Have you ever tried braised beef shank? Trust me, you’re in for a treat! This mouthwatering dish features succulent beef shanks slow-cooked in a rich sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. It’s a classic Italian comfort food that is easy to make and perfect for any home cook.
Key Takeaways
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Braised beef shanks are a culinary masterpiece that combines simplicity and flavor. The slow cooking process allows the beef shanks to release their delicious juices, resulting in tender and melt-in-your-mouth meat. Not only is this dish incredibly tasty, but it’s also budget-friendly. Beef shanks are an inexpensive cut of beef that can be just as tender and flavorful as more expensive cuts like sirloin or ribeye.
Key Ingredients
To make this delectable dish, you’ll need bone-in beef shank, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, flour for a golden crust, crushed tomatoes for flavor, beef broth to enhance the gravy, and a medley of garlic, carrots, and onions to create a flavorful base. Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
How to Prepare the Beef Shanks
The preparation process is simple and will make your kitchen smell heavenly. Begin by finely dicing the carrots, garlic, and onions. Then, coat the beef shanks in a light dusting of flour for a golden crust. Sear the shanks in a Dutch oven until they are beautifully caramelized. Next, add the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic to the Dutch oven and cook them until they are fragrant. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Finally, add the crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to create a smooth and flavorful sauce.
Cooking Tips
If you’re looking to personalize this recipe, there are a few variations you can try. For a richer gravy, add a cup of dry red wine and a couple of bay leaves. If you’re a bacon lover, fry some diced bacon at the beginning of the recipe and add it to the sauce along with the beef. And if you want a creamy twist, pour in some heavy cream during the simmering process.
What to Serve with Braised Beef Shanks
This dish pairs perfectly with starchy side dishes that can soak up the delicious gravy. Cook up some pasta, rice, or polenta to complement the tender beef. If you prefer vegetables, steamed or roasted veggies are excellent options. And let’s not forget the classic side of mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers of this braised beef shank recipe taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to six months. When reheating, simply pop them in the microwave or heat them in a pan until hot and enjoy!
Get Inspired
If you’re a fan of slow-cooked recipes, then you’ll love exploring our 35 best crockpot recipes and slow-cooker meals. And with fall right around the corner, our 50 best comforting fall recipes are sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Serving Size
This recipe serves around 3 to 4 people, but feel free to double the batch if you have a large Dutch oven and a bigger family to feed.
Conclusion
Get ready to fall in love with braised beef shanks. The tender meat, paired with the rich and flavorful sauce, will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your Dutch oven and let’s get cooking!
