Starting a food business centered around lengua recipe (ox tongue) can be a profitable endeavor due to its rich flavor and appeal to both local and international markets. Lengua dishes are considered premium, making them ideal for catering, restaurants, and home-based businesses. In this guide, you’ll learn a step-by-step lengua recipe, cost-effective cooking tips, and essential business insights to help you succeed.
What is Lengua?
Lengua is the Spanish term for ox tongue, a delicacy in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Filipino, Spanish, and Latin American cooking. When properly prepared, it becomes tender and flavorful, making it a sought-after dish for food lovers.
Why Choose Lengua for Your Food Business?
- High-Profit Margins – Since lengua is a premium dish, you can price it higher than regular meat dishes.
- Unique Selling Proposition – Few food businesses specialize in ox tongue, allowing you to stand out.
- Versatile Menu Options – You can create various dishes like Lengua Estofado, Lengua in Mushroom Sauce, and Lengua Tacos.
- Ideal for Catering & Special Occasions – Lengua is often served at weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
Lengua Estofado Recipe (Ox Tongue in Tomato Sauce)
One of the most popular Filipino lengua recipes is Lengua Estofado, a dish simmered in tomato sauce with vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ox tongue (around 1.5 kg)
- 2 tbsp salt (for cleaning)
- 2 tbsp vinegar (for cleaning)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup green peas
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Clean the ox tongue – Boil for 15 minutes, then scrape off the outer skin. Rinse with water and rub with salt and vinegar.
- Boil until tender – In a pot, add ox tongue and enough water to cover. Simmer for about 2–3 hours or until fork-tender. Slice into thin pieces.
- Sauté the aromatics – Heat oil in a pan, then sauté garlic and onions until fragrant.
- Cook with sauce – Add tomato sauce, soy sauce, bay leaf, and beef broth. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add vegetables – Toss in carrots, bell peppers, and green peas. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot – Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with rice or mashed potatoes.
Business Tips for Selling Lengua Dishes
1. Find a Reliable Supplier
Source ox tongue from trusted meat suppliers to ensure quality and freshness. Buying in bulk can lower costs.
2. Calculate Your Pricing
Factor in the cost of ingredients, cooking gas, packaging, and labor. A markup of 30-50% is ideal for profitability.
3. Offer Different Lengua Dishes
Expand your menu with Lengua in White Mushroom Sauce, Lengua Tacos, or Lengua in Garlic Butter to cater to different tastes.
4. Use High-Quality Packaging
Invest in eco-friendly, spill-proof packaging if you plan to offer takeout or delivery services.
5. Promote Online
- Social Media Marketing – Share behind-the-scenes cooking videos on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Google My Business – Register your business for better visibility in local searches.
6. Offer Bulk Orders and Catering
Partner with event planners and offer catering services for parties, weddings, and corporate events.
Conclusion
Starting a lengua food business is a great way to offer a unique and high-profit dish to customers. By following this delicious lengua recipe, sourcing quality ingredients, and applying marketing strategies, you can build a successful venture. Whether you’re running a home-based food business or a full-scale restaurant, lengua dishes will always be in demand!
Ready to start your lengua food business? Share this recipe with fellow entrepreneurs and start cooking today! For more business recipes and tips, subscribe to our newsletter.
