Braised Beef Shank

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Braised Beef Shank is a wonderful dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. The slow braising process allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the vegetables, wine, and broth, resulting in a deeply savory and tender outcome. This recipe is perfect for a Sunday dinner or when you’re craving a comforting meal that is as satisfying as it is delicious. The beef shank, a less tender cut of meat, becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking, making it perfect for anyone who loves well-seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds beef shanks (approximately 3 portions)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 3 sprigs thyme
• 3 bay leaves
• 200 mls white wine or more beef broth
• 1 1/2 cups canned tomatoes
• 1 3/4 cups beef broth

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the beef shanks with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, brown the beef shanks on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
4. In the same pot, add the sliced onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add the thyme sprigs and bay leaves to the pot. Pour in the white wine (or additional beef broth) to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
6. Stir in the canned tomatoes and beef broth. Return the beef shanks to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid.
7. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven. Braise the beef shanks for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is fork-tender and falling off the bone.
8. Remove the pot from the oven and discard the thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Serve the beef shanks with the braising liquid and vegetables, alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 3
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 3 hours
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Garlic: Include 3-4 cloves of minced garlic with the onions for added depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Mix: You can substitute or add other vegetables such as parsnips, potatoes, or mushrooms for more variety.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of paprika for some extra heat and flavor.
• Slow Cooker Version: If you prefer, you can cook the braised beef shank in a slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours instead of in the oven.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Braised Beef Shank can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for braising?

Yes, other cuts like short ribs, chuck roast, or brisket work well for braising. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the cut.

2. What is the best way to braise meat?

Braising meat involves cooking it slowly in a liquid at a low temperature, allowing the meat to become tender and absorb the flavors. Use a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook the meat in the oven or on the stovetop for several hours.

3. Can I use chicken instead of beef shank?

You can use chicken thighs or chicken drumsticks for a different variation, though the braising time will be much shorter (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, braised beef shank can be made a day ahead. The flavors often deepen and improve after resting in the fridge overnight.

5. What can I serve with Braised Beef Shank?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, polenta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious braising liquid.

6. Can I cook Braised Beef Shank in a slow cooker?

Yes, simply follow the same preparation steps and transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until the beef is tender.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, include red pepper flakes, fresh chopped chili peppers, or a dash of hot sauce when preparing the braising liquid.

8. Can I substitute beef broth with vegetable broth?

Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter option or a vegetarian version, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, though the flavor will be different.

9. How can I thicken the braising liquid?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the beef shanks once they’re cooked, and simmer the braising liquid over medium-high heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Braised Beef Shank is the ultimate comfort food, turning a tough cut of meat into a tender, flavorful meal. The slow braising process infuses the beef with all the rich, savory flavors of the broth, vegetables, and herbs. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this recipe will surely become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

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