Traditional Shank Recipes from Around the World

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February 13, 2025

I am going to let you in on a little secret... the best cut of meat are the SHANKS.

In fact, I am going to make a bold statement and say that SHANKS>STEAKS (when prepared properly.

You’ve probably heard about all the amazing health benefits of bone broth – improved gut health, better metabolism, enhanced skin and hair, stronger joints, and bones… the list goes on!

These benefits are due to the collagen found in broth, which is the tough connective tissue around joints and bones. When cooked down, it transforms into gelatin, making these beneficial nutrients easier for your body to absorb and utilize.

But did you know that shanks are also rich in those same collagen amino acids?

Shanks are my favorite cut of meat. Not just because they taste great when properly prepared... but also because shanks have one of the highest gelatin-to-muscle meat ratios.

So whether you’re cooking
🐂 beef shanks
🐑 lamb shanks, or
🐖 pork (aka pork hocks),

you’re getting a rich, collagen-packed meal!

Check out my go-to braising method for all three types of shanks – beef, pork, and lamb – in this recipe video (or click the photo below). I also discuss a little more why I love shanks!

Our ancestors understood the power of collagen long before we did. Their diets, rooted in nose-to-tail eating, were much richer in collagen than our modern diets.

Remember, 50% of an animal is connective tissue - so we should be eating more of it for a balanced amino acid intake! And unfortunately, many diets are much more centered around STEAKS and contain less connective tissue.

Shanks come from the lower legs of the animal – the muscles that do the most work, which means they’re packed with collagen-rich tendons, ligaments, and fascia. When cooked low and slow, this collagen breaks down into gelatin, creating a flavorful, tender, and health-boosting meal.

No wonder shanks have been a beloved ingredient in traditional cuisines worldwide -there’s a rich culinary history in these collagen-rich cuts!

Once you try shanks, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. You can shank me later for introducing you to this game-changing cut!

I’ve always been fascinated by food history and the way traditional cultures have prepared meals for generations.

So let's explore some recipes from traditional cultures throughout the world! 🌎

From Mexican Caldo de Res to Moroccan Lamb Tagine to Polish Golonka, this collection includes 5 beef shank, 5 lamb shank, and 5 pork shank recipes that have stood the test of time. As a note, these aren’t my recipes—I’ve researched and compiled authentic versions from various sources to create an easy-to-reference guide.

RECIPE TABLE OF CONTENTS

🐂 Beef Shank Recipes