What is a beef shank?

Beef shank is a cut of meat from the shin or lower leg of a cow. It is a tough, flavorful cut that is relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of beef. The shank is rich in connective tissue and marrow, which makes it an ideal candidate for slow cooking methods like braising or stewing. Beef shank can also be used for making bone broth or stock due to its high collagen content. It is often sold in large, bone-in pieces and is frequently used in dishes like osso buco, beef bourguignon, and Vietnamese pho.