Finding beef shank substitutes has always been a challenge for me. I’ve never been able to find one that tastes the same or is as versatile. I’ve tried a few different substitutes over the years, but nothing has ever come close to the beef shank until recently.
As a lover of beef recipes, I dedicated a few months to finding and trying the top alternatives for beef shank and have finally found 8 that I’d say are the best.
So in this article, I’ll go over the beef shank substitutes I’ve found, as well as their taste, texture, and what dishes they work best in.
By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which beef shank substitute to choose for your next recipe!
Beef Shank Substitutes
- Beef arm
- Oxtail
- Tendon
- Chuck roast
- Short ribs
- Silverside
- Skirt
- Veal shank
Beef arm
The beef arm is an excellent choice for those looking for a cheaper cut of meat that can be cooked using a slow cooking method.
The beef arm is a cut of meat taken from the cow’s shoulder area. It is a tough cut of meat that is frequently used for roasting.
Because it is a tough cut of meat, it is best cooked using a slow cooking method. This allows the meat to become tender and easy to eat.
There are many benefits to using the beef arm as a substitute for the beef shank.
One benefit is that it is a cheaper cut of meat. Another benefit is that it can be cooked using a variety of methods.
Oxtail
Oxtail is a cut from the tail of a cattle, and it’s a fatty piece of meat that’s considered quite tough. But, unfortunately, it is also quite expensive.
But despite all that, it has a deep, rich flavor that makes it perfect for slow-cooked dishes. When cooked properly, oxtail can be incredibly tender and full of flavor.
So if you’re looking for a beef shank substitute that can give you the same deep, rich flavor, then oxtail is definitely the way to go.
Keep in mind that it should be slowly cooked to achieve the best results.
Tendon
When it comes to substitutes for beef, the beef tendon is often overlooked in favor of more popular cuts of meat. However, the beef tendon can make an excellent stand-in for the beef shank.
Like beef shank, the beef tendon has a gelatinous texture, making it ideal for braising and slow cooking. Additionally, the collagen in the beef tendon breaks down during cooking, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.
To prepare beef tendon, simply wash the tendon first. Then put it in soy sauce to marinate. After that, slowly cook it until tender. The results will be tender and delicious, making it the perfect substitute for the beef shank.
Chuck roast
Chuck roast is a type of beef similar to the arm cut. It is a tough cut of meat best suited for slow cooking methods such as stewing or braising.
However, it can also be used as a substitute for the beef shank. The chuck roast has a similar texture to the beef shank and can be just as delicious when cooked properly.
Unfortunately, chuck roast is usually quite expensive, making it not a great option for those on budget.
Short ribs
Short ribs are a great substitute for the beef shank. They offer more richness to stews and soups and can be combined with chuck roast to make a delicious roast beef.
Short ribs are also a good choice for a healthier alternative to the beef shank. They are lower in fat and calories and a good source of protein.
Lastly, you should cook short ribs with the chuck roast for better results. Combining these two meat cuts gives dishes a deeper and more juicy flavor.
Silverside
Silverside is a good option if you’re looking for a cut of beef that is similar to the shank in terms of texture and flavor. Silverside is a cut from above the leg, and like a shank, it can be tough if not cooked properly. However, the silverside does not have the same fat as the shank, so it can be a leaner option.
When cooking silverside, it’s important to add extra moisture to the meat, either through marinating or cooking it in a liquid. This will help tenderize the meat and make it more enjoyable to eat.
Overall, silverside is a good substitute for the beef shank and can be used in most recipes calling for the shank.
Skirt
Skirt steak is a cut of beef that comes from below the ribs. It is a very fatty cut of meat, perfect for both slow and fast cooking.
When cooked slowly, the fat renders out, and the meat becomes very tender. However, when cooked quickly, the fat adds flavor and juiciness to the meat.
Skirt steak is also one of the most affordable cuts of beef, making it a great choice for cooking on a budget. In addition, skirt steak can be used as a substitute for beef shank in many recipes.
You can substitute skirt steak for beef shank in many recipes with great results. Skirt steak has all beef shank flavors, but it is much easier to cook and does not require as much time or effort.
Veal shank
A veal shank is a meat cut from a young cow’s leg. It is usually 1-2 pounds and comes from the hind shank. Veal shank is a key ingredient in Osso Bucco and is also perfect for braising.
The main benefit of using veal shank as a substitute for beef shank is that it is more tender. Veal shank is also less fatty, which some people prefer.
Another benefit of veal shank is that it has a milder flavor than beef, so it may be a better choice if you are looking for a subtler flavor in your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beef shank substitute for soups?
The best beef shank alternatives for soups are beef tendon, silverside, chuck roast, and arm. All four of these meat cuts are tough and have a similar texture to the beef shank. The flavor is also similar, making them the perfect beef shank substitutes.
Are beef chuck and beef shank the same?
No. Beef shank and beef chuck are not the same. Beef chuck refers to a cut from the shoulder of cattle. Meanwhile, the beef shank is taken from the shin area.
However, they both are similar in taste and texture and can be used as each other’s substitutes.
In conclusion
Beef Shank substitutes can be a great way to change up your recipe. They offer a variety of flavors and textures that can enhance the dish you are preparing.
This article has listed some beef shank substitutes that will work well in most recipes. We’ve also included information on how to cook each cut of meat for the best results. So, next time you are out of beef shank, just remember to try one of these substitutes. Your dish will thank you for it!