Delectable Ox Cheek Recipes: A Culinary Adventure

Ox cheek, often overlooked, is a culinary treasure trove waiting to be discovered. This cut of beef, rich in collagen and flavor, delivers incredibly tender and succulent results when cooked low and slow. This article explores the versatility of ox cheek, providing you with delicious recipes and tips to elevate your cooking game. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor this humble cut can offer!

Why Choose Ox Cheek?

Before diving into the recipes, let's understand why ox cheek deserves a place in your culinary repertoire.

• Unbelievably Tender: The high collagen content transforms into gelatin during long cooking times, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Deep, Rich Flavor: Ox cheek boasts a deep, savory flavor that intensifies with slow cooking. It's a powerhouse of umami.
• Cost-Effective: Often more affordable than other beef cuts, ox cheek offers exceptional value for its quality.
• Versatile: Ox cheek lends itself to a variety of cuisines and cooking methods, from rich stews to elegant braises.

Recipe 1: Classic Braised Ox Cheek Bourguignon

This recipe offers a rich and hearty take on the classic Beef Bourguignon, substituting ox cheek for the usual beef stew meat.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ox cheek, trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup dry red wine (Burgundy is traditional)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season ox cheek generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear ox cheek in olive oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened. Add mushrooms and cook until lightly browned.
4. Stir in tomato paste, cook for 1 minute.
5. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
6. Return ox cheek to the pan. Add beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme.
7. Bring to a simmer, then cover and transfer to a 325°F (160°C) oven for 3-4 hours, or until ox cheek is incredibly tender.
8. Remove ox cheek from the braising liquid and shred. Skim fat from the braising liquid.
9. Thicken the sauce (optional) by simmering uncovered until slightly reduced. Stir in butter for richness.
10. Serve ox cheek over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.

Recipe 2: Spicy Ox Cheek Chili

For a flavorful and warming twist, try this spicy ox cheek chili.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ox cheek, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season ox cheek with salt and pepper.
2. Brown ox cheek in olive oil. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth.
6. Return ox cheek to the pot. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for at least 2 hours, or until ox cheek is very tender.
7. Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.

Tips for Perfect Ox Cheek

• Trim the excess fat: While some fat is desirable for flavor, excessive fat should be trimmed before cooking.
• Sear for flavor: Searing the ox cheek before braising develops a rich crust and enhances the overall flavor.
• Low and slow is key: Patience is crucial. Long, slow cooking at low temperatures ensures maximum tenderness.
• Don't overcook: While tenderness is the goal, overcooked ox cheek can become dry.

With its incredible flavor and versatility, ox cheek is a must-try ingredient for any adventurous home cook. These recipes offer just a starting point; feel free to experiment with different seasonings and flavors to create your own signature ox cheek dishes. Enjoy!