Description
Discover the delicious potential of beef shank with slow cooking! This guide explains why beef shank is perfect for slow cookers and braising, transforming it into tender, flavorful perfection. Learn tips and techniques for the best results!
Ingredients
- Beef shanks
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Olive oil
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Beef broth
- Red wine (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Bay leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Shank: Pat the beef shanks dry with paper towels. Cut into smaller pieces if desired.
- Season the Beef Shank: Generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and dried herbs.
- Sear the Beef Shank: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef shanks on all sides until browned. Sear in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Slow Cook the Beef Shank: Place the seared beef shanks in a slow cooker or Dutch oven. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Pour in enough beef broth and/or red wine to almost cover the meat. Bring to a simmer (Dutch oven).
- CookCover and cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) in a Dutch oven, until the beef shank is fork-tender.
- Enhance Flavor (Optional): Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves during the last hour of cooking.
- Serve: Shred the meat with a fork. Serve over mashed potatoes, polenta, creamy risotto, tacos, enchiladas, or sandwiches. Strain the cooking liquid for a sauce or gravy.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use bone-in beef shanks.
- Searing the beef is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; sear in batches for best results.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the beef shanks.
- If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) or by reducing it on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Beef
- Method: Slow Cooking, Braising
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shank with sauce
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: beef shank, slow cooking, braised beef shank, slow cooker beef shank recipe, beef shank recipe, osso buco, beef ragu