Are you looking for a new and exciting way to cook pork?
Look no further than dried pork tendon, a chewy and collagen-rich ingredient commonly used in Chinese cuisine.
While it may seem intimidating at first, cooking dried pork tendon Chinese style is actually quite simple and can result in a delicious and nutritious dish.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to prepare and cook dried pork tendon, as well as provide some tips and tricks to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.
So grab your apron and get ready to impress your taste buds with this unique and flavorful ingredient!
How To Cook Dried Pork Tendon Chinese Style?
To begin, you will need to prepare the dried pork tendon. Start by soaking the tendons in a basin of cold water for at least 2 hours. This will help to soften the tendons and remove any excess salt.
Once the tendons have soaked, drain them and place them in a pot with just enough water to cover them. Braise the tendons over medium heat for 20 minutes or until they are thoroughly tender.
Next, heat some sesame oil in a pan and fry some spring onions and ginger until fragrant. Add the prepared pork tendons, along with the gravy and chicken stock. Add some mushrooms and seasoning, then bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Finally, splash in some Shao Hsing Hua Tiau wine and adjust the thickness of the sauce with some thickening agent. Dish up your finished dish and serve hot.
What Is Dried Pork Tendon?
Dried pork tendon, also known as Zhu Ti Jin in Chinese, is made by processing and drying fresh pork tendon. This process helps to remove excess water and preserve the tendons for later use. The tendons have a chewy texture and are high in collagen, which makes them great for supporting joint structure and repair, as well as skin and coat health.
There are two types of pork tendons: fresh and dried. Fresh pork tendons can be used as material if soaked in water, while dried pork tendons must be rehydrated with water, oil, and salt before use. The dried tendon immersed in water is the best for cooking.
Pork tendon is commonly used to make stew or soup in Chinese cuisine. It is rich in protein and collagen, which have the ability to nourish and restore liver and blood functions. Additionally, it is able to repair loose and weak joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, all of which are important for holding our skeletal structure together.
Dried pork tendon is also a popular dog chew treat due to its tough texture that provides a good chewing experience while cleaning their teeth at the same time. It is 100% edible and digestible with no harmful chemicals or additives.
How To Prepare Dried Pork Tendon For Cooking
Preparing dried pork tendon for cooking requires a few extra steps compared to using fresh pork tendon. First, you will need to rehydrate the dried tendons by soaking them in water, oil, and salt.
To do this, soak the dried pork tendon in clear water for about 12 hours. Then, cut the tendon in half and blanch it with ginger and spring onions. After blanching, drain the tendons and set them aside.
To cook the tendons, deep-fry them in hot oil until they start to shrink and become crispy. Remove them from the oil and soak them in a basin of cold water for at least 2 hours or until they have softened. Drain the tendons and place them in a pot with just enough water to cover them.
Braise the tendons over medium heat for 20 minutes or until they are thoroughly tender. Alternatively, you can use a pressure cooker to cook the tendons quickly and efficiently.
Once the tendons are cooked, you can proceed with your recipe of choice. Whether you’re making a stew or soup, dried pork tendon is a great ingredient to add texture and flavor to your dish.
Cooking Dried Pork Tendon Chinese Style: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Soak the dried pork tendons in a basin of cold water for at least 2 hours to soften and remove excess salt.
2. Drain the tendons and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them. Braise the tendons over medium heat for 20 minutes or until they are thoroughly tender.
3. Heat some sesame oil in a pan and fry some spring onions and ginger until fragrant.
4. Add the prepared pork tendons, along with the gravy and chicken stock. Add some mushrooms and seasoning, then bring everything to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Splash in some Shao Hsing Hua Tiau wine to add depth of flavor to the dish.
7. Adjust the thickness of the sauce with some thickening agent, such as cornstarch or flour, until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Dish up your finished dish and serve hot, garnished with some fresh herbs or sliced scallions if desired.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish of Chinese-style dried pork tendon that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Tips And Tricks For Perfectly Cooked Dried Pork Tendon
Cooking dried pork tendon can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked and tender tendons every time. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
1. Soak the tendons for at least 2 hours: This will help to soften the tendons and remove any excess salt. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes or so to ensure that the tendons are thoroughly soaked.
2. Braise the tendons before cooking: Braising the tendons in water before cooking will help to further soften them and make them more tender. This step is crucial to achieving perfectly cooked tendons.
3. Use a flavorful base: When cooking the tendons, it’s important to use a flavorful base such as chicken stock or gravy. This will help to infuse the tendons with flavor and keep them moist during cooking.
4. Add some seasoning: Seasoning is key when it comes to cooking dried pork tendon. Be sure to add some salt, pepper, and other seasonings such as garlic or ginger to enhance the flavor of the dish.
5. Simmer over low heat: Once you’ve added all of your ingredients, be sure to simmer the dish over low heat for at least 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and ensure that the tendons are thoroughly cooked.
By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked dried pork tendon every time. So go ahead, give it a try and impress your friends and family with your Chinese-style cooking skills!
Serving Suggestions And Recipe Ideas For Dried Pork Tendon
Dried pork tendon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions and recipe ideas to help you make the most of this nutritious and flavorful ingredient:
1. Stewed Pork Tendon Soup: This is a classic Chinese dish that is perfect for cold days. Simply add the prepared pork tendons to a pot with some water, ginger, garlic, and other seasonings. Simmer for several hours until the tendons are tender and the soup is flavorful.
2. Pork Tendon Stir-Fry: This is a quick and easy dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. Simply stir-fry the prepared pork tendons with some vegetables and seasonings of your choice. Serve over rice or noodles for a filling and satisfying meal.
3. Braised Pork Tendon: This is another classic Chinese dish that is perfect for special occasions. To make this dish, braise the prepared pork tendons in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.
4. Pork Tendon Salad: For a lighter option, try making a salad with the prepared pork tendons. Simply toss the tendons with some fresh greens, herbs, and a light dressing of your choice. Add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
5. Pork Tendon Curry: For a fusion twist on this traditional ingredient, try making a curry with the prepared pork tendons. Use your favorite curry paste or powder, along with coconut milk and other seasonings, to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Serve with rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
No matter how you choose to use dried pork tendon, it is sure to add flavor, nutrition, and texture to your dishes. Experiment with different recipes and serving suggestions to find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile ingredient!