Next-Level Bone-in Beef Shank Recipes

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January 30, 2024

Bone-in beef shanks are one of the most underestimated cuts of meat. They’re tender, tasty, succulent, and affordable. You just need to know how to cook them well!

First, meat quality is key—no one wants to eat grisly, tough beef shanks. That’s why it’s crucial to choose grass-fed beef. It packs in way more nutrition and flavor.

As an added bonus, grass-fed beef shanks like ours are raised using regenerative grazing practices, which is good for the environment.

Let’s dive into the recipes!

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 4

What You’ll Need

2 lbs grass-fed beef shank bone, diced
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil

How to Cook Bone-in Beef Shank

Beef shank is comforting, hearty, and delicious. Below, we’ll walk you through our favorite three ways to cook it, depending on your time and the utensils you have.

Dutch Oven Beef Shank

This dish is perfect for cold Autumn afternoons. It’s warming, nourishing, and mouth-wateringly tasty.

Season the chopped beef shank with salt and pepper.
Heat 2 tbsps of olive oil over medium-high heat in the Dutch oven. Add the beef shank pieces and cook for 4 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Set the shanks aside.
Add the chopped onion and carrots to the pot and cook until the onions are browned. Add in the minced garlic and stir for a minute.
Stir in the tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, and herbs. Simmer for 3 minutes.
Place the beef shank pieces back in the pot, submerging them in the mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3 hours, until the meat falls off the bone.
Serve!

Handy tip: Instead of simmering on the stovetop for 3 hours, you can place your Dutch oven in a preheated oven. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is succulent and tender.

Braised Beef Shank

If you have a little more time and want to cook a bone-in beef shank that’s even more tender, try this braising recipe.

Follow the recipe above until step 5.
Pour the mixture into a slow cooker and add the seared beef shanks.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone.

Smoked Beef Shank

Beef shank isn’t just for the winter months! Get out your smoker for a barbecue centerpiece your guests will love.

Preheat the smoker to 225°F
Season the beef shank with your favorite dry rub.
Carefully place the beef shank pieces in the smoker. Cook for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 190°F.
Rest the meat for 10 minutes for maximum juiciness. Then, serve!

Side Dishes to Pair with Beef Shank

Beef shank with the bone in is a staple across cuisines for good reason! It’s incredibly versatile—you can pair it with all kinds of sides!

Here are some of our favorites:

Smoked beef shank tacos with guacamole and spicy rice
Braised beef shank stew with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans or carrots
Tender beef shank stew with sweet potato and buttered peas
Braised beef shank ragu with pappardelle pasta

Expert Tips & Tricks

For a slightly sweeter dish, add a heaped spoon of honey to the slow cooker when you add the red wine and beef broth.
If you prefer a more savory, umami flavor, swap out the honey for a generous splash of Worcester sauce.
You can store these dishes in the fridge for up to three days, or in the freezer for 3 months.
Source the best quality bones you can. Grass-fed beef bones are more sustainable and increase the nutrition and flavor of your meals. You also ensure what you’re eating is free of antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals.

Recipe FAQs

How long does it take to cook beef shank in the oven?

It’s best to cook beef shank low and slow in the oven. Leave it to cook on low to medium heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat falls off the bone.

Does beef shank get tender?

Yes! Beef shank becomes incredibly tender and juicy when you slow cook it.

What is beef shank best for?

Beef shank is best for slow-cooked stews and casseroles. You can also cook it in the smoker for a delicious barbecue dish.

Is there another name for beef shank?

Beef shank has several other names, including beef foreshank, beef Osso Bucco cut, shank meat, and leg boil. However, they all refer to the same thing!

Ready to Cook?

Try these delicious beef shank recipes with our grass-fed beef shanks. As always, we love to know how your dishes turned out! So please send your photos in and leave your thoughts below.

Want more beef recipes? How about our Tender Beef Oxtail Stew recipe?

Recipes

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