Discover the Magic of Whole Beef Shank

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Are you tired of the same old dinner recipes? It’s time to shake things up with a modern twist on a classic comfort food: braised beef shank. This hearty dish features Thor’s Hammer beef shank, simmered in a flavorful red wine braising liquid with savory veggies and herbs. Trust us, this fun and updated version will make your taste buds sing!

Braised beef shank with exposed bone, aka Thor

Why Whole Beef Shank?

Beef shank has always been a go-to cut for traditional recipes designed to feed a crowd. But now, it’s getting a modern makeover. The butcher has exposed the top part of the bone from the shank center cut and named it Thor’s Hammer or Volcano cut beef shank. This updated version offers a more elaborate presentation, reminiscent of osso buco meat.

If you’re not familiar with osso buco, it’s an Italian word meaning “bone with a hole.” Traditionally made with veal shanks, it can also be prepared with pork. Our braised beef shank with the exposed bone adds a depth of flavor from the delicious bone marrow that renders as the beef braises.

Center cut shank to show all the connecting muscles
Side shot of beef shank with exposed bone

The Art of Cooking Beef Shank

Cooking beef shank requires patience, but the result is well worth the wait. The goal is to cook it low and slow until the tough connective tissue breaks down, resulting in tender meat that shreds easily. Here’s how to do it:

Prep the beef shank

  • Lower the oven rack and preheat it as instructed in the recipe card.
  • Trim excess fat from the beef shank and tie it up with butcher’s twine. This step helps retain its shape during cooking.
  • Sear the shank on all sides in a hot dutch oven, then set it aside.
  • Add carrots, onion, garlic, tomato paste, salt, and GirlCarnivore Over Easy spice blend to the roasting pan.
  • Deglaze the pan with wine, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom. Add the remaining wine and bring it to a simmer.
  • Tie together rosemary and thyme sprigs and add them to the pot.
  • Remove the pot from the heat.
Further reading:  Delicious and Flavorful Nachos with Cheese and Ground Beef

Browning a shank
Veggies added to the pot
Red wine added to the pot
Herbs tied and added to the pot

Braise the beef shank

  • Return the shank to the pot and cook it covered, rotating occasionally and basting it with the red wine sauce.

Rest and Serve

  • Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Set the beef shank on a cutting board, tented with foil to rest. Remove the rosemary and thyme from the sauce.
  • Shred the beef from the bone and ladle the accumulated juices over it, or serve large chunks individually with a knife and fork.
  • Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, lemon zest, minced fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.

Hands shredding cooked meat from the bone

Elevate Your Meal

Pair this fantastic dish with mashed potatoes or vegetables for the ultimate dining experience. Feeling fancy? Why not have both? But if you prefer to keep it low-carb, a parsnip or cauliflower puree would be the perfect accompaniment.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve discovered the magic of whole beef shank, it’s time to give it a try. This flavorful recipe will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Head over to Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ to get the recipe and start your culinary adventure. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your experience in the comments below. We can’t wait to hear all about it!