Veal cheek: recipes and tips for a delicious preparation

If you are looking for a special dish to impress your guests, veal cheek is definitely recommended. In this article you will discover everything you need to know about veal cheek, from its origin and nutritional value to different preparation methods and delicious recipes. In addition, we will give you useful tips for cooking with veal cheek and suggestions for serving this tasty meat. Read on quickly and be inspired by the versatility of veal cheek!

What is veal cheek?

Veal cheek is a piece of meat that comes from the jaws of a calf. It is a soft and tasty meat that lends itself perfectly to slow cooking methods, such as stewing and roasting. Because the chewing muscles are used intensively during chewing, veal cheek is rich in flavour and contains a lot of gelatin. This gives the meat a wonderfully tender and juicy structure.

Veal cheek is often used in traditional dishes, such as the French “joue de veau”. This dish has a long history and has been appreciated for centuries for its unique taste and texture. Over the years, however, veal cheek has also found its way into modern gastronomy, where it is increasingly used by top chefs and lovers of special dishes.

The origin of veal cheek

Veal cheek originates from French cuisine, where the meat is known as “joue de veau”. It was long considered a less popular and cheap cut of meat, but in recent years, veal cheek has found its way into modern gastronomy. It is increasingly used by top chefs and lovers of special dishes.

In the Netherlands, veal cheek is also becoming increasingly popular. More and more restaurants and butchers are offering this tasty piece of meat, making it increasingly accessible to the general public. In addition, veal cheek is also increasingly used in Dutch home cooking, where it is appreciated for its unique taste and versatility in various dishes.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Veal Cheeks

Veal cheek is not only tasty, but also nutritious. The meat is a good source of protein and also contains important minerals such as iron and zinc. In addition, veal cheek is naturally low in fat, making it a healthy choice for a varied diet.

In addition to its nutritional value, veal cheek also has some health benefits. The high gelatin content in veal cheek can contribute to healthy skin, hair and nails. In addition, veal cheek contains collagen, which can help maintain healthy joints and improve digestion.

It is important to prepare veal cheeks correctly to fully enjoy the taste and nutritional value. The meat should be stewed or roasted slowly, so that it becomes soft and tender. This allows the flavours to come into their own and the nutrients to be preserved.

How to prepare veal cheeks

There are several ways to prepare veal cheek, depending on your taste and preferences. Below we discuss both traditional preparation methods and modern cooking techniques.

Traditionally, veal cheek is often braised in red wine. By slowly cooking the meat in a tasty sauce, the flavors become more intense and the meat becomes deliciously tender. In addition, you can also roast veal cheek in the oven or on the grill for a crispy crust and a juicy interior.

Another traditional method of preparation is marinating the veal cheek. The meat is placed in a mixture of herbs, oil and vinegar for some time, so that the flavours can be absorbed. The meat is then slowly cooked in the marinade, which gives it a delicious flavour.

In addition, you can also use veal cheek in stews and ragouts. By slowly simmering the meat in a rich broth with vegetables and herbs, the meat becomes buttery soft and gets a delicious flavor.

Cooking techniques for veal cheek

If you are looking for a modern twist, you can prepare veal cheek sous vide. This means that you cook the meat slowly in a water bath at a constant low temperature. This way, the meat retains its flavor and texture optimally. Do you not have sous vide equipment at home yet? Then our Sous vide complete package is perfect for you!

Another modern cooking technique for veal cheek is using the slow cooker. Here the meat is slowly cooked at a low temperature for a longer period. This ensures that the meat becomes wonderfully tender and all the flavours can develop well.

In addition, you can also prepare veal cheek on the barbecue. By slowly cooking the meat over smoldering charcoal or lava rocks , it gets a delicious smoky flavor. You can marinate the meat with herbs and spices of your choice for extra flavor. Looking for handy BBQ accessories? Shop them here .

Furthermore, you can also use veal cheek in Asian dishes, such as a spicy curry or a tasty stir-fry. The meat absorbs the flavors of the sauce and becomes deliciously tender and juicy.

Delicious recipes with veal cheeks

To help you get started with the preparation of veal cheek, we would like to share two delicious recipes with you. Try them yourself and enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this special piece of meat.

Veal cheek stewed in red wine

Ingredients

• 500 grams of veal cheek
• 1 bottle of red wine
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 winter carrots, cut into pieces
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan and fry the veal cheek on both sides until golden brown.
2. Add the onion and garlic and fry briefly.
3. Pour in the red wine, together with the carrots, thyme and bay leaves. Bring to the boil.
4. Then let the veal cheek stew over low heat for at least 3 hours, until the meat has become deliciously tender.
5. Season the dish with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the veal cheek stewed in red wine with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

The veal cheek is a delicious piece of meat that lends itself perfectly to slow cooking. By stewing the meat in red wine, it gets a deep and full flavour. The red wine provides a delicious aroma and makes the meat wonderfully tender. Together with the winter carrots, thyme and bay leaves, a tasty dish is created that goes perfectly with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables. Slowly stewing the veal cheek ensures that the meat becomes buttery soft and falls apart easily. A true taste sensation!

Veal cheek with vegetables from the oven

Ingredients

• 500 grams of veal cheek
• 2 red onions, sliced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 parsnip, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 4 sprigs of rosemary
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Sprinkle the veal cheek with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a dash of olive oil in a frying pan and fry the veal cheek on both sides until golden brown.
4. Place the veal cheek in an oven dish and add the red onions, carrots, parsnips, garlic and rosemary.
5. Sprinkle the whole thing with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it cook for about 2.5 hours.
7. Serve the veal cheek with oven-baked vegetables with mashed potatoes or fried potatoes.

The veal cheek is also excellent for preparing in the oven. By cooking the meat slowly, it gets a delicious flavour and becomes nice and tender. In combination with the red onions, carrots, parsnips, garlic and rosemary, a tasty dish is created that goes perfectly with mashed potatoes or fried potatoes. The vegetables become wonderfully soft and absorb the flavours of the meat and herbs well. A feast to enjoy!

Tips for cooking with veal cheeks

Want to get started with veal cheek yourself? Below we give you some handy tips to ensure your dish is a success.

How to choose the best veal cheek?

When buying veal cheek, pay attention to the color and structure of the meat. The meat should be a nice pink color and have a firm structure. In addition, it is important to choose veal cheek from a high-quality butcher or supplier, in order to guarantee the best quality.

Common mistakes when preparing veal cheeks

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when preparing veal cheek. Firstly, it is important to give the meat enough time to cook. Veal cheek benefits from slow and long cooking to become nice and tender. In addition, it is important to season and flavour the meat well, so that all the flavours come into their own.

Serving veal cheek

To make your veal cheek dish complete, we give you some suggestions for side dishes and drinks that go well with this tasty meat.

Wine and side dish suggestions

Veal cheek goes very well with a strong red wine, such as a Bordeaux or a Côtes du Rhône. You can also choose side dishes such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, pommes duchesse or grilled polenta. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to find the perfect combination!

Presentation tips for an attractive board

The eye wants something too! Present your veal cheek dish on a beautiful plate and pay attention to the presentation. For example, place some steamed vegetables next to the meat and garnish the whole with a sprig of fresh herbs. This will not only make your dish tasty, but also visually attractive. Use our handy presentation set to turn it into a real work of art!

With the recipes, tips and suggestions in this article, you are ready to get started with veal cheek. Be surprised by the taste and texture of this special piece of meat and enjoy a delicious meal. Enjoy!