Are you looking for a new and exciting ingredient to add to your cooking repertoire?
Look no further than beef tendon!
This often overlooked cut of meat is not only delicious, but also packed with collagen and other nutrients.
And with the help of an Instant Pot, cooking beef tendon has never been easier.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to prepare and cook beef tendon in your Instant Pot, as well as provide some tasty recipe ideas to incorporate this unique ingredient into your meals.
So let’s get started!
How To Cook Beef Tendon In Instant Pot?
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Beef Tendon
Begin by transferring the beef tendons into a large bowl. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pour in vinegar to coat the tendons in the solution. Let them rest for 10 minutes before rinsing with cold water. Use tweezers to remove any hairs and rinse again if needed.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Beef Tendon
Transfer the cleaned tendons into the Instant Pot’s inner pot and add enough hot water to cover them. Cover with the pressure cooking lid and set the steam release handle to “Sealing”. Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes and allow for a natural pressure release.
Step 3: Soak and Slice the Beef Tendon
Remove the lid and transfer the tendons into a bowl of ice water and let soak for 1 minute. Dry the tendons and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Use a sharp knife to cut the tendons into thin slices or chunks. Add to your favorite dishes, refrigerating any remaining portions for up to 1 week or freezing for up to 3 months.
What Is Beef Tendon And Why Should You Cook With It?
Beef tendon is a type of offal meat that is often overlooked in Western cuisine but is commonly used in Asian and Latin American dishes. It is the tough, fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone in a cow’s legs or feet. While it may sound unappetizing, beef tendon has a unique texture and flavor that can add depth and richness to stews, soups, and stir-fries.
One of the main benefits of cooking with beef tendon is its collagen content. Collagen is a protein that gives structure to our skin, bones, and connective tissues. When cooked for an extended period of time, collagen breaks down into gelatin, which gives dishes a silky texture and rich mouthfeel. This makes beef tendon a popular ingredient in dishes like pho, ramen, and oxtail stew.
In addition to its collagen content, beef tendon is also a good source of protein and contains essential amino acids that support muscle growth and repair. It is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
Cooking Beef Tendon In An Instant Pot: Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Brown the Meat (Optional)
If you want to add an extra flavor to your beef tendon dish, you can brown the meat in batches using the Instant Pot’s saute function. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in the insert of the Instant Pot and wait for it to say “hot”. Brown the meat in batches and remove from the pot.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
Add the aromatics (such as onions and garlic) to the pot and saute for about 30 seconds. Deglaze with Shaoxing wine to get all the brown bits that stuck to the pot.
Step 3: Add the Beef Tendon and Seasonings
Add the beef tendon and brisket to the pot, followed by the seasonings. Pour in enough water to cover everything and stir to mix.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to seal. Press pressure cook and set the timer according to your preference. For very soft meat, set it to 100 minutes. For chewy meat, set it to 80 minutes. When the timer is up, wait 5 minutes and then release pressure.
Step 5: Add Vegetables (Optional)
Add any vegetables you want to include in your dish, such as daikon and carrots. Give everything a stir and close the lid back. Turn the steam release valve back to seal. Press pressure cooker and set timer for an additional 5 minutes. When the timer is up, wait 5 minutes and then release pressure.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker sauce, press saute mode and when it comes to a gentle simmer, stir in a cornstarch solution. The sauce will thicken slightly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and chopped green onion before serving. Enjoy your delicious beef tendon dish!
Recipe Ideas For Cooking With Beef Tendon In An Instant Pot
Beef tendon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. Here are some recipe ideas for cooking with beef tendon in an Instant Pot:
1. Beef Stew (Bo Kho): Add sliced beef tendon to your favorite beef stew recipe for added texture and flavor. The tendons will cook perfectly in the Instant Pot and add a delicious gelatinous texture to the stew.
2. Beef Noodle Soup (Pho Bo): Beef noodle soup is a classic Vietnamese dish that can be made with beef tendon. Simply add sliced tendon to the Instant Pot along with the beef and other ingredients for a delicious and hearty soup.
3. Chinese-style Beef Stew: Make a Chinese-style beef stew by adding sliced tendon, daikon, and other vegetables to the Instant Pot along with soy sauce, ginger, and other seasonings. Pressure cook for 30 minutes and enjoy!
4. Tendon Salad: Make a refreshing salad with sliced beef tendon, cucumber, carrots, and other vegetables. Dress with a vinaigrette or spicy dressing for added flavor.
5. Tendon Tacos: Use sliced beef tendon as a filling for tacos along with your favorite toppings like avocado, cilantro, and lime. The tendons will add a unique texture to the tacos that is sure to impress.
No matter how you choose to use beef tendon in your cooking, the Instant Pot makes it easy and convenient to prepare this delicious ingredient in no time at all.
Tips For Storing And Reheating Cooked Beef Tendon.
Once you have cooked and sliced the beef tendon, it’s important to store it properly to ensure its longevity and freshness. Here are some tips for storing and reheating cooked beef tendon:
1. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the sliced or chunked beef tendon in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. This will prevent any bacteria or odors from entering the container, keeping your beef tendon fresh.
2. Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you have leftover beef tendon that you won’t be using within a week, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Place the sliced or chunked beef tendon in a freezer-safe container or bag and label it with the date.
3. Reheat Gently: When reheating cooked beef tendon, be sure to do so gently to prevent it from becoming tough or chewy. You can either reheat it in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute or in a pot of simmering water for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Add to Your Favorite Dishes: Cooked beef tendon can be added to a variety of dishes, such as pho, stews, stir-fries, and salads. It’s a versatile ingredient that adds texture and flavor to any meal.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your cooked beef tendon stays fresh and delicious for longer periods of time.