← Science & nature Science & nature · Accessible English

Beef shank

Cut of beef

1 min
estimated reading
2
complete sections
5.49
algorithmic grade estimate

Before you read

Use the article and the local dictionary together

The complexity label is calculated from sentence length and syllable estimates; it is guidance, not an assessment of you. Open any highlighted word below for its full local dictionary page.

Words
109
Native text
807 characters
Dictionary match
76%
Revision
1346432436 · 2026-03-31T20:14:19Z
Key vocabulary

Words to check before reading

Overview

The beef shank is the leg portion of a steer or heifer. In the UK, the corresponding cuts of beef are the shin (the foreshank), and the leg (the hindshank). 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 beef bourguignon. As it is very lean, it is widely used to prepare very low-fat ground beef. Due to its lack of sales, it is not often seen in shops. However, if found in retail, it is very cheap and a low-cost ingredient for beef stock. Beef shank is a common ingredient in soups. In Australia and New Zealand, it is commonly sold from butchers as gravy beef for boneless shanks or as osso buco with bone. In Asia, braised beef shank is very popular.

See also

* List of steak dishes

Science & nature

Continue with related local reading