These tender Beef Shanks are restaurant quality! They cook up low and slow until they’re incredibly tender.

You’ll love the rich and savory flavor of these beef shanks. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes or rice!
What Are Beef Shanks?
Beef shanks are cut from the leg section of the cow. It’s a tougher bone-in cut of meat that responds well to low and slow cooking. When properly cooked, beef shank is tender, moist, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- beef shanks
- flour
- butter
- white onion
- garlic
- carrots
- dry white wine
- beef stock
- diced tomatoes
- salt and pepper
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
Best Way to Cook Beef Shank
Our favorite way to cook beef shanks are braising it in a flavorful liquid. It will give the been shanks a tender texture and great flavors.
How to Cook Beef Shanks
- Dredge the beef shanks in flour to coat.
- Melt the butter in a large oven-safe braising pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the beef shanks and fry until browned on all sides.
- Remove the beef shanks to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Add the onion slices to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until tender. Add the garlic and carrots and fry until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan. Stir in the beef broth and tomatoes, scraping up the brown bits on the pan.
- Return the beef to the pan and submerge it in the sauce. Cover the pan and transfer the shanks to the oven.
- Cook for 4-5 hours until the shanks are moist and tender. Alternatively, the shanks can be cooked on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours. Check the shanks occasionally and stir to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Tips And Tricks
- Searing the shanks before baking produces more flavorful results.
- The shanks can be cooked in the oven or on the stovetop.
How To Serve Beef Shanks
These beef shanks produce their own rich gravy. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes, or over rice or noodles. They also pair well with roasted veggies, crusty bread, and fresh salads. Leftover beef shanks are delicious when shredded and served on toasted rolls.
How To Store Beef Shanks
Leftover beef shanks should be cooled to room temperature and placed in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How To Freeze Beef Shanks
Let the beef shanks cool to room temperature. Then place them in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for 4 to 6 months.
How To Reheat Beef Shanks
Beef shanks can be reheated in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave. Place the shanks in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 300°F oven for about 30 minutes until hot. To reheat on the stovetop, place the beef shanks in a saucepan and cover. Heat over medium-low until hot. In the microwave, place the beef shanks on a microwave-safe plate and heat at reduced power until hot.
Beef Shank vs Oxtail
Although beef shank and oxtail look similar, they are not the same things. Beef shanks have lower fat and are less chewy than oxtail.
Beef Shanks Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 pounds beef shanks cut into 3-4 inch pieces
- flour for dredging
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 large white onion sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1 540 ml can diced tomatoes
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dredge the beef shanks in flour to coat.
- Melt the butter in a large oven-safe braising pan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the beef shanks and fry until browned on all sides.
- Remove the beef shanks to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Add the onion slices to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until tender. Add the garlic and carrots and fry until the garlic is fragrant.
- Pour in the white wine and deglaze the pan. Stir in the beef broth and tomatoes, scraping up the brown bits on the pan.
- Return the beef to the pan and submerge it in the sauce. Cover the pan and transfer the shanks to the oven.
- Cook for 4-5 hours until the shanks are moist and tender. Alternatively, the shanks can be cooked on the stovetop over low heat for 2-3 hours. Check the shanks occasionally and stir to ensure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Serve and enjoy with your favorite sides!
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