Chinese Beef Tendon Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

If you’ve ever wandered into a traditional Chinese restaurant and been captivated by the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of beef tendon dishes, you’re not alone. Chinese beef tendon is a delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries, prized for its unique gelatinous texture and rich flavor when cooked properly.

While it might sound intimidating to prepare at home, with the right recipe and a little patience, you can recreate this authentic dish in your own kitchen. Whether you want it for a hearty stew, a spicy cold appetizer, or a comforting noodle soup, beef tendon adds a luxurious depth that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing Chinese beef tendon from scratch, including how to clean, simmer, and flavor it to perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as delightful in taste as it is in texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef tendon is renowned for its unique texture – soft yet slightly chewy, with a luscious, gelatinous quality that elevates any dish. This recipe breaks down the complicated process of cooking tendon into simple, manageable steps that anyone can follow.

Not only is beef tendon rich in collagen, which is great for skin and joint health, but it also absorbs flavors beautifully, making it perfect for a variety of Chinese dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious food lover, this recipe will open doors to new culinary adventures.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef tendon (cleaned and trimmed)
• 1 large piece ginger (about 3 inches, sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (light soy sauce preferred)
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color)
• 1 tablespoon rock sugar (or white sugar)
• 6 cups water (for simmering)
• Salt (to taste)
• Optional chili oil or sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

• Large stockpot or slow cooker
• Strainer or colander
• Sharp knife for trimming tendon
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Slotted spoon
• Serving bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef tendon: Rinse the beef tendon under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, trim off any excess fat or tough bits. Cut the tendon into 3-4 inch pieces for easier cooking and serving.
2. Blanch the tendon: Fill your stockpot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the tendon pieces and blanch for 5 minutes. This step helps remove impurities and any strong odors. Drain the tendon using a colander and rinse under cold water.
3. Simmer with aromatics: Return the cleaned tendon to the pot. Add the sliced ginger, crushed garlic, star anise, cinnamon stick, Shaoxing wine, soy sauces, rock sugar, and 6 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
4. Cook slowly: Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar and simmer the tendon gently for about 3-4 hours, or until the tendon is incredibly tender and gelatinous. Check occasionally and add water as needed to keep the tendon submerged.
5. Season to taste: Once tender, season with salt according to your preference. Remove the aromatics (ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon) using a slotted spoon or strain the broth if you prefer a clearer liquid.
6. Serve: You can serve the beef tendon hot in a flavorful broth, with noodles, or chilled and sliced as part of a cold appetizer. Garnish with sliced green onions or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.

Tips & Variations

“Patience is key when cooking beef tendon – the long, slow simmer is what transforms this tough cut into a tender, luxurious delight.”

• For a spicy twist: Add dried chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns to the simmering broth.
• Slow cooker method: Cook the tendon on low for 8 hours instead of stovetop simmering.
• Cold tendon salad: After cooking, chill the tendon in the fridge, then slice thinly and toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and chili for a refreshing appetizer.
• Use beef tendon broth: The cooking liquid can be strained and saved as a flavorful base for soups or ramen.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Beef tendon pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it:

• In a warm bowl of Chinese beef noodle soup for a comforting meal
• Cold with chili oil and garlic as a flavorful appetizer
• Alongside steamed rice and stir-fried greens for a balanced dinner
• Tossed with fresh herbs and crushed peanuts for a refreshing salad

Conclusion

Cooking Chinese beef tendon may require some time and care, but the results are truly rewarding. This recipe transforms a humble and often overlooked ingredient into a dish full of rich flavor and unforgettable texture.

Whether you enjoy it as part of a spicy cold dish or a warming stew, beef tendon brings a unique experience to your palate and a nutritional boost to your diet.

By breaking down the steps and sharing helpful tips, this guide makes the process approachable and enjoyable. Give it a try, and you might find beef tendon becoming a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.

For more delicious and authentic recipes, check out our Braised Pork Belly Recipe and Spicy Szechuan Chicken Recipe.

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