and pepper. Cover the beef heart with one sliced onion and a handful of roughly chopped celery.
Lock the lid on the Instant Pot and program it on manual/high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release for 25 to 30 minutes, then perform a controlled quick release. Once cooked, remove the beef heart from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
To assemble your tacos, heat up some tortillas and add your desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and shredded cheese. Top each taco with a generous helping of the shredded beef heart.
This recipe is not only delicious but also high in nutritional value, making it a great option for those looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet. Give it a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Recipe 2: Beef Heart Stew
Beef heart stew is a hearty and nutritious meal that is perfect for colder days. This recipe uses the Instant Pot to cook the beef heart to perfection. To start, cut the beef heart into 1-inch cubes and trim off any hard pieces or outer fat layer. Turn on the Instant Pot in “sauté” mode and add butter and garlic (if desired) until melted. Then, add the beef heart and season with salt and herbs. Let it sauté for a few minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spatula.
Next, add bone broth or water to the pot and stir to combine. Turn off the “sauté” mode and set the Instant Pot on “slow cook” (normal setting) for 3 hours. After 3 hours, you can add your choice of vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, or potatoes. If you prefer to serve the stew without vegetables, skip this step.
Once the meat and vegetables (optional) are cooked, open the Instant Pot and turn it on “sauté” mode for about 10 minutes or until the stew sauce has thickened enough. Stir frequently with a wooden spatula. Serve the stew warm and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
This recipe is an excellent way to enjoy beef heart in a stew. The pressure cooker ensures that the meat is tender, flavorful, and retains its nutritional value. You can also customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to enhance its taste. Beef heart stew is a perfect dish for those looking for a healthy and delicious meal option.
Recipe 3: Beef Heart Curry
If you’re looking for a flavorful and exotic way to prepare beef heart in your pressure cooker, try making a Sri Lankan Moorish-style curry. This dish combines tender chunks of beef heart with fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk for a rich and satisfying meal.
To start, cut your beef heart into bite-sized pieces and remove any fat or tough membranes. In your pressure cooker, sauté some diced onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Then, add in your beef heart pieces and brown them on all sides.
Next, it’s time to add the spices. You’ll need a blend of curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon to give your curry its signature flavor. Stir the spices into the meat mixture until everything is well coated.
Finally, pour in a can of coconut milk and stir everything together. Close the lid on your pressure cooker and set it to cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.
Serve your beef heart curry over rice or with some naan bread for an authentic Sri Lankan meal that’s sure to impress. The tender chunks of beef heart will soak up all the delicious flavors of the curry sauce, making this dish a true delight for your taste buds.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Beef Heart Every Time
Cooking beef heart can be intimidating, but with the right tips and techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked beef heart every time. Here are some tips to help you cook beef heart in a pressure cooker:
1. Clean and trim the beef heart properly: Before cooking the beef heart, make sure to clean it thoroughly and trim off any excess fat, gristle, or stringy arteries. This will ensure that your beef heart cooks evenly and tastes delicious.
2. Cut the beef heart into smaller pieces: Since beef hearts are lean and tender, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces so that they can fit into your pressure cooker. This will also help the meat cook evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.
3. Season the beef heart generously: Beef hearts have a mild flavor, so be sure to season them generously with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the meat and make it more enjoyable to eat.
4. Use enough liquid: When cooking beef heart in a pressure cooker, it’s important to use enough liquid to prevent it from drying out. You can use water, broth, or wine as your cooking liquid.
5. Cook on high pressure for 60-90 minutes: To achieve tender and juicy beef heart, cook it on high pressure for 60-90 minutes, depending on the size of your meat pieces. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the lid.
By following these tips, you can cook perfectly tender and flavorful beef heart in a pressure cooker every time. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking liquids to find your favorite recipe.