Beef tendon is an underrated yet nutritious and delicious cut of meat that can be turned into a tasty snack when dehydrated. If you’re looking for a high-protein collagen-rich treat that satisfies cravings dehydrating beef tendon is easy, rewarding, and worth trying. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to dehydrate beef tendon at home.
Beef tendon comes from the lower leg of a cow It’s composed of dense connective tissue and contains very little fat While often overlooked, beef tendon is rich in protein, collagen, and nutrients like iron and zinc. It has a naturally mild beefy flavor when cooked.
Dehydrating is one of the best preparation methods for beef tendon. Removing the moisture condenses the protein and collagen while intensifying the meaty taste. The end result is a chewy, savory snack that satisfies hunger and cravings.
Dehydrated beef tendon is also extremely versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own, added to trail mixes, rehydrated for stews, and used as nutritious dog treats. The dehydration process extends the shelf life, so beef tendon can be made in batches and stored for weeks.
Benefits of Dehydrated Beef Tendon
There are many excellent reasons to dehydrate beef tendon rather than cooking it using traditional moist heat methods
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High protein: Dehydrated beef tendon is an excellent source of protein. About 7 grams of protein are in a one-ounce serving, which will keep you full between meals.
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Collagen boost: The dehydration process condenses the collagen in beef tendon. Collagen is important for skin elasticity, joint health, and injury recovery.
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Long shelf life: Properly dehydrated and stored, beef tendon can last for several weeks or more. It’s an on-the-go snack that requires no refrigeration.
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Intensified flavor: Removing the moisture really brings out the savory umami taste of beef tendon. The flavor becomes concentrated, for a tasty snack.
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Great for pets: Dehydrated beef tendon is a nutritious, long-lasting chew treat for dogs. The protein and collagen support joint health.
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Sustainability: Using beef tendon prevents food waste, since it takes an underutilized cut and turns it into something delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Dehydrating Beef Tendon
Dehydrating beef tendon is simple using a food dehydrator or oven. Just follow these steps for tender, protein-packed snacks:
Preparation
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Purchase 1 pound of fresh beef tendon from a butcher or grocery store. Look for a reputable source and quality tendon without much fat.
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Clean the tendon thoroughly under cool running water. Use a knife to trim off any excess fat or silverskin.
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Cut the tendon into thin strips or small pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures fast, even drying. Keep the tendon refrigerated until ready to dehydrate.
Seasoning
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In a bowl, toss the sliced beef tendon with desired seasonings. Good options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and red pepper flakes. Get creative with spice blends like barbecue rub or Cajun seasoning.
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Allow the seasoned tendon to marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature so the flavors are absorbed.
Dehydrating
Oven method:
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Preheat oven to 145°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Arrange the seasoned beef tendon pieces in a single layer on the sheet, without overlapping.
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Place in oven and dehydrate for 8-12 hours, flipping halfway through. Check for desired texture.
Food dehydrator method:
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Place seasoned beef tendon pieces on dehydrator trays, leaving space between each piece.
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Set dehydrator to 135°F and dehydrate for 6-10 hours, checking and flipping periodically, until beef tendon is dry and chewy.
Storage
- Allow dehydrated beef tendon to cool fully before storing. Package in an airtight container or bag. Stored properly, the dehydrated tendon will keep for 2-3 weeks at room temperature.
And that’s it! With just a few ingredients and tools, you can make tasty and nutritious dehydrated beef tendon at home. Experiment with seasonings and enjoy it as a snack anytime.
FAQs About Dehydrating Beef Tendon
If you’re new to working with beef tendon, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs:
What’s the best beef tendon for dehydrating?
Focus on finding fresh, raw beef tendon rather than pre-cooked. Look for tendon with minimal fat or membranes attached. Grass-fed tendon has a richer flavor.
Does beef tendon need to be pre-cooked before dehydrating?
No, you can dehydrate raw beef tendon with no pre-cooking required. The low dehydrating temperatures are safe. Pre-cooking will shorten the dehydrating time but isn’t necessary.
How long does dehydrated beef tendon last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, dehydrated beef tendon will keep for 2-3 weeks at room temperature. Refrigeration extends shelf life to 1-2 months. For longer storage, freeze dehydrated tendon for up to 6 months.
What’s the best way to rehydrate dehydrated beef tendon?
To rehydrate for stews or soups, soak the beef tendon pieces in warm water for several hours until softened. For a quick snack, a few minutes in hot water is all that’s needed to make the tendon chewy again.
Is dehydrated beef tendon safe for dogs?
Yes, dehydrated beef tendon is a popular chew treat for dogs! It satisfies their urge to chew, provides long-lasting entertainment, and gives them a protein boost. Just monitor your dog while eating to avoid choking hazards.
Get Creative with Dehydrated Beef Tendon
Part of the fun of dehydrating beef tendon is experimenting with different seasonings, textures, and uses for the finished snack. Here are some creative ways to put your dehydrated beef tendon to use:
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Pulverize into a powder to make your own collagen supplement or use for thickening stews.
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Grind and incorporate into homemade dog food or DIY dog treats.
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Mix with nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, and dried fruit for a Paleo-friendly trail mix.
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Rehydrate and shred into a beef filling for empanadas or potstickers.
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Simmer into bone broth for an extra collagen boost.
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Crush up and use as a crunchy, protein-packed topping for salads or yogurt bowls.
Make Your Own Dehydrated Beef Tendon
Experiment with seasonings and various prep techniques to customize your dehydrated beef tendon. Make big batches to have on hand for nutritious snacking anytime. And if you’re a pet owner, your dog will thank you for these tasty, long-lasting chews.
Once you discover how easy and rewarding it is to DIY dehydrated beef tendon, you’ll never buy overpriced store-bought jerky again. Enjoy your homemade beef tendon snacks!
