From Comfort to Celebration: Cooking with Beef Shank and Beef Shortplate Excel

From Comfort to Celebration: Cooking with Beef Shank and Beef Shortplate Excel

Not all cuts of beef are about quick grilling—some shine when slow-cooked to unlock deep, rich flavors. The Beef Shank and Beef Shortplate Excel are two such cuts, offering a combination of comfort food nostalgia and celebratory dishes. At The Fat Butcher, we believe these cuts deserve recognition for their versatility and flavor.

Beef Shank: The Soul of Comfort

The Beef Shank, with its marrow-rich bone, is perfect for braising. Slow cooking melts connective tissue, creating a silky broth and fall-off-the-bone tenderness. It is the key cut for classic dishes such as osso buco and bulalo.

Recipe: Filipino Bulalo (Beef Shank Soup)

  • Servings: 4–5 pax

  • Cooking Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 kg Beef Shank

  • 1 onion, quartered

  • 2 corn cobs, halved

  • 1 bunch pechay (bok choy)

  • 2 potatoes, halved

  • 2 tbsp fish sauce

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, simmer beef shank with onion and peppercorns for 2 hours until tender.

  2. Skim off impurities for a clear broth.

  3. Add corn and potatoes; cook for another 20 minutes.

  4. Season with fish sauce, then add pechay just before serving.

Beef Shortplate Excel: The Flavorful Celebration

The Beef Shortplate Excel is marbled and robust, making it ideal for grilling or barbecuing. Popular in Korean cuisine, it is often marinated and grilled thinly sliced.

Recipe: Korean BBQ Shortplate

  • Servings: 3–4 pax

  • Cooking Duration: 1 hour (including marinating time)

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg Beef Shortplate Excel, sliced thin

  • ½ cup soy sauce

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tbsp grated ginger

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Marinate beef in all ingredients for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Grill over medium-high heat until caramelized.

  3. Serve with steamed rice and kimchi.

Conclusion

From the hearty warmth of Beef Shank in soups to the smoky richness of Beef Shortplate Excel on the grill, these cuts transform ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences. Both comfort and celebration can be found in these versatile choices.

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