This recipe for keto beef shank is one of those meals that proves you do not need a long list of complicated ingredients to make a dinner that tastes very good.
Many people overlook the beef shank because it looks like a tough piece of meat, and they are not sure how to cook it properly to make it soft.
However, when you cook this cut of beef slowly in a good broth, the meat transforms completely and becomes incredibly tender.
It is a very straightforward process that mostly requires patience rather than a lot of active work in the kitchen. If you are looking for a meal that is hearty and filling, this is a great option to try at home.
You do not need to be an expert chef to get this recipe right, because it is very forgiving and easy to follow. Once you have the meat in the pot and the liquid added, your job is mostly done, and you just have to wait for the heat to do the work.
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Very Budget Friendly Cut of Meat: Steaks like ribeye or filet mignon are delicious, but they can be extremely expensive to buy regularly for family dinners.
Beef shank is often much cheaper per pound because it is considered a tougher cut that requires more time to cook.
By using this recipe, you save money at the grocery store while still putting a high-quality, protein-packed meal on the table that tastes just as rich as those expensive cuts.
Packed with Healthy Bone Marrow: The “beef shank shank” is the leg portion of the cow, which means it comes with a large bone right in the center of the meat.
Inside that bone is marrow, which is incredibly nutritious and full of good fats that are essential for a keto diet.
Meat Becomes Fork Tender: By the time you serve it, you won’t even need a knife- the meat will pull apart easily with just a fork, making it very enjoyable to eat.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef shank (about 2 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons Beef tallow or Butter
- 3 cups Bone Broth (I recommend this one – amazon)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
Start by heating the beef tallow (or the butter) in a cast iron pan over high heat. Once the butter melts, add the beef shanks and brown them on both sides.
Step 2
Pour the broth over and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
Bring to a simmer. Then, if you want to cook on the stovetop, reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Cook on low heat for 3 to 3.5 hours until the meat is tender.
Step 4
If you want to cook in the oven, after it simmers place the lid on and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender.
💡Tips
1. Get a Deep Brown Crust
Since this recipe uses very few ingredients, almost all of the flavor comes from “browning” the meat.
This step is not just about making it look cooked- it is about creating a savory crust that flavors the whole pot.
When you put the meat in the hot tallow or butter, do not move it around constantly. Let it sit in one spot for a few minutes until it lifts easily from the pan. You want the meat to look dark brown, almost like a grilled steak, on both sides.
If the meat looks grey or pale, it is not ready yet. This dark crust will dissolve slightly into the broth later, making your sauce taste rich and roasted without needing to add any artificial flavorings or extra carbs.
2. Don’t Let It Boil
When you add the broth and bring it to a simmer, you need to watch the heat carefully. There is a big difference between a “simmer” and a “boil.”
A boil is when big bubbles are rolling quickly on the surface. A simmer is when you see tiny, gentle bubbles just barely breaking the surface now and then.
You never want to boil beef shank aggressively. If the heat is too high, the muscle fibers in the meat will tighten up and squeeze out all the juices, making the meat tough and chewy.
You want the heat to be very low, just enough to keep the liquid hot. This gentle heat is what melts the connective tissue and makes the meat soft. If it’s bubbling too hard, turn the heat down immediately.
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FAQ
What side dishes go well with this?
Since this is a keto recipe, you want to avoid traditional sides like mashed potatoes or rice. Instead, this beef shank pairs perfectly with mashed cauliflower, which soaks up the gravy just like potatoes do.
You can also serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or green beans sautéed in butter.
Keto Beef Shank
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 pounds beef shank about 2 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons Beef tallow or Butter
- 3 cups Bone Broth (I recommend this one – amazon)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating the beef tallow (or the butter) in a cast iron pan over high heat. Once the butter melts, add the beef shanks and brown them on both sides.
- Pour the broth over and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer. Then, if you want to cook on the stovetop, reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Cook on low heat for 3 to 3.5 hours until the meat is tender.
- If you want to cook in the oven, after it simmers place the lid on and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours until the meat is tender.
Perfect!