I don’t even remember the last time I bought a package of beef at the store.
What is Beef Shank?
Other Names for Beef Shank
Is Beef Shank Easy to Find?
However, since there are four beef shank cuts per cow, it can be a common and frugal item to find at local farms, local butcher shops, or better-quality grocery stores.
Are Beef Shanks Tough or Tender?
Since beef shank is the leg parts of the cow, it is a very tough, dry, sinewy piece of meat. Naturally, the legs of cows are hard-working, and so it it full of muscles, connective tissues, bones, and joints.
However, beef shanks can become extremely tender, as in: eat-it-with-a-spoon-tender if it is cooked for a long time in moist heat (like simmering it all day in your crockpot). Therefore, braising or slow cooking beef shank is ideal.
Are Beef Shanks Expensive?
Because beef shanks are incredibly overlooked, they are generally very affordable. As a bonus, they are also very nutrient-dense (more on that below), which gives them a ton of bang for just a few bucks.
Versatility of Beef Shank
How to Cook Beef Shank
The most important thing you need to know about cooking with beef shanks is that is requires time. Plan on cooking your beef shanks for at least 4 to 6 hours to transform it from tough and chewy to tender and flavorful. (Or try using a pressure cooker to reduce the time.)
However, as beef shanks are cooked slowly at a low temperature, the nutritional value of this cut really comes out. Bone and cartilage are rich sources for important nutritional minerals, and as the beef shanks simmer/cook, the minerals are seep out and give the beef shanks a deep and rich flavor.
(Some people claim this cut can be “gamey” or especially strong flavored. I would agree that it has more flavor than a basic burger, but it don’t find it offensive.)
After a long day of simmering, beef shanks actually give you THREE edible parts: the meat, bone marrow (yes, bone marrow is edible AND good for you!), and gelatin from the bones.
Once you’ve made your meal from the beef shank (recipe ideas below), save the bones and make a rich, nutrious bone broth from them. Here are my best tips for making beef bone broth.
Or, if you’d like to make stock first, sear the shanks, let them simmer in the broth for at least 12 hours, then remove the meat from the bone, shred it, and use in other dishes.
Beef Shank Recipes:
- Slow Cooked Beef Shanks with Onions and Mushrooms
- Ossobuco Beef Shanks
- Braised Beef Shanks with Gremolata
- Rich Beef Barley Soup
- Pot Au Feu (Beef Stew)
- Slow Cooked Beef Shanks with Garlic, Veggies, and Herbs
- Caldo de Res (Mexican Beef Soup)
Don’t forget to save the bones to make a rich and hearty beef bone broth!
Beef Shank Quick Rankings:
- Sourcing Difficulty: 5 (1= available everywhere, 10= very difficult to find)
- Versatility: 7 (1= very versatile, 10= very limited uses)
- Price: 2 (1= cheap as it gets, 10= special occasions only!)
- Toughness: 8 (1= spoon tender, 10= shoe leather)
Alrighty readers! It’s your turn– what are your favorite tips and recipes for cooking beef shanks?
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