Marianne Martinez
Beef shanks are a great cut of meat for the slow and low method of cooking in a crock pot. This cooking style breaks down the connective tissue in the meat, leaving it tender and juicy. The bone marrow also melts out, creating a rich sauce. The result is a delicious, comforting meal that's also budget-friendly. This introduction will explore how to cook beef shanks in a crock pot, including preparation methods, cooking times, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Meat | Beef Shanks |
| Cut of Meat | Forearm and Upper Hind Legs of a Cow |
| Nutrients | High in Iron and Fat |
| Nutrients in Connective Tissue | Choline, Glycine, Glucosamine, Chondroitin |
| Cooking Method | Slow Cooker/Crock Pot |
| Ingredients | Butter, Coconut Oil, Salt, Pepper, Onion, Garlic, Italian Herbs, Broth, Beef Shanks, Beef Stock, Spices, Cornstarch, Red Wine, Red Potatoes |
| Cooking Time | 6-10 hours |
| Temperature | Low |
| Serving Suggestions | Garlic Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, Cauliflower Puree, Broccoli, Asparagus, Brussels Sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
Seasoning and browning the shanks
Now it's time to brown the shanks. Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add a drizzle of cooking fat (butter, coconut oil, or lard) or oil. When the skillet is hot, add the beef shanks and sear for at least 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a dark brown crust forms and the meat is golden brown. If you are cooking multiple shanks, you may need to do this step in batches.
Once the shanks are browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside. If you want to skip this step, you can briefly broil the shanks after they are cooked to achieve a similar result. However, browning the meat beforehand will add more flavour to your dish.
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Preparing the crock pot
To prepare the crock pot, start by melting butter or coconut oil in an electric skillet on medium heat. Place the shanks in the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, seasoning again when you flip them over. You can also sear the meat for at least 7 minutes on each side, creating a dark brown crust.
Next, place the shanks in the greased crock pot. Add onion, garlic, and Italian herbs to the skillet. If needed, add a bit more butter or coconut oil. Cook for about 3 minutes. Alternatively, you can dice a red onion and garlic and cook them in the skillet with the shanks.
Now, it's time to add the broth. Stir gently to loosen any bits from the skillet and heat through. You can also add a cup of wine and slowly pour it into the skillet, using a spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, then pour it over the shanks in the crock pot.
Finally, cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cooking time will ensure that the beef becomes tender and falls off the bone.
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Cooking the shanks
Preparing the Shanks
First, you will need to decide whether to brown the shanks before placing them in the crock pot. Browning the meat can add flavour and depth to your dish, but it is an extra step. If you choose to brown the shanks, heat butter, coconut oil, or another cooking fat in a skillet over medium heat. Season the shanks with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet, cooking for around 4-7 minutes on each side until they are golden or lightly browned. If you are using an electric skillet, you may need to cook the shanks in batches.
Once the shanks are browned, place them in the crock pot. If you want to add vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and potatoes, you can cook them in the skillet after removing the shanks, deglazing the skillet with wine, broth, or water to loosen any bits, then pour this mixture over the shanks in the crock pot. You can also add herbs and spices, such as Italian herbs, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or ground cumin, to taste.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-10 hours. The longer cooking time will result in more tender meat. You can also cook on high for 4-5 hours if you are short on time.
Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is complete, you can briefly broil the shanks to brown the fat and give them a crispy finish. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. If you want to thicken the cooking liquids, you can use cornstarch, or you can reduce them into a glaze.
Finally, serve the shanks with your choice of sides. Beef shanks go well with mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Enjoy your tender and flavourful crock pot beef shanks!
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Making the sauce
To make the sauce for crock pot beef shanks, you can use a variety of liquids, including broth, stock, wine, or water. You can also add vegetables and seasonings to the sauce to enhance the flavor. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparing the Sauce
First, decide on the type of sauce you want to make. A basic sauce for beef shanks can be made with beef broth or stock, but you can also use chicken broth or water as a substitute. If you want a richer sauce, you can add red wine to the mix. You can also decide to add vegetables such as onions, garlic, and potatoes to the sauce.
Browning the Meat (Optional)
Some recipes suggest browning the meat before adding it to the crock pot. This step is optional, but it can add flavor and depth to your dish. To brown the meat, pat the beef shanks dry and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, or dried herbs. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Place the beef shanks in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. If you are using a slow cooker, you can skip this step and briefly broil the shanks after they are cooked to brown the fat.
Building Flavor
If you are using vegetables, dice the onions and garlic, and quarter the potatoes if using. Add the vegetables to the skillet after removing the beef, or directly to the crock pot if you skipped the browning step. Sauté the vegetables for a few minutes until softened. You can also add Italian herbs or other seasonings to the skillet at this point.
Deglazing the Pan
Pour your chosen liquid (broth, stock, wine, or water) into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for a few minutes to reduce and intensify the flavor.
Simmering the Sauce
Pour the sauce over the beef shanks in the crock pot. Ensure that the liquid covers most of the meat, with just a bit peaking out over the top. Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. The long cooking time will help break down the connective tissue in the meat, resulting in tender, juicy meat and a flavorful sauce.
Finishing Touches
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the meat and vegetables from the crock pot and set them aside in a serving dish. If desired, you can shred the beef off the bone as it should be very tender. To make the sauce, pour the remaining liquid from the crock pot through a sieve into a bowl or saucepan. If there is excess fat on the surface, skim it off or place the liquid in the freezer for 10 minutes to solidify the fat layer and make it easier to remove. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop, adding any seasonings such as salt and pepper to taste.
Your sauce is now ready to be served with the beef shanks and vegetables. Enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Crock-Pot Beef Shanks make a tender, flavorful, and gluten-free meal. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious dish:
Mashed Potatoes
For a hearty and comforting meal, serve the beef shanks over mashed potatoes. The potatoes will absorb the rich sauce from the beef, creating a delicious combination. You can also add some garlic and cheddar to your mashed potatoes for an extra kick of flavor.
Cauliflower Puree
If you're looking for a lighter option, try serving the beef shanks with a cauliflower puree. This vegetable dish is a great gluten-free and low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. Garnish it with some minced chives and parsley for added freshness and flavor.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
Beef shanks go well with a variety of vegetables, such as steamed broccoli, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. These veggie side dishes provide a healthy and flavorful complement to the rich beef.
Bone Marrow
Don't forget about the bone marrow! The bones in the beef shanks are full of nutritious marrow, which you can eat with a spoon or mix into the gravy. This adds even more depth of flavor to your dish.
Red Wine
For a perfect date night dinner, pair your beef shanks with a bold red wine, such as a cabernet sauvignon or a syrah. The wine adds an amazing depth of flavor to the sauce and makes for a sophisticated dining experience.
Gravy or Pan Sauce
The broth and drippings from cooking the beef shanks can be used to create a flavorful gravy or pan sauce. Don't throw away that leftover stock! Instead, reduce the cooking liquids on the stovetop to make a rich and savory addition to your meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking beef shanks in a crock pot takes between 6 and 10 hours.
The ingredients needed are: beef shanks, butter or coconut oil, salt, pepper, onion, garlic, Italian herbs, broth, and red wine.
First, melt butter or coconut oil in an electric skillet on medium heat. Place the shanks in the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-7 minutes on each side. Place the shanks in a greased crock pot. Add onion, garlic, and Italian herbs to the skillet. Add broth and stir. Pour the mixture over the shanks in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 10 hours.
Crock pot beef shanks can be served with garlic cheddar mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree, or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.
Cooking beef shanks in a crock pot is a convenient, hands-off method that breaks down the connective tissue and renders some of the fat, resulting in tender, juicy meat and a nutritious sauce or stock.
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