Taiwanese Braised Beef Shank

  • Prep time 20Min
  • Cook time 45Min
  • Technique Braise
  • Meat Beef
  • Cut Shank
  • Serves 6

Slow-braised beef shank in a rich, flavorful sauce, tender and aromatic.

Ingredients

  • 0.9-1.4 kg beef shank (cut into thick cubes)

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)

  • 1 onion, peeled and sliced

  • 5–6 cloves garlic, smashed

  • 3–4 slices of ginger

  • 2–3 star anise

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color)

  • 1 tbsp rice wine (Shaoxing wine or dry sherry)

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or rock sugar)

  • 3 cups beef or water (enough to cover the beef)

  • 1–2 cinnamon sticks

  • 2–3 tbsp Chinese five-spice powder (optional for extra depth)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Method

Sear the beef:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef shank slices with a pinch of salt, then add them to the hot oil.

  2. Sear the beef on both sides for about 4-5 minutes until browned and caramelized. This step helps develop the rich flavours in the dish.

  3. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Sauté the aromatics:

  1. In the same pot, add the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

  2. Add the star anise, cinnamon sticks, and dried chilies (if using) to the pot, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Deglaze and build the braising sauce:

  1. Pour in the rice wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom.

  2. Add the soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and Chinese five-spice powder (if using), then stir to combine.

  3. Return the beef shank to the pot, making sure it's well-coated with the sauce.

Add the liquid and braise:

  1. Pour in enough beef broth or water to cover the beef shank slices. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the top.

  2. Cover the pot and let the beef braise over low heat for 2.5-3 hours, or until the beef becomes tender and the flavours have melded together. Check occasionally to ensure the liquid remains at a steady level, adding more broth or water as necessary.

Adjust seasoning:

  1. Taste the braising liquid and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or salt if needed. The sauce should be rich, savoury, and slightly sweet, with a deep umami flavour.

Where To Buy

Where To Buy

Wondering where to buy authentic Australian beef and lamb?
Find our logo at a retailer near you!

Find Out More