Healthy Light Beef Cheek Recipes for a Spectacular Second Course

Beef cheeks are a cut of meat that often gets overlooked in favor of more common cuts. However, this tender, flavorful meat is perfect for slow cooking, resulting in succulent and melt-in-your-mouth dishes. If you’re looking to impress your guests with a spectacular second course while keeping it light and healthy, here are some fantastic beef cheek recipes to try.

1. Braised Beef Cheeks with Root Vegetables:

Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheeks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 onions, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 parsnips, chopped
– 2 potatoes, chopped
– 2 cups beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the beef cheeks on all sides and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until golden. Add carrots, parsnips, and potatoes.
3. Place the beef cheeks back into the pot and pour the beef broth over everything. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 3-4 hours or until the beef cheeks are tender.
5. Serve the braised beef cheeks with root vegetables in a deep bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs.

2. Spicy Korean Beef Cheek Tacos:

Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheeks
– 4 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon minced ginger
– 1 teaspoon minced garlic
– Corn tortillas
– Pickled onions and cilantro for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, gochujang, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic to make a marinade.
2. Place the beef cheeks in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours.
3. Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the beef cheeks for about 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked to your desired doneness.
4. Remove the beef cheeks from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into thin strips.
5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop, then fill each tortilla with the sliced beef cheeks. Top with pickled onions and cilantro.

3. Moroccan-Spiced Beef Cheek Stew:

Ingredients:
– 4 beef cheeks
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 onions, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 can diced tomatoes
– 2 cups beef broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the beef cheeks on all sides, then set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add carrots and celery, cooking for a few more minutes.
3. Return the beef cheeks to the pot and sprinkle cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and paprika over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to coat.
4. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the beef cheeks are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

These healthy and light beef cheek recipes are sure to elevate your second course to something truly spectacular. Whether you prefer the comforting flavors of braised beef cheeks with root vegetables, the spicy kick of Korean beef cheek tacos, or the exotic blend of Moroccan-spiced beef cheek stew, each dish promises to delight your taste buds while keeping it nutritious. So, don’t overlook the humble beef cheek and give these recipes a try.