Simple Beef Shank Recipe

This simple beef shank recipe is a flavorful dish that is best suited to slow-cooking methods. Tender beef smothered in a rich, meaty gravy – the perfect comfort food!

In this simple beef shank recipe, we’ll be using basic ingredients, easy techniques, and some patience, to create a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty family dinner.

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Beef shanks are a cut of meat taken from the leg of the cow. It is an inexpensive, tough cut of meat that requires a longer cooking time to become tender and fall off the bone. When cooked properly, beef shanks have an incredibly rich, meaty flavor that’s hard to resist.

One of the most distinctive features of beef shanks is the bone that runs through the center, which adds a lot of flavor and goodness to the meat as it cooks.

Ingredients for simple Braised beef shankS

Here are the ingredients typically used in a simple beef shank recipe:

• Beef shank
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Tomato paste or crushed tomatoes
• Beef broth or stock
• Bay leaves
• Thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

How to make simple beef shank

Sure, here are detailed instructions on how to make simple beef shank using the recipe provided in this chat:

To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Heat a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. While the pot heats up, season 4 beef shanks, each about 1 inch thick, with salt and black pepper.

Once the pot is hot, add the beef shanks and sear them on both sides until they are browned. This should take about 5 minutes per side. Once the beef shanks are browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside on a plate.

Next, add 1 chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the same pot that you seared the beef shanks in. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of red wine, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and more salt and black pepper to taste. Once the mixture is combined, add the beef shanks back to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over the top.

Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake the beef shanks for 2-3 hours, or until they are tender and falling off the bone.

Once the beef shanks are done, remove the pot from the oven and let them rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the beef shanks are moist and tender.

When you’re ready to serve, simply spoon some of the sauce over the beef shanks and enjoy!

What to serve with simple beef shank

There are many side dishes that would pair well with simple beef shanks, depending on your preferences and the occasion. Here are some ideas:

Mashed potatoes: The rich and flavorful beef shank is complemented well by creamy and buttery mashed potatoes.

Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips are a healthy and tasty option to add some color and texture to your plate.

Rice or noodles: Serve the beef shank over rice or with egg noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.

Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a nice contrast to the rich beef shank.

Grilled vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus can be grilled or roasted and served alongside the beef shank for a nutritious and flavorful side dish.

These are just a few ideas – feel free to get creative and serve your beef shank with your favorite sides!

Occasions to serve simple beef shank

Beef shanks are a delicious and hearty dish that can be served on many different occasions. Here are a few ideas:

Family dinners: Shanks is a great dish to serve for a cozy family dinner, as it is comforting, filling, and easy to prepare in large quantities.

Dinner parties: Beef shanks can be an impressive and elegant main course for a dinner party, especially when served with some fancy sides.

Holiday meals: Beef shank meat is a great choice for holiday meals like Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, as it is festive and can be prepared ahead of time to free up oven space. It makes a great alternative to chicken or turkey dishes.

Meal prep: Beef shanks can be cooked in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a convenient option for meal prep or busy weeknights.

How to store simple beef shank

If you have leftovers or need to store beef shanks for later, here are some tips on how to properly store it:

Let it cool: Before storing, let the beef shank cool to room temperature. This will prevent bacteria growth and keep the meat fresh longer.

Store in an airtight container: Transfer the beef shank and any remaining sauce to an airtight container, such as a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Refrigerate or freeze: Depending on how long you want to store the beef shank, you can either refrigerate it for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, make sure to label the container with the date so you know when it was made.

How to reheat simple beef shank

To reheat braised beef shanks, here are some simple steps to follow:

Remove from the refrigerator: If the beef shank is stored in the refrigerator, take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before reheating. If it’s frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Stovetop: To reheat on the stovetop, transfer the beef shank and sauce to a saucepan and heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is heated through. You may need to add a bit of water or beef broth to the saucepan if the sauce has thickened.

Oven: To reheat in the oven, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the beef shank and sauce in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.

Microwave: To reheat in the microwave, place the beef shank and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the meat is heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Beef Shanks Recipe FAQs

Give this recipe a try for upcoming celebrations or as an extra special Sunday lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to let us know what you think!

Print Recipe

Simple Beef Shanks Recipe

This simple beef shank recipe is a flavorful dish that is best suited to slow-cooking methods, using basic ingredients and seasonings for a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 4 beef shanks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium heat.
• Sear the beef shanks on both sides until browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
• Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste, beef broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Return the beef shanks to the pot and spoon some of the sauce over the top.
• Cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling off the bone.
• Remove from the oven and let the beef shanks rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• Serve the beef shanks hot with the sauce and your favorite sides.

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