25 All-Time Best Beef Shank Recipes

Are you a meat lover? If so, you probably already know that there’s something oh-so special about beef shank. 

There’s something about a slow-cooked beef shank that is just so satisfying. Maybe it’s the way the flavors meld together, maybe it’s the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or maybe it’s just that it’s darn good comfort food. 

Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that beef shank is a recipe staple and a favorite among foodies everywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, beef shank is a versatile ingredient that can be incorporated into a host of tasty dishes.

In this beef shank recipe roundup, we’re going to take a look at some of the best and most delicious ways to use this cut of meat. 

So, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to indulge in a hearty and satisfying meal, read on for some culinary inspiration.

1. Easy Osso Bucco 

An Italian classic, Osso Bucco is known for its savory flavor and the tenderness of the beef shank. To make this delicious dish, all you need is a few herbs, crushed tomatoes, garlic, wine, and beef shanks. You’ll brown the beef shanks and cook just about everything else in the same pan.

It tastes amazing served with a side of risotto or mashed potatoes!

2. Instant Pot Garlic Herb Beef Shanks

If you’re always in a hurry but still want to enjoy a delicious meal, the Instant Pot is your best friend. This recipe uses beef bone broth, garlic, dried herbs, and onion powder to infuse the beef shanks with an irresistible flavor. 

Set your Instant Pot to “pressure cook” and let it work its magic. In just over an hour, you’ll have mouthwatering beef shanks that practically melt in your mouth.

3. Braised Beef Shanks

Braised beef shanks are succulent, savory, and irresistible. The braising liquid, made with beef broth, red wine, and tomato paste, infuses the meat with flavor and creates a rich sauce to serve alongside your shanks. 

After browning your meat on all sides, you’ll let them cook low and slow in the oven for a few hours until they fall apart. Serve over creamy polenta for a delicious Italian-inspired meal.

4. Asian Osso Bucco

Put an Asian twist on a classic recipe with this flavorful and unique dish. This recipe uses soy sauce and a tantalizing mix of herbs and spices, to create a bold and complex flavor profile. You’ll braise your beef shanks in this sauce for several hours and let the flavors meld together for a delicious meal that will have you coming back for more.

5. Chinese Beef Noodle Soup 

This hearty soup is perfect for the cold winter months when you want something comforting and filling. The beef shanks add richness to the broth and are cooked until they’re fall-apart tender. 

It is an easy recipe that can be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, and is perfect for meal prep to enjoy throughout the week.

6. Garlic and Rosemary Beef Shanks

This recipe combines the hearty flavors of beef with the fragrant aromas of garlic and rosemary. To prepare this dish, you’ll need simple ingredients like beef shanks, garlic, rosemary sprigs, salt, pepper, and olive oil. The beef is cooked until it is tender and falling off the bone. Serve it with your favorite side dishes (we love mashed potatoes!), and enjoy the undeniably amazing flavors.

7. Healthy Beef Shank Stew

This is a stew that’s perfect for those who want to indulge in something hearty and nutritious. It uses only wholesome ingredients such as carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, oregano, thyme, and bone broth. 

Serve it hot with some crusty bread, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours – and even tastes great leftover.

8. Smoked Beef Shank

If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, then you’ll love our smoked beef shank recipe. It uses a lot of rich and smoky flavors, such as beef seasoning, beef stock, and rosemary. 

To make this dish, simply season the beef shanks with beef seasoning, smoke them on a grill or smoker, and then braise them in beef stock with rosemary. The result is a smoky and flavorful beef shank that’s perfect for any occasion.

9. Roasted Beef Shanks

Roasting beef shanks is an easy and delicious way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat. To make this recipe, you’ll need beef shanks, carrots, celery, garlic, lemon, onions, and parsley. 

Simply season the beef shanks with salt and pepper, then roast them in the oven along with the vegetables and lemon. The result is a juicy and flavorful roast that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy Sunday dinner.

10. Beef Pho

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more exotic, try making beef pho. This Vietnamese dish is made with rice noodles, tender beef shank, and a deeply flavored broth that’s infused with some seriously tasty spices.

Top it off with fresh herbs and crunchy bean sprouts, and you’ve got a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening.

11. Braised Beef Shank Ragu 

For a comforting and flavorful pasta dish, try making braised beef shank ragu. This hearty dish is made by braising beef shanks in the oven for hours, until the meat is fall-apart tender and the sauce is thick and rich. Serve it over your favorite pasta and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a decadent and satisfying meal.

12. Slow Cooked Beef Shanks With Onions and Potatoes

If you’re looking for a no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight, try making slow-cooked beef shanks with onions and potatoes. 

Simply toss everything into your slow cooker, then let it cook on low for several hours until the meat is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft and flavorful. This meal is perfect for a cozy night at home with your loved ones.

13. Beef in Guinness

This Irish recipe is a favorite among beer lovers. The savory beef stew is flavored with bitter-tasting stout beer. The meat is so tender that it falls right off the bone, creating a thick and rich sauce that is perfect for mopping up with a slice of your favorite bread. 

To add to the flavor, this recipe also includes hearty vegetables such as carrots and onions, and herbs like thyme and bay leaves. Top it off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to give it a pop of color. This is a perfect dinner option for a cozy winter night.

14. Smothered Beef Shanks 

This southern-style dish is full of flavor and comfort. The secret lies in cooking the beef shanks low and slow, so they lose their characteristic toughness – and then adding some of the most delectable spices and herbs.

The beef shanks are cooked slowly in a rich gravy until they are falling-off-the-bone tender. The dish is then best served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.

15. Braised Beef and Mushrooms 

If you’re a mushroom lover, then this dish is for you. This recipe is loaded with mushrooms and beef, creating the perfect hearty combination. To bring out the flavor, the beef shanks are first seared and then slow cooked with a blend of mushrooms, garlic, onions, thyme, and beef broth. 

The final result is a delicious, fall-apart tender beef, with earthy mushrooms in a savory traditional brown gravy. Serve it with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables, and you’ll be in comfort food heaven.

16. Nihari Beef Shank Stew

This is an authentic Indian recipe that is sure to warm you up on a chilly night. The beef shanks are braised in a fragrant and flavorful gravy with spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. Served with naan bread, this dish is a real treat.

17. Glazed Beef Shanks with Coffee and Peanuts 

It sounds like an odd combination, but beef with coffee and peanuts is really a stellar mix that’s sure to have you coming back for seconds! This dish is a fusion of flavors that will surprise your taste buds. The beef shanks are braised in a flavorful sauce made with coffee, peanuts, and spices. The result is a rich, savory dish that will make you want to lick your plate clean.

18. Taiwanese Braised Beef Shanks

This is a classic Taiwanese recipe that’s often served during family gatherings and special occasions. To make this dish, you’ll need ingredients like boneless beef shanks, bay leaf, red chilies, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cardamom, and a cinnamon stick. 

The beef is marinated in a fragrant mixture of spices and then simmered in a savory broth until tender and succulent. Serve it with a bowl of steaming rice to soak up all those delicious flavors!

19. Tomatillo Braised Beef Shanks

If you’re looking for a spicy twist on your beef shank, try the Tomatillo Braised Beef Shanks recipe. The beef shanks are cooked in a bright salsa verde made with tomatillos, garlic, jalapeno, onion, and cilantro. 

The tomatillos give the dish a tangy flavor that pairs well with the rich, beefy taste. This is a great recipe to make for a Mexican-inspired dinner party or a cozy night in with your loved ones. Top it off with some sour cream and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

20. Beef Shank Casserole

For a classic and hearty beef shank casserole, try this recipe that features baby yellow potatoes, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, garlic, green onions, herbs and spices, and of course, beef shank.

The dish is baked to perfection in a flavorful broth until the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and perfect for meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of red wine for a cozy night in.

 

21. Beef Shank With Wine and Tarragon 

This French-inspired dish is perfect for elevating your dinner party game. Slow-cooked in a mix of red wine, beef broth, and aromatic herbs, the meat is so tender it falls off the bone. Serve it over mashed potatoes, orzo, or polenta for the ultimate comfort food experience. 

22. Chile Colorado Beef Shanks

For a taste of Mexican cuisine, this beef shank recipe is sure to please. The meat is braised in a rich chili sauce with onions, tomatoes, and garlic until it’s fork-tender. Topped with fresh cilantro and served with warm tortillas, this dish is a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. 

23. Beef Shank a la Cubano

This dish features beef hind shank, canola oil, beef broth, garlic, red onion, and tomato sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s packed with flavor, but incredibly easy to make. 

You simply sear the beef shank in a pan, then transfer it to a pot with the other ingredients and let it cook for a few hours. The result is a juicy and tender beef shank that pairs perfectly with rice and beans.

24. Braised Beef Shanks With Caramelized Onions and Shallots

This classic Chinese New Year dish is perfect for a special occasion or just a cozy night in. The original recipe from Epicurious called for lamb shanks, but beef shanks work just as well. 

The shanks are braised in a mixture of red wine, beef broth, and soy sauce until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender. The caramelized onions and shallots add a touch of sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.

25. Beef Shank Tacos With Herb and Caper Salsa

This dish is proof that beef shank can be used in more than just stews and braises. The shanks are slow-cooked until they’re fork-tender, then shredded and served in tacos with a flavorful herb and caper salsa. 

This recipe is extremely versatile, so you can customize it to your liking by adding different spices and toppings.