Beef Shank Stew

Beef Shank Stew is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring the flavorful, connective tissue-rich cut from the cow's lower leg. It's typically braised for hours with aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs, along with vegetables such as carrots and potatoes, in a rich broth or wine-based liquid. This comforting stew has variations found in cuisines worldwide, from European Osso Buco to Chinese red-braised beef shank.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is a high-protein, moderate-to-high fat meal, with the long cooking process breaking down collagen into gelatin, which adds body and nutrients like collagen and minerals. A typical serving (about 1.5 cups) provides roughly 400-500 calories, with significant iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	12 g
Fat	13 g
Fiber	2.5 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	580 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Zinc	6.0 mg
Phosphorus	220 mg
Niacin (B3)	5.0 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Vitamin B12	2.0 mcg
Selenium	25 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the dish showcases the culinary principle of 'low and slow' cooking to transform a tough, inexpensive cut into a tender delicacy, making it a staple in frugal yet flavorful home cooking. Nutritionally, the gelatin derived from the shank's connective tissue is prized for supporting joint and gut health, adding a functional benefit beyond basic sustenance.