Beef shank is the leg section of the cow
Cattle
Cattle—colloquially cows—are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos taurus.
Beef shank
The beef shank is the leg portion of a steer or heifer. In Britain, the corresponding cuts of beef are the shin, and the leg. Due to the constant use of this muscle by the animal, it tends to be tough, dry, and sinewy, so is best when cooked for a long time in moist heat. It is an ideal cut to use for be…
Full Answer
How to cook shank beef?
Instructions
- Heat the butter in a skillet on the stove and allow it to get hot. ...
- Add the shanks into the slow cooker and then add in onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, carrots, and celery.
- Add the beef broth and wine over top the contents of the slow cooker.
- Slow cook on low for eight to ten hours. ...
Is beef shin the same as beef shank?
Beef shank and beef shin are interchangeable names for the same cut. “The beef shank is the shank (or leg) portion of a steer or heifer. In Britain the corresponding cuts of beef are the shin (the fore shank), and the leg (the hind shank). Similarly, what cut of meat is beef shin?
Is beef steak healthier than pork?
When comparing good cuts of both, pork appears to be slightly better nutritionally, except for the beef being richer in Iron and Zinc. Beef is consumed two times less in the world overall. Various conversations about pork being more “dirty” and full of viruses seem to have no scientific evidence, assuming it is cooked using USDA’s recommended temperature.
What are the different cuts of meat?
Understanding the different cuts of beef
- Different Types of Beef
- Chuck. Description: The chuck, also known as the seven-bone steak (in reference to the shape of the bone), is located near the shoulder and neck area of the cow.
- Round or Rump. Description: The round, also known as the rump, is a lean cut of meat with very little fat. ...
- Brisket. ...
- Ribs. ...
- Short Plate. ...
- Flank. ...
- Loin. ...
- Sirloin. ...
- Shank. ...
What is Beef Shank?
The shank is found on the leg of a cow, just above the knee or hock. This cut of meat is cut in horizontal cuts (often in 1-inch slices), which is why beef shank looks like a steak with a circle of the leg bone in each piece. (It is also sometimes sold boneless.) Inside the bone there is piece of marrow that is edible as well.
Other Names for Beef Shank
There are two shank parts in a cow (the front and back legs), and they can be sold under the different names: the Fore Shank and the Hind (or Rear) Shank.
Is Beef Shank Easy to Find?
It’s likely your standard neighborhood grocery store might not carry beef shanks, although it never hurts to ask behind the butcher counter.
Are Beef Shanks Tough or Tender?
Since beef shank is the leg parts of the cow, it is a very tough, dry, sinewy piece of meat. Naturally, the legs of cows are hard-working, and so it it full of muscles, connective tissues, bones, and joints.
Are Beef Shanks Expensive?
Because beef shanks are incredibly overlooked, they are generally very affordable. As a bonus, they are also very nutrient-dense (more on that below), which gives them a ton of bang for just a few bucks.
Versatility of Beef Shank
Since beef shanks are naturally a tough piece of meat, there are limits to what you can do with it. They MUST be simmered in moist heat for a long period time in order to be tender and delicious. For that reason, they are commonly found in slow cooker and soup recipes.
How to Cook Beef Shank
The most important thing you need to know about cooking with beef shanks is that it requires time. Plan on cooking your beef shanks for at least 4 to 6 hours to transform it from tough and chewy to tender and flavorful. (Or try using a pressure cooker to reduce the time.)
Is beef shank the same as oxtail?
They are not the same thing. Oxtail has a higher fat content than a beef shank.
1. Beef Tendon
The first option we have for you is the beef tendon. This cut of meat is a suitable alternative to a beef shank. If you enjoy tough meats with lots of fiber, you will enjoy this particular part of beef.
2. Short Ribs
Short ribs are another portion of meat as tasty as a beef shank. They might be called ribs but are not actually from the rib portion. Short ribs are extracted from the chuck portion, i.e., the neck, upper arm, and shoulder.
3. Beef Arm
Another good alternative for beef shank is the arm. This cut comes from the cow’s shoulder. And since the shoulder area is mobile during most of their lifetime, the meat is tough. What’s more, both the shank and arm share the same part of the animal.
4. Chuck Roast
The chuck roast portion of meat is another part of the cow’s shoulder. They are more or less similar to beef arms. But they differ slightly in texture as they are cut between the shoulder and neck. Hence, you can expect a less rigid surface than a beef shank.
5. Silverside or Corned Beef
Another great option to replace beef shank is silverside or corned beef. Both silverside and shank share the same portion, i.e., the leg. The difference lies in the way the two lumps of meat are cut.
6. Veal Shank
The veal shank is another sturdy cut of meat to replace your standard beef shanks. They come from male calves and are extracted from both the front and back legs. They typically come in cross-cuts exposing a part of the shin.
