Ultimate Beef Shank Recipe: Tender, Flavorful, and Easy to Master

Basic Beef Shank Recipe

Classic Braised Beef Shank

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A hearty and flavorful braised beef shank recipe perfect for a comforting meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pounds beef shank
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 onion, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup Marsala wine
• 1 (14 ounce) can beef broth
• 1 cup water, or as needed
• 2 tablespoons dried tarragon

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Season beef shank with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides.
• Add onion and celery, sauté until softened.
• Pour in Marsala wine, beef broth, and water. Add tarragon.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, until beef shank is tender.

Notes

Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Braising
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: beef shank

For more delicious recipes, visit Food Network’s Beef Shank Recipes or Serious Eats’ Guide to Cooking Beef Shank.

STEPS

Step 1

Gather all ingredients.

Step 2

Set your oven to 150 degrees Celsius (300 degrees Fahrenheit) and allow it to warm up.

Step 3

In an oven-safe deep skillet with a lid, warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the beef shank.

Step 4

Sear the beef shank in the heated oil until it achieves a uniform brown crust on all sides, about 5 to 10 minutes. Move the beef shank to a plate.

Step 5

In the same skillet, cook the onion and celery until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 6

Add wine to the skillet and bring it to a boil, using a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 7

Nestle the beef shank into the onion-wine mixture, then add beef broth and pour in enough water to submerge 1/2 to 3/4 of the shank. Sprinkle tarragon over the beef, then cover the skillet with a lid.

Step 8

Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 hours, or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone. Before serving, season with salt and pepper.

Advanced Cooking Techniques for Beef Shank Recipe

Elevating Flavors with Marination

Before diving into cooking, consider marinating your beef shank overnight. A marinade of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with deep, robust flavors. The unassuming shank, metamorphosed into a gastronomic wonder, a tribute to the alchemy of culinary craft.

Exploring Sous Vide for Ultimate Tenderness

For those seeking perfection in texture, sous vide presents an unparalleled method. Cooking the beef shank sous vide at a controlled temperature for an extended period (up to 24 hours) ensures that every fiber becomes tender without losing any of its natural juiciness. This technique demands patience but rewards you with possibly the most tender beef shank you’ve ever tasted.

Pressure Cooking: A Quicker Alternative

If time is of the essence, pressure cooking can significantly reduce the cooking duration while still yielding a tender result. Using a pressure cooker, a beef shank can be rendered to a fall-apart tenderness in significantly less time than traditional braising or slow cooking methods. A method tailored for discerning palates, where convenience bows to the altar of flavor.

Incorporating International Flavors

Don’t shy away from experimenting with flavors from around the world. Adding ingredients like soy sauce, star anise, or smoked paprika can give your beef shank a unique twist, offering a culinary journey in every bite.

By embracing these advanced cooking techniques and flavor explorations, you elevate the humble beef shank from a simple cut of meat to an exquisite main course that surprises and delights. Whether you choose to marinate, sous vide, pressure cook, or infuse international flavors, your beef shank will surely be the star of the dining table. For more advanced recipes, visit cookingwhite.

Maintenance and Storage Tips for Beef Shank Recipe

Proper Storage of Uncooked Beef Shank Recipe

Ensuring the longevity of your beef shank starts with proper storage. To refrigerate, ensure the meat is tightly wrapped in plastic or sealed in a vacuum bag to avoid air exposure. For optimal preservation, store the beef shank in the coldest section of the refrigerator if you intend to cook it within a few days.  For posterity’s sake, embrace the icy embrace of the freezer. When freezing, ensure the beef shank is wrapped in airtight packaging to avoid freezer burn, which can significantly impact the meat’s quality and taste.

Extending the Life of Cooked Beef Shank

After enjoying the hearty flavors of your beef shank, any leftovers should be cooled quickly and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Preserve the memory of culinary triumph within a fortress of airtight containers or the tender embrace of foil and plastic. When stored correctly, cooked beef shank remains good in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a convenient option for meal planning or future meals. Best Practices for Leftover Beef

Reheating for Best Results

To maintain the beef shank‘s moisture and tenderness upon reheating, opt for a method that reintroduces moisture. Reheating in a covered dish in the oven with a bit of broth or water can help prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheating slowly in a saucepan over low heat can also preserve the meat’s juiciness. Shun the microwave’s embrace; let gentle reheating preserve the shank’s tender embrace.

By following these maintenance and storage tips, you ensure that every bite of your beef shank, whether fresh or reheated, remains as delicious as when it was first cooked. Proper care not only extends the shelf life of both uncooked and cooked beef shank but also guarantees that your culinary efforts yield the best possible flavors every time.

Dietary Adaptations for Beef Shank Recipes

Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly Variations

For those following a low-carb or keto diet, the beef shank becomes an excellent protein choice due to its minimal carb content. To adapt the classic recipe, substitute traditional thickeners like flour with xanthan gum or simply reduce the cooking liquid to a naturally thickened sauce. Incorporating low-carb vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers instead of higher-carb options can also align the dish with dietary needs, maintaining the rich flavors while adhering to carb restrictions.

Gluten-Free Cooking with Beef Shank Recipe

Creating a gluten-free version of your favorite beef shank recipe is straightforward. Seek solace in gluten-free alternatives, ensuring culinary inclusivity. Ensure all broth and wine added to the dish are labeled gluten-free, a crucial step for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This minor adjustment allows everyone to enjoy the deep, complex flavors of a beef shank dish without concern.

Vegetarian Alternatives: Capturing the Essence

While beef shank is inherently a meat-based ingredient, capturing its essence in a vegetarian dish focuses on mimicking the texture and flavors. Ingredients like jackfruit or large portobello mushrooms can serve as substantial substitutes. Cooking these alternatives with robust herbs, wine, and a rich broth can emulate the depth of flavor traditionally found in beef shank recipes, providing a satisfying option for vegetarians craving a similar gustatory experience.

Adapting beef shank recipes to fit various dietary requirements not only broadens its appeal but also showcases the versatility of this ingredient. Whether modifying for low-carb, gluten-free, or vegetarian diets, the key lies in maintaining the rich, comforting essence that makes beef shank dishes a beloved choice across cuisines.