Easy Braised Beef Shank (Carnivore Friendly)
Primal Edge Health participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs and therefore, may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. This comes at no additional cost to you, and all the prices and availability are accurate at the time of publishing.
Follow an easy 4-step process to slow cook Braised Beef Shank carnivore style. It is a nourishing and affordable low-carb meal for any time of the year.
Served in broth, shanks are one of many carnivore diet recipes that hits the proverbial “spot” on a cold-weather day and in times of stress. Comfort is found in a bowl of fall-of-the-bone tender meat and warm broth.
Table of Contents (click to view)
What is “beef shank”?
Beef shanks are found on the leg of a cow, directly above the knee joint. The section is cross-cut horizontally, usually in 1 to 2-inch thick rounds.
The meat may appear similar to steak, but with a signature marrow bone featured in the center. All ruminant animals have shanks (beef, lamb, mutton, bison, etc.) and may be prepared in the same manner.
Most people are not as familiar with beef shanks as they are with hamburger or steak cuts, but you shouldn’t overlook them.
Buying boneless shank is a shame and, in my opinion, you will be missing the best part. Upon cooking, the marrow becomes succulent and buttery. It is not to be left out!
Peak into your butcher’s case, and you may see a few different names: foreshank, hind or rear shank, and soup bones. These are all essentially the same, usually just varying in size. Any option will work well for braising.
Are cross cut beef shanks tough?
The shank is a hard-working muscle that would be tough unless properly prepared through braising or slow-cooking. This cut has beautiful coils of collagen threaded through the muscle meat. Because of this, it must be simmered in liquid over low heat for a few hours before for the collagen transforms into the soft, melted goodness we all love so much.
As a dry, sinewy piece of meat, it may not sound like much, but with some simple tips, it will produce a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Also, tougher meat is more affordable than tender cuts (from lazier muscles) like sirloin, ribeye, and filet mignon. The beef shank is a great choice when you compare the nutritional bang you get in exchange for your buck.
Slow Cooked All Meat Beef Shank Recipe
This is a bare bones recipe, perfect for those interested in zero-fiber recipes for a carnivore diet. If you do well with a keto diet or low-carb, paleo, whole30 or other dietary approaches feel free to follow the modifications listed below and add the herbs and vegetables that you do best with.
Eating an all meat diet or at least meat-based may help you if you suffer from digestive disorders, mental health conditions, and auto-immune conditions. We have seen phenomenal turn arounds as people get life changing results from a carnivore diet.
Are you craving easy and delicious carnivore recipes? Check out my Carnivore Cookbook for simple and straightforward recipes you’ll love!
Unlock the power of nutrient-dense, fiber-free nutrition with The Carnivore Cookbook, available in both digital and print formats. Say goodbye to the struggle of finding strict carnivore recipes—this collection is your ultimate solution.
How to Cook Braised Beef Shank
While it may sound like a daunting technique, braising meat is quite easy!
In my vegan to carnivore journey, I put off learning how to braise for far too long. It seemed overly complicated and touchy. In the few recipes I tested, the meat came out dry and tough. Not at all like the fall off the fork tender meat I was after.
You can skip the trial and error I went through and jump right into this Easy Braised Beef Shank recipe.
I like using cast iron cookware because the right equipment makes this an easy one-pot meal.
My cast iron Dutch oven is the go-to choice of cookware for braising meat and making my family's favorite stew for freezer-friendly meal prep.
- Great for braising, stewing, baking, and frying
- Cooks meat to a succulent texture
- Oven-safe for one-pot meals
- Beautiful kitchen-to-table serving
Begin by browning the beef shank in beef tallow on both sides for about 2-3 minutes. Get it nice and golden brown before flipping.
Then pour bone broth over the shanks, season with salt and bring it all to a light simmer. Use traditional homemade bone broth, Slow Cooker Beef Bone Broth, a plant-free Carnivore Diet Bone Broth Recipe, or quality store-bought broth.
Use at least 2 cups of broth. There should be enough broth to cover the meat ½ to ¾ of the way up the side. I like using 3 cups because it leaves ample liquid to serve with.
Reduce the heat and cover with a lid, but leave a small opening for the steam to escape.
Cook over low heat for 3 hours, until the meat falls off the bone. Serve warm in liquid.
If you opt for making this a keto or paleo recipe, add in the vegetables of choice in the last 30 minutes of cooking time so they can simmer with the meat.
How long does it take to cook beef shank?
In this braised method, it takes up to 3 hours to completely cook beef shank. This is done using a
Cooking times with beef shank in the oven, crockpot, and Instant pot all vary. See more details on these modifications below.
Take a look How to Cook Meat on a Carnivore Diet and learn about more techniques and cuts.
Where to buy Beef Shank Bones?
Fortunately, beef shanks are not extremely hard to find like liver can be (I have a great guide to buying liver if you need help sourcing it).
Ask your butcher if they have shank. It’s usually cross-cut into large round pieces, about 1.5-2-inches thick. There is an eye catching marrow bone in the center. If it is in the butcher case, you won’t miss it.
If you are shopping online, I recommend buying grass-fed beef shank from US Wellness Meats.
They have a wide selection of healthy, grass-fed, organic, and pasture-raised meats and other animal-based foods. I love that they sell organ meats too. Their options are perfect for cooking organ meat recipes you actually want to eat!
Easy Beef Shank Variations
There are many ways to spin this basic technique of braising beef shank. It is a very adaptable recipe that can be made with different kitchen equipment from a cast-iron skillet or dutch oven to a crockpot to Instant pot. Instead of cooking on the stovetop, you can also slow cook it in the oven. Add in your favorite low-carb vegetables and you’ll get a delicious Osso Buco dish!
Keto Braised Beef Shank
Keep a timer on and when 30-60 minutes of cooking time remain, add in one of the following combinations. Let all ingredients simmer together.
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms, 1/2 pound parsnips, and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 small cauliflower, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, and 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ cup white wine, 2 cloves sautéed garlic and 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dry thyme, 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, and 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ginger root powder, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup minced scallion, and ¼ cup Keto Soy Sauce Alternative.
Wine and vinegar may also be used in the liquid base for braising. Decrease the total amount of broth down to 1½ – 2½ cups and add ½ cup of dry white wine or red wine. If adding vinegar, choose balsamic, apple, or red wine vinegar.
The broth is impressive after simmering the shank for a few hours. It becomes incredibly gelatinous after chilling!
This is delicious served with a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes!
Braised Beef Shank in the Oven
With this method, we sear on the stovetop and then transfer to a preheated oven to finish.
Begin by heating the oven to 350*F (175*C).
Follow steps 1-2 of this recipe in an oven safe skillet then after the broth is at a simmer, put the lid on and transfer to the oven to bake for 2 hours.
If you don’t have an oven safe skillet with lid, pour into a glass baking dish and cover with parchment paper and then aluminum foil to seal it up.
This is delicious served as is or paid with roasted Brussel sprouts or cauliflower rice.
Simple Beef Shank in the Slow Cooker
I wrote this recipe for a cast iron or heavy bottom skillet with a lid or a Dutch oven. As an alternative, you may also use a crockpot. In this case, place the meat in the bottom of a slow-cooker, pour broth over and season with salt. Cover with the lid and turn on low. Cook for 4-6 hours until easily falls off the bone.
If you want to brown the meat before placing it in the slow cooker, you may but it is not necessary. Browning gives the dish a more complex flavor than just adding it to the pot.
Take a look at this Carnivore Beef Stew crockpot meal and see slow-cooker beef shanks in action!
Quick Beef Shank in an Instant Pot
The Instant pot method is just as straight forward as all the others.
Season the meat with salt.
Turn on the Instant pot and select sauté. Once hot add cooking fat to the pot and sear the meat, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
Add in broth. Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 35 minutes. Natural release pressure for 15 minutes then manually release the remaining pressure.
For a delicious crockpot method for beef shanks try this Beef Shank Slow Cooker Recipe.
How to Braise Beef Shank
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
Ingredients
Basic Braised Beef Shank
- 1 tablespoon beef tallow butter, ghee, or other cooking fat
- 2 pounds beef shank 4 (1-inch thick) 8 oz pieces
- 3 cups bone broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt plus extra as needed
Instructions
Stovetop Method
- Heat cooking fat in a cast iron or heavy bottom skillet with a lid or Dutch oven. Brown both sides of the beef shanks, about 2-3 minutes per side, until a golden-brown crust forms.2 pounds beef shank
- Pour broth over shanks. There should be enough broth to cover the meat ½ to ¾ of the way up the side. Season with salt.3 cups bone broth, 1 teaspoon salt
- Bring it to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat and cover with a lid, but leave a small opening for the steam to escape.
- Cook over low heat for 3 hours, until the meat falls off the bone. Add optional keto ingredients in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time. Serve warm in liquid.1 small cauliflower, 1 cup mushrooms, 1 medium yellow onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon rosemary
Oven Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 °F (175°C).
- Follow steps 1-2 above.
- After simmering, put the lid on and transfer to the oven to bake for 2 hours. Add optional keto ingredients in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time.
Crockpot (Slow Cooker) Method
- Brown the meat as directed in step 1 above.
- Transfer the meat to the slow cooker. Pour broth over. Season with salt. Add optional keto ingredients.
- Cover with lid and turn on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
Instant Pot Method
- Season the meat with salt.
- Turn on the Instant pot and select sauté. Once hot add cooking fat to the pot and sear the meat, about 2-3 minutes[/timer per side, until golden brown.1 tablespoon beef tallow
- Add in broth and optional keto ingredients.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set high pressure and cook for 35 minutes. Natural release pressure for 15 minutes then manually release the remaining pressure.
Notes
Nutrition & Macros
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, please calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients and amounts used, using your preferred nutrition calculator. Under no circumstances shall the this website and the author be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on the given nutritional information.
More Budget Friendly Low Carb Beef Recipes
Do you need zero-carb meal ideas? Try these 30 Easy Carnivore Diet Meal Ideas.
- Carnivore Stroganoff – a hearty dinner and ready in less than 30 minutes! It’s an easy recipe to adapt for your family, whether they are on keto or any other diet.
- Organ Meat Pie – Organ meats are some of the most affordable meats and happen to also be some of the most nutritious parts too. This nourishing combination of ground beef, liver and heart baked into a meat pie is simple and satiating.
- Paleo Beef Oxtail Bourginon – A delicious and savory gluten-free, low-carb meal, this low-carb Bourginon with oxtail is on my radar!
- Slow Cooker Keto Carnivore Beef Stew – This Easy Keto Carnivore Beef Stew is slow-cooked in a crockpot. The best part is that this stew is a cheap meal for any day of the week, freezer friendly and takes minimal prep work to put together.
- Instant Pot Brisket – This Instant Pot Brisket is an easy, savory dish that you can make without heating up your entire house. Dump in everything and just let it make itself, and you end up with a savory, melt-in-your-mouth dish for dinner.
- Braised Beef Heart Recipe (Slow Cook) – Serve savory braised beef heart over slow-cooked cabbage and parsnip for the ultimate organ meat experience.
Question: Thank you for the various ways you can prepare the beef shank. However, I was wondering your preferred method. I have not had bone marrow yet. I was wanting to use the best method for good meat, as well as, the best marrow experience.
Great question, Deanna. I favor the stovetop method in a Dutch oven. But when I’m in a hurry or don’t want to be so hands-on, I toss them in the slow cooker. Bone marrow is a delicious treat, very much worth trying at least once!
never tried bone marrow until now, and that was a pleasant addition to the delicious slow cooked meat! definitely worth the wait.
Hi Laurel, How wonderful to hear you’re having success and discovering traditional foods you enjoy. I agree that bone marrow is very pleasant. It’s unlike anything else! Thanks for stopping by the blog and trying one of my recipes. Come back for more soon!
No oven temp listed?
No Instant Pot temp listed?
As stated in the post: “Begin by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).” I’ll add that to the recipe card too, so it’s more clear. The instant pot directions are there in the post and recipe card. Use the “sauté” and “high pressure” settings. I hope that clears up the confusion!
YUMMO – hard to track down shanks – but well worth the effort. This may well end up a staple turn to.
Growing up my mom and my grandmas were used to cook beef shank for us this recipe reminded me of those days thank you!
Looks super easy to make! And delicious! Can’t wait to try.
Looks don’t lie in this case – it’s just as easy as the recipe sounds. I hope you like it as much as I do!
The best way to enjoy beef shank is indeed after a long braising time. It becomes so tender the meat just falls off the bone. 🙂
Objectively the best 🙂 Thanks for sharing your two cents Anita!
These come out amazingly tender and flavorful!!! Pure comfort food!
Seriously tender aren’t they?! I love the soft marrow too. I’m so glad they were a success for you!
I haven’t been able to find meat these days, but once I do you can bet I will be making this! This looks so good!
I hope you can connect with a local supplier soon! Have to searched EatWild.com? That is a great resource.
This looks delicious! I will have to give this recipe a try over the weekend!
It’s great to make when you’re at home so you can enjoy the smells melding on the stove 🙂
Can u use an instant pot, and how will it take to cook?
The short answer is YES you can use an instapot, the long answer is …but it takes certain adjustments. I recommend you read over this post here to learn how to adapt slow cooked recipes to the insta pot. Thanks for stopping by!
Looks delicious! Do you brown meat for the slow cooking method?
Good Q! You can, but don’t have to. It will give a slightly different flavor a bit if you do. It’s really delicious when you just add it to the crockpot. Super simple that way!
Looks so great!