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A realistic beef tendon dish in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with green onions and chili flakes, set against a soft blue background.

BEEF TENDON

Tender beef tendon in a savory sauce, beautifully presented with fresh garnishes, captured in stunning detail for your next dinner inspiration.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine ASIAN
Servings 4 Slices
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large stockpot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Pressure cooker optional for faster cooking

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Tendon:

  • 500 g 1 lb beef tendon, cleaned
  • 6 cups water for boiling
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar to tenderize

For the Broth:

  • 4 cups beef stock or water
  • 1 medium onion peeled and halved
  • 3 garlic cloves smashed
  • 2- inch piece of ginger sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce optional
  • 1 star anise pod
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 large carrot sliced
  • 1 daikon radish sliced
  • 2 cups baby bok choy

Instructions
 

Prepare the Beef Tendon:

  • Rinse the beef tendon under cold water and pat it dry.
  • In a large stockpot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the tendon and 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
  • Parboil for 10 minutes, then remove the tendon, rinse it, and set aside. Discard the boiling water.

Prepare the Broth:

  • In a clean stockpot, combine 4 cups of beef stock, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), star anise, and cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil.
  • Add the beef tendon to the broth.

Cook the Tendon:

  • Cover and simmer the tendon on low heat for 2–3 hours until it becomes soft and gelatinous. Check periodically to ensure the broth doesn't dry out—add water if needed.
  • If using a pressure cooker, cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Add Vegetables:

  • For added flavor and nutrition, stir in sliced carrots, daikon radish, or bok choy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Serve:

  • Remove the beef tendon and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Serve hot with rice or noodles, ladling the rich broth over the top.

Notes

  • Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Flavor Boost: For deeper flavors, let the cooked broth sit overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
  • Texture Check: Properly cooked beef tendon should be tender, slightly chewy, and gelatinous.
Keyword Beef Tendon, Comfort Food, Slow-Cooked Recipe