Beef tendon turns an underrated cut into silky, comforting bites in this simple one pot dish. Slowly simmered in a fragrant broth of ginger, garlic, star anise, and cinnamon, it develops deep flavor balanced with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey. As it gently cooks, the kitchen fills with warming aromas that invite slow moments and shared stories. Over time, the tendon softens to a melt in your mouth tenderness while keeping a pleasant, satisfying chew. Spoon it over steamed rice or noodles and enjoy a deeply soothing meal that delivers comfort in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This beef tendon
- Incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Rich in collagen, promoting healthy skin and joints.
- Absorbs flavors beautifully, enhancing every bite.
- A unique and authentic dish that impresses guests.
- Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
beef tendon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse beef tendon under cold water. Trim any excess fat to ensure a clean cook.
- In a pot of boiling water, blanch the beef tendon for 5 minutes. This helps remove impurities. Drain and rinse the tendon afterward.
- In a clean pot, add the blanched tendon. Pour in enough water to cover it. Add sliced ginger, smashed garlic, star anise, a cinnamon stick, Sichuan peppercorns, and a splash of cooking wine substitute.
- Bring the pot to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. The tendon should become tender and flavorful.
- Add light and dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
- Remove the aromatics from the pot. Slice green onions and sprinkle them over the tendon. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 5g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious braised beef tendon dish!
- beef tendon – 1 pound, cut into pieces
- water – 4 cups, for braising
- ginger – 1 inch, sliced
- garlic – 4 cloves, smashed
- star anise – 2 pieces, for flavor
- cinnamon stick – 1 stick, to enhance taste
- Sichuan peppercorns – 1 teaspoon, for a spicy kick
- cooking wine substitute – 2 tablespoons, like apple cider vinegar
- light soy sauce – 3 tablespoons, for saltiness
- dark soy sauce – 1 tablespoon, for color
- rock sugar – 1 tablespoon, for sweetness
- salt – to taste, for seasoning
- green onions – 2 stalks, chopped for garnish
How to Make Beef Tendon
This easy braised tendon recipe is perfect for a cozy meal. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 2.5 to 3 hours, you’ll have tender, flavorful beef tendon ready to enjoy. Just a little patience is required for the best results!
Step 1: Rinse and Trim
Rinse beef tendon under cold water. Trim any excess fat to ensure a clean cook.
Step 2: Blanch the Tendon
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the tendon for 5 minutes. This helps remove impurities. Drain and rinse the tendon afterward.
Step 3: Prepare the Cooking Pot
In a clean pot, add the blanched tendon. Pour in enough water to cover it. Add sliced ginger, smashed garlic, star anise, a cinnamon stick, Sichuan peppercorns, and a splash of cooking wine substitute.
Step 4: Simmer the Tendon
Bring the pot to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours. The tendon should become tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Add Seasonings
Add light and dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the aromatics from the pot. Slice green onions and sprinkle them over the tendon. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Asian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 180 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 195 minutes |
| Dietary | Not specified |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm and garnished with green onions |
Pro Tips for Making beef tendon
- Soak the beef tendon overnight for better texture.
- Use a pressure cooker to save time and enhance tenderness.
- Add ginger and scallions to the braising liquid for extra flavor.
- Skim off any foam during cooking for a clearer broth.
- Let the dish rest before serving to deepen the flavors.
How to Serve this beef tendon
- Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
- Pair with stir-fried vegetables for a colorful, nutritious side.
- Top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for a burst of flavor.
- Enjoy in a warm bowl of noodle soup for a hearty dish.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to add a tangy contrast.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves with hoisin sauce for a fun, interactive meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your beef tendon leftovers is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow beef tendon to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool the beef tendon completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
- Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Heat until warmed through, avoiding overcooking.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Is beef tendon good to eat?
Absolutely! Beef tendon is not only edible but also highly nutritious. It is rich in collagen, which is great for skin, joints, and overall health. When cooked properly, it becomes tender and flavorful, making it a delightful addition to various dishes, especially in soups and stews.
2. What cut of meat is beef tendon?
Beef tendon is not a cut of meat in the traditional sense; rather, it is a connective tissue found in the legs of the cow. Tendons are what connect muscles to bones, and they are packed with collagen. This makes them ideal for slow cooking methods, which break down the tough fibers and result in a tender texture.
3. Is beef tendon full of cholesterol?
Beef tendon is relatively low in cholesterol compared to other cuts of beef. While it does contain some cholesterol, the amount is not significant enough to be a concern for most people. Additionally, the health benefits of collagen and the protein content can outweigh the cholesterol factor, especially when consumed in moderation.
4. What do beef tendons taste like?
Beef tendons have a unique taste and texture. When cooked, they become incredibly tender and gelatinous, offering a rich mouthfeel. The flavor is mild, allowing them to absorb the seasonings and broth they are cooked with, making them a perfect addition to flavorful dishes like soups and stews.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy braised beef tendon recipe in your hands, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy a dish that’s not just delicious but also filled with warmth and nostalgia. The tender, flavorful bites are sure to bring smiles to the table. So roll up your sleeves and dive into this rewarding culinary adventure!