Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup

Introduction

Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup is a soul-warming, hearty dish that brings comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. Known for its rich flavor and impressive health benefits, this traditional Korean soup is made with beef tendons, slow-cooked to perfection to release all of their collagen. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both satisfying and packed with nutrients. The broth, infused with aromatic garlic, onions, and spices, creates a savory depth that enhances the dish’s comforting qualities. Every bowl of this soup feels like a warm embrace, offering both a delicious meal and a way to nourish your body from the inside out.

The first time I made Beef Tendon Gumtang, I was surprised at how simple the process was, even though it required patience and time. Slow-cooking the tendons allowed all their collagen to infuse the broth, transforming it into a rich, hearty base that complemented the tender tendons perfectly. The aroma of garlic and spices filled my kitchen as it simmered, making it impossible to resist tasting. The first spoonful was like nothing else—comforting, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.

What I love most about this soup is its versatility and health benefits. The collagen-rich ingredients make it a great choice for improving skin and joint health, making it more than just a comforting meal—it’s a nutritious powerhouse. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, a nourishing lunch, or even a self-care meal when you need something that both heals and delights. Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup isn’t just a bowl of soup—it’s a warm, flavorful remedy for body and soul.

Perfect for:

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• Comfort food lovers
• Cold weather meals
• Korean cuisine enthusiasts
• Health-conscious individuals seeking collagen benefits
• A nourishing family dinner

Why You’ll Love This Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup Recipe

Here’s why Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup will win over your taste buds:

• Collagen-Rich Broth: The slow simmering of beef tendons releases collagen, creating a silky broth that’s great for skin, joints, and overall health.
• Tender Beef Tendons: The long cooking process transforms the tendons into tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces, perfect for enjoying with every spoonful.
• Savory and Comforting: With its rich, savory broth flavored with garlic, onion, and Korean spices, this soup provides the ultimate comfort during chilly weather.
• Full of Nutrients: Beyond just flavor, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, collagen, and essential minerals that are beneficial for your body.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the level of spiciness according to your preference by adding more or less Korean chili paste or flakes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 3.5 hours
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

To prepare this flavorful Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup, you’ll need:

• 1 ½ pounds beef tendons
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 6 cups water
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2-inch piece of ginger, smashed
• 2-3 tablespoons Korean soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
• 1-2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang) or Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (optional for extra flavor)
• Cooked white rice (for serving)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef Tendons: These are the star of the dish, slowly simmered to release their collagen and turn tender, creating a rich, flavorful broth.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a deep, nutty flavor to the soup, giving it a traditional Korean touch.
• Korean Soy Sauce: A slightly sweeter and less salty soy sauce adds depth to the broth.
• Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): A fermented chili paste that adds umami and a mild heat to the soup.
• Gochugaru (Korean Chili Flakes): These give the soup a subtle heat and are essential in Korean cuisine for seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup:

Prepare the Beef Tendons:

1. Rinse the Tendons: Rinse the beef tendons under cold water to remove any impurities or blood. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Blanch the Tendons: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the beef tendons and let them blanch for about 3-5 minutes. Once the water turns murky, drain the tendons and rinse them under cold water again.

Cook the Soup Broth:

3. Saute Aromatics: Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and ginger. Saute for 3-5 minutes until the aromatics are fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Add Tendons and Water: Add the blanched beef tendons to the pot, followed by 6 cups of water. Stir to combine.
5. Season the Broth: Add soy sauce, rice wine, and gochujang (optional) to the pot, mixing well. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Simmer the Soup:

6. Slow Cook the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 to 3.5 hours. Stir occasionally, skimming off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
7. Check the Tenderness: After 3 hours, check the tenderness of the beef tendons. They should be soft and easily break apart. If they’re not yet tender, continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.

Final Touches and Serving:

8. Garnish and Serve: Once the beef tendons are tender, remove the soup from the heat. Serve the soup hot with a bowl of white rice on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and minced garlic if desired.

How to Serve Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup

Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup can be served in a variety of ways to enhance your meal:

• With White Rice: The soup pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of white rice, which helps soak up the rich broth.
• In Individual Bowls: Serve individual portions in bowls to let everyone enjoy their own hearty serving.
• With Kimchi: For a classic Korean meal, serve alongside a side of kimchi for added spice and crunch.
• As a Comforting Meal: This soup is especially comforting on cold days, making it perfect for family dinners or when you need a warming meal.
• With Korean Side Dishes (Banchan): Serve the soup as part of a traditional Korean spread, alongside various side dishes like sautéed spinach, pickled radish, and fermented vegetables.

Additional Tips for Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Skim the Foam: Throughout the simmering process, make sure to skim off any impurities that rise to the top to keep the broth clear and clean.
• Use a Pressure Cooker: To speed up the cooking time, use a pressure cooker. Beef tendons can become tender in under an hour using this method.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier soup, feel free to increase the amount of gochujang or gochugaru.
• Longer Simmering: For a richer, more collagen-packed broth, let the soup simmer longer (up to 4 hours). The longer it cooks, the more collagen is released, making the broth even more velvety.
• Use Bone-In Tendons: If you can find bone-in beef tendons, they will add even more richness to the soup as the marrow will also infuse the broth with nutrients.

Recipe Variations for Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup

Here are 10 variations you can try for Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup:

• Spicy Beef Tendon Soup: Add more gochujang or gochugaru for a spicier version of this soup.
• Vegetable Beef Tendon Soup: Add vegetables such as daikon, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Beef Tendon Stew: For a thicker consistency, reduce the broth further and serve it as a hearty stew.
• Herb-Infused Soup: Add fresh herbs like thyme or bay leaves during the simmering process for an aromatic twist.
• Short Rib and Beef Tendon Soup: Combine beef tendons with short ribs for an extra meaty version of the soup.
• Curry Beef Tendon Soup: Add curry powder or paste for a fusion of Korean and Indian flavors.
• Beef Tendon Soup with Noodles: Serve the soup over cooked noodles (e.g., udon or soba) for a more filling meal.
• Clear Soup Version: For a lighter broth, strain the soup after simmering to remove the tendons and aromatics, leaving only a clear and clean broth.
• Kimchi Beef Tendon Soup: Add chopped kimchi to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a tangy, spicy kick.
• Miso Beef Tendon Soup: Replace some of the soy sauce with miso paste for a savory, umami-rich broth.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and simmer on the stove until hot.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove and add extra water or broth if needed.

Special Equipment for Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup easier:

• Large Stockpot: A large pot is essential for simmering the beef tendons and creating the rich broth.
• Pressure Cooker: A pressure cooker can significantly reduce the cooking time if you’re in a hurry.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: A strainer helps remove any impurities that rise to the surface while simmering.
• Soup Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the soup in individual bowls.
• Chopsticks or Tongs: Useful for handling the beef tendons when adding them to the pot or serving them.

FAQ Section for Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   While beef tendons are traditional for this soup, you can use beef shank or short ribs for a similar rich texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
3. Is this soup suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
   The soup is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, but be mindful of the soy sauce if you’re avoiding gluten. You can opt for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
4. How can I make this soup less fatty?
   Skim the fat off the surface of the soup as it simmers to reduce the overall fat content.
5. Can I add other proteins to this soup?
   Yes, you can mix in other meats like beef brisket or short ribs to create a heartier soup.

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Conclusion

Beef Tendon Gumtang Collagen Soup is a deeply flavorful and nourishing dish that combines tender beef tendons with a savory, collagen-packed broth. With its comforting warmth, nutritional benefits, and rich taste, this traditional Korean soup is perfect for any occasion, especially when you’re looking for a dish that promotes overall health. Whether you’re seeking a delicious way to boost your collagen intake or simply want a hearty, soul-satisfying meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

I can’t wait to hear how this nourishing soup turns out for you! Be sure to tag me on Instagram and share how you made it your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts. Enjoy the cooking experience!