Beef Heart
Bos taurusClinical Encyclopedia
Beef Heart provides 250 kcal, 26g of protein, 0g of carbohydrates, and 0g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.
Beef heart is a nutrient-dense organ meat that provides a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, particularly B vitamins and iron. It is often overlooked but can be a flavorful addition to various dishes.
Macronutrient Ratio
Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g
Micronutrient DV% Score
Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value
Complete Micronutrient Breakdown
Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.
Vitamins
Minerals
Health Benefits
Possible Risks & Side Effects
How to Prepare & Consume
Beef heart can be marinated and grilled, slow-cooked, or used in stews. It is best to remove any connective tissue before cooking to improve tenderness.
Smart Selection & Storage
Choose beef heart that is bright red with minimal discoloration. Freshness is key, so check for a clean smell and firm texture.
Store beef heart in the refrigerator and use it within 1-2 days of purchase. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container.
Myths vs Realities
Healthy Recipes
Spicy Beef Heart Tacos
These spicy tacos feature marinated beef heart, grilled to perfection and served in whole grain tortillas with fresh toppings.
- 1 lb beef heart, cleaned and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 8 whole grain tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- 1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Add diced beef heart and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- 2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated beef heart for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- 3. Assemble tacos by placing beef heart in tortillas and topping with tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Beef Heart Stir-Fry with Vegetables
A colorful stir-fry featuring tender beef heart slices and a variety of fresh vegetables, tossed in a light soy sauce.
- 1 lb beef heart, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cooked brown rice for serving
- 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- 2. Add sliced beef heart and cook until browned, then add vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Pour in soy sauce, stir to combine, and serve over cooked brown rice.
Herbed Beef Heart Salad
A refreshing salad featuring grilled beef heart slices over a bed of mixed greens, topped with a zesty vinaigrette.
- 1 lb beef heart, grilled and sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- 2. In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- 3. Top the salad with grilled beef heart slices and drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.
Beef Heart Chili
A hearty and nutritious chili made with ground beef heart, beans, and spices, perfect for a cozy meal.
- 1 lb ground beef heart
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef heart and cook until browned.
- 2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Add beans and tomatoes, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- 3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Beef Heart and Quinoa Bowl
A nourishing bowl featuring spiced beef heart served over fluffy quinoa and topped with roasted vegetables.
- 1 lb beef heart, cubed
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss zucchini and bell pepper with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper, then roast for 20 minutes.
- 2. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- 3. Sear beef heart cubes in a skillet until browned, then assemble the bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and beef heart.
Stuffed Beef Heart with Spinach and Feta
A unique dish where beef heart is stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese, baked to perfection.
- 1 beef heart, cleaned and halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix sautéed spinach, feta, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Stuff the beef heart halves with the spinach mixture and place in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- 3. Bake for 45 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Beef Heart Carpaccio
A sophisticated dish featuring thinly sliced raw beef heart, drizzled with olive oil and topped with arugula.
- 1 lb beef heart, frozen for easier slicing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup arugula
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan shavings for garnish
- 1. Thinly slice the frozen beef heart and arrange on a plate.
- 2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Top with arugula and garnish with Parmesan shavings before serving.
Beef Heart and Sweet Potato Hash
A hearty breakfast hash made with diced beef heart, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers, perfect for a nutritious start to the day.
- 1 lb beef heart, diced
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes and cook until tender.
- 2. Add onion, bell pepper, and beef heart, cooking until beef is browned and cooked through.
- 3. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Beef Heart Bolognese
A rich and flavorful Bolognese sauce made with ground beef heart, served over whole grain pasta for a healthy twist.
- 1 lb ground beef heart
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 carrot, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Whole grain pasta for serving
- 1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef heart and cook until browned.
- 2. Stir in grated carrot, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 30 minutes.
- 3. Serve the sauce over cooked whole grain pasta.
Beef Heart Kebabs with Chimichurri
Grilled beef heart kebabs marinated in a zesty chimichurri sauce, served with a side of grilled vegetables.
- 1 lb beef heart, cubed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables for grilling (zucchini, bell peppers)
- 1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to create the chimichurri.
- 2. Marinate beef heart cubes in chimichurri for at least 1 hour, then thread onto skewers with vegetables.
- 3. Grill kebabs over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, and serve with extra chimichurri on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is beef heart healthy?
Yes, beef heart is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious choice when consumed in moderation.
How do you cook beef heart?
Beef heart can be grilled, braised, or slow-cooked. It is important to tenderize it before cooking.
What nutrients are in beef heart?
Beef heart is high in protein, B vitamins (especially B12), iron, and zinc.
Can you eat beef heart raw?
It is not recommended to eat beef heart raw due to the risk of foodborne illness.
How does beef heart compare to other meats?
Beef heart is lower in fat and calories compared to many cuts of beef, while being higher in certain nutrients.
Is beef heart good for muscle building?
Yes, its high protein content makes it an excellent food for muscle building and recovery.
What is the best way to season beef heart?
Marinating with herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus can enhance its flavor.
Where can I buy beef heart?
Beef heart can be found at specialty butcher shops, farmers' markets, or online meat suppliers.