The Best Homemade Beef Shank Recipe

Spread the love

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This beef shank recipe brings out rich, bold flavors that make any meal feel special. With tender, fall-apart meat and a savory broth, it’s comfort food at its best. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare, even though it tastes like it took hours. It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a hearty family dinner. Plus, leftover broth can be used for soups or rice dishes, making it versatile and practical.

Recipe

Beef shank is a flavorful and affordable cut of meat that becomes tender when slow-cooked. This recipe yields a rich, hearty dish perfect for cozy meals.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef shank
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups beef broth
1 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Season beef shank generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef shank on all sides until browned, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
Add tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Pour in red wine, scraping the bottom to deglaze the pot. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Return the beef shank to the pot. Add beef broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 2.5-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls off the bone.
Remove the beef shank, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bones and bay leaves.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Notes:

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the broth during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Substitute red wine with additional beef broth if preferred.

Equipment:

– Large pot or Dutch oven

Time:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 3 hours

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

4-6 servings

Nutrition

Beef shank is a flavorful cut of meat that’s rich in nutrients. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.

Calories: 320

Protein: 35g

Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 3g

Fiber: 0g

Sugars: 1g

Sodium: 420mg

Cholesterol: 110mg

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my homemade beef shank with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a hearty meal that’s extra comforting. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements the rich flavors perfectly, if you’re into that. Don’t forget a crisp salad or tangy coleslaw to lighten things up—it’s all about balance!

Side Dishes

When I’m cooking beef shank, I love rounding out the meal with sides that complement its rich, hearty flavor. Creamy mashed potatoes are my go-to; they soak up the juices perfectly. Roasted carrots or parsnips add a sweet, earthy balance. For something fresh, I toss a simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil. Something starchy, like garlicky mashed potatoes, helps stretch the rich flavors of the dish. Sometimes I’ll roast potatoes in the oven with rosemary and thyme. Steamed green beans or buttered corn are easy, fresh options. Polenta or rice also pairs nicely. Each bite becomes a cozy, satisfying experience.

Beverage Pairings

Since beef shank is rich and savory, it’s best paired with drinks that balance its deep flavors. I love serving it with a bold red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which complements the meat’s richness. If wine isn’t your thing, a dark beer, such as a stout or porter, also works wonderfully—its roasted notes match the dish’s hearty character. For a non-alcoholic option, try iced black tea with a hint of lemon—it’s invigorating and cuts through the richness. Whatever you choose, make sure it enhances the meal without overpowering it. Cheers to a perfect pairing!