If you’ve been hesitant to try beef heart, I hope this recipe might just change your mind. Beef heart offers a rich, meaty flavor similar to venison but with its own unique depth. Smoking it brings out a tenderness and adds a smoky layer that makes this dish a savory surprise.
Why Beef Heart?
Heart is often an underappreciated cut, but it’s packed with protein and essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Plus, when prepared properly, it’s tender, flavorful, and versatile. Smoking allows the natural richness to shine through, while the herbaceous marinade adds complexity.
Smoked Beef Heart Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 beef heart, cleaned and trimmed
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Marinate the Heart: Rub the beef heart thoroughly with the marinade. Place it in a resealable bag or covered dish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or preferably overnight).
Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F.
Smoke the Beef Heart: Remove the heart from the marinade and place it directly on the smoker grates. Smoke for 2 to 3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare. Adjust for your desired doneness.
Rest and Slice: Let the heart rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain to ensure tender bites.
Serving Suggestions: Serve it as a main dish, or use the sliced beef heart in sandwiches, tacos, or over salads. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, chimichurri, or a simple vinaigrette.
This recipe creates a tender, flavorful beef heart that’s perfect for those looking to try something a little different. The smoky essence balances well with the herb-rich marinade, and it’s a great dish to serve as a centerpiece or slice up for other meals.
Why You Should Try Beef Heart
Beef heart is an underrated but nutrient-packed organ meat. It’s full of protein, iron, and B vitamins, offering significant health benefits while being a flavorful and unique addition to your diet. Smoked beef heart offers a rich, meaty taste similar to venison, but with its own distinct depth. If you’re looking for a nutritious alternative to more traditional cuts of meat, beef heart is a great option.
Give it a try and let the heart win yours! Tell me how it goes for you!
xoxo,
Louisa