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Print / PDFEasy Braised Beef Tendon
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 3 hrs
- Total Time
- 3 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef tendon (Cut into pieces.)
- 4 cups water (For braising.)
- 1 inch ginger (Sliced.)
- 4 cloves garlic (Smashed.)
- 2 pieces star anise (For flavor.)
- 1 stick cinnamon stick (To enhance taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (For a spicy kick.)
- 2 tablespoons cooking wine substitute (Like apple cider vinegar.)
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce (For saltiness.)
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (For color.)
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar (For sweetness.)
- to taste salt (For seasoning.)
- 2 stalks green onions (Chopped for garnish.)
Equipment
- 1 Pot — For boiling and braising the tendon.
- 1 Colander — For draining the blanched tendon.
Method
- 1
Rinse beef tendon under cold water. Trim any excess fat to ensure a clean cook.
- 2
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the beef tendon for 5 minutes. This helps remove impurities. Drain and rinse the tendon afterward.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
- 5
Add light and dark soy sauce, rock sugar, and salt to taste. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
- 6
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 |
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.
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.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
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!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
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Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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