Braised Beef Tendon
Beef tendon, about two whole pieces 1100g | Cinnamon 2 small pieces |
Black Cardamom 1 | Zanthoxylum bungeanum ½ tablespoon |
Star anise 2 | Lilac 8 |
Tangerine peel 1 tablet | Bay leaf 2 tablets |
White peppercorns (or black peppercorns) 1 teaspoon | Licorice slices (optional) 3 tablets |
Nutmeg (optional) 1whole | Fennel seeds (optional) 1 tablespoon |
Fresh ginger 3 tablets | Shaoxing Wine 60ml |
Garlic5 petals | Green onion, cut into large sections 4 pieces |
Rock sugar (or granulated sugar) 15g | Light soy sauce 60ml |
Old soy sauce 2 tablespoons | Water, enough to cover the beef 1L |
Salt, for seasoning 1 teaspoon |
Step 1
First let’s make a spice bag. Place all the spices in a clean piece of cheesecloth, then wrap and tie tightly. These spices include: cinnamon, black cardamom, peppercorns, star anise, cloves, tangerine peel, bay leaf, white pepper, licorice slices, nutmeg, fennel seeds and ginger slices.Step 2
There are prepared thirteen-spice stew ingredients in supermarkets, but if conditions permit, it is recommended to prepare the ingredients yourself. It will taste better.Step 3
Next, cut the whole piece of beef tendon crosswise into 2-3 parts, each part is about 15cm long. Then put the beef tendons and ginger slices into the pot, and pour in cold water to cover the beef. Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. After 1-2 minutes when gray foam forms, turn off the heat. Remove the meat, rinse it, drain the water from the pot and wash it. Put the beef tendon into the pot again, add the spice bag, pour in Shaoxing wine, add garlic, green onions, rock sugar, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and 1L of water, enough to cover the beef.Step 4
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 60-90 minutes. Season appropriately with salt in the middle. After the stew is done, poke it lightly with a fork. If the fork comes in and out easily, it means the stew is done. Try not to overcook the beef or it will lose its texture. Remove the beef tendons, cool and store in an airtight container. Be careful not to slice the meat while it is still hot, otherwise the meat will fall into pieces. Wait until it is completely cool before slicing.Step 5
Used spice packets must be discarded and cannot be reused. But marinade is precious. Strain and store in an airtight container in the freezer for several months. It can be used as beef stock when cooking. After adding the stock, the seasoning to be added is reduced by half than the normal amount, but it needs to be seasoned again with salt.Step 6
The five-spice braised beef tendon can be sliced and plated, and used as a dipping sauce with soy sauce, chili oil and chopped green onion. Or add it to noodle soup, or make it into a stir-fry with rice. Braised Beef Tendon Cooking TipsNote: 1 teaspoon=5g, 1 tablespoon=15g
Let me share a little tip. After the marinade is completely cooled, you can put the beef tendon back and soak it in it, then refrigerate it overnight. The flavor will be more intense when you slice it the next day.