This Slow Braised Beef Shank Stew is rich, savory, and fall-apart tender. This is the kind of comfort food that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone to the table.
1 Cast iron braiser or Dutch oven Essential for even heat and moisture retention
Ingredients
5poundsbeef shanks
3tablespoonolive oil
10clovesgarlicminced
1large onionchopped
¼cupsoy sauce
3tablespoonoyster sauce
3tablespoonbrown sugar
2pods star anise
4piecescloves
1piecesbay leaf
4cupsbeef broth or water
1tablespooncornstarch
2tablespoonwaterfor slurry
2carrotsoptional
Instructions
Sauté Garlic and Onion: Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Brown the Beef Shanks: Push the aromatics to the side and add the beef shanks. Sear them on both sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
Build the Flavor: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar directly into the pot. Add star anise, cloves, bay leaves, carrots and enough water or broth to mostly submerge the meat.
Slow Braise in the Oven: Cover and transfer the Dutch oven to a preheated oven at 325°F. Braise for about 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is fork-tender.
Thicken the Sauce: Remove the beef shanks and bring the braising liquid to a simmer on the stovetop. Stir in a slurry made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the thickened sauce over the meat and serve hot. Spoon the rich sauce over the meat and serve hot.
Notes
Use beef broth for deeper flavors.
Sear the shanks well.
Let the stew rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.