Discover the rich, savory depths of Beef Tendon Stir-Fry, a delectable Chinese dish brimming with collagen-rich goodness. This seemingly humble dish packs a surprising punch of flavor and texture, thanks to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef tendon slow-cooked to perfection. The subtle sweetness of the onions perfectly complements the savory beef, creating a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary journey into the heart of authentic Chinese cuisine, offering a unique and satisfying experience.
Beyond its delightful taste, beef tendon is a nutritional powerhouse, known for its high collagen content, beneficial for skin, hair, and joint health. This recipe offers a balanced and flavorful way to incorporate this superfood into your diet. Ready to experience the magic of this collagen-rich delight? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Beef Tendon Stir-Fry.
Tools Needed
- Instant Pot
- wok
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- beef tendon: 1.5 lbs
- dark soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- cooking wine: 1 tbsp
- braising sauce: see recipe in video description
- ginger: a few slices
- scallion: 1-2
- bay leaves: 2
- rock sugar: 4-5 pieces
- star anise: 2
- citron peppercorns: 2 tsp
- onion: 1, sliced
- light soy sauce: 1 tsp
- chili pepper flakes: 1 tsp
- starch: 1 tsp
- water: 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp
- cooking oil: 4 tbsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef Tendon
- Marinate beef tendon with dark soy sauce and cooking wine. Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Pressure cook marinated tendon in Instant Pot with braising sauce (see video description for details), ginger, scallion, bay leaves, rock sugar, star anise, and citron peppercorns for 35 minutes.
- Once cooked, cool the tendon and slice thinly.
Step 2. Infuse Oil and Stir-fry Onions
- Heat cooking oil in a wok over medium heat. Add citron peppercorns and cook until darkened. Remove peppercorns, reserving 1.5 tbsp of the infused oil.
- Stir-fry sliced onion until golden brown.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add sliced beef tendon and stir. Season with light and dark soy sauce.
- Add water and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle chili pepper flakes. Mix starch with water to create a slurry, then add to the wok.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add the reserved peppercorn oil. Transfer to a plate, garnish with scallions and serve with rice.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- The braising sauce recipe can be found in the video description.
- If you prefer, you can enjoy the cooked beef tendon as is, or use it as an appetizer.
Nutrition
- Calories: 670
- Fat: 45g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 55g
FAQs
1. Where can I buy beef tendon?
Beef tendon is often found in Asian grocery stores, butchers specializing in Asian meats, or sometimes in the international aisle of larger supermarkets. Look for it fresh or frozen.
2. How can I make sure the beef tendon is tender?
The key is slow cooking! Braising or pressure cooking the tendon for a longer period ensures it becomes incredibly tender. Following the recipe's instructions carefully is crucial for achieving optimal tenderness.
This Beef Tendon & Onion Stir-Fry is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients elevated by careful preparation. Enjoy the satisfying chew of the tender beef tendon and the sweet, savory symphony of flavors. Indulge in this delicious and healthy dish, knowing you're nourishing your body with a collagen-rich treat.