Savory BBQ Stewed Beef Shank – Tender and Flavorful
Nutritional value per serving
Calories450kcal
Carbs15gram
Fat20gram
Protein45gram
Ingredients
- Beef shank, bone-in (choose fresh, bright red beef with no discoloration)800 g
- Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
- Onion, chopped (choose firm, unblemished onions)1 medium
- Garlic cloves, minced (choose firm, plump cloves)3 pieces
- BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade, preferably with a balanced sweet and smoky flavor)200 ml
- Beef broth or water250 ml
- Tomato paste (choose a good quality, thick paste)2 tbsp
- Smoked paprika1 tsp
- Saltto taste n/a
- Black pepper, freshly groundto taste n/a
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)a few sprigs n/a
This Savory BBQ Stewed Beef Shank recipe guides you step-by-step to create a tender, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. The slow stew method makes the tough beef shank irresistibly soft while infused with a smoky BBQ sauce. The recipe uses simple ingredients easily found in supermarkets and requires basic kitchen tools, making it ideal for everyday home cooks. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $12 USD, 11 EUR, 9 GBP, and 900 INR. The dish provides around 450 calories per serving, is suitable for those following a balanced diet, falls into the medium difficulty level, and takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes including preparation and cooking. Safe internal temperature for the beef is 71°C (160°F) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat. Follow safe food handling practices like washing hands and avoiding cross-contamination for a delicious and healthy meal!
Preparation instructions
Prepare Ingredients
1Start by washing your hands thoroughly to ensure food safety. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Set them aside as these will form the flavor base for the stew. Choose fresh beef shank with a nice red color and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Brown the Beef Shank
2Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef shank pieces and brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning seals in flavors and gives the stew a rich color. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
3In the same pot, add chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add BBQ Sauce and Tomato Paste
4Stir in the BBQ sauce and tomato paste with the onions and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Return Beef and Add Liquid
5Place the browned beef shank pieces back into the pot. Pour in the beef broth or water until the meat is about two-thirds submerged. Sprinkle smoked paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
Simmer the Stew
6Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer slowly for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow cooking melts the connective tissues, making the beef tender. Ensure the internal temperature of the beef reaches at least 71°C (160°F) for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check if possible.
Check and Adjust Seasoning
7After 2 hours, check the meat's tenderness by piercing with a fork; it should be very tender and nearly falling off the bone. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken.
Serve and Garnish
8Serve the stewed beef shank hot, spooning BBQ sauce over the meat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy your flavorful, tender BBQ stewed beef shank!
Cooking Tips
1To avoid cross-contamination, always use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
2If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes during the sautéing step.
3Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
4If you do not have beef broth, use a beef stock cube dissolved in water for better flavor.
5For a richer taste, marinate the beef shank in a bit of BBQ sauce and spices for 1 hour prior to cooking.
Equipment Needed
- Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Meat thermometer (recommended)
- Wooden spoon
Grocery Shopping List
- [ ] Beef shank, bone-in (~800g) - Approx. $8 - Choose fresh meat with a bright red color and minimal odor.
- [ ] Olive oil or vegetable oil (small bottle) - Approx. $3 - Extra virgin olive oil adds good flavor.
- [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Approx. $0.50 - Select firm onions without sprouts.
- [ ] Garlic cloves (3 pieces) - Approx. $0.50 - Look for plump, unblemished cloves.
- [ ] BBQ sauce (200 ml) - Approx. $2 - Pick a sauce with a balanced sweet and smoky flavor.
- [ ] Beef broth or stock (250 ml) - Approx. $1.50 - Use low-sodium if possible.
- [ ] Tomato paste (small can) - Approx. $1 - Check for a thick consistency.
- [ ] Smoked paprika (small jar) - Approx. $2 - Optional but adds great smoky depth.
- [ ] Fresh parsley (optional) - Approx. $1 - Choose vibrant green leaves.
Total estimated cost: $19.50
Tips: Fresh herbs enhance flavor; look for firm and vibrant produce. When buying meat, ask your butcher for beef shank cuts suitable for stewing for the best results.
FAQ
What temperature should the beef shank reach to be safe to eat?
The beef shank should reach an internal temperature of at least 71°C (160°F) to be safe for consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Can I use a slow cooker instead of the stove?
Yes, you can cook the beef shank in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
How do I know when the beef shank is fully cooked?
The beef will be tender and easily pierced with a fork, almost falling off the bone. Also, its internal temperature should be at least 71°C (160°F).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The stew often tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I serve with BBQ stewed beef shank?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.