I love osso bucco, the perfect example of peasant cooking. The big round of shank meat, the gremolata’s herb and citrus flavor, and the marrow that melts from the big bone in the middle. The only thing is – traditionally, it is made with veal shank. And with the cost of veal, this really isnt peasant cooking any more. *OK, Im cheap. Well, until its time to buy a new kitchen gadget, then I wont be stopped. You expect me to be consistent?.
Lucky for us, beef shanks are a lot cheaper than veal shanks and taste just as good. Heres my “weeknight” osso bucco, prepared in the pressure cooker. *Dont have a pressure cooker? No worries. See the Variations section for instructions on cooking with a standard dutch oven.
I have another pressure cooker braised beef recipe called Instant Pot Boneless Short Ribs that you might like.
How Long to Cook Beef Shank in an Instant Pot for Fork-Tender Perfection
Beef shank delivers rich, succulent flavor when slowly braised, but traditional cooking methods can take hours. Enter the time-saving Instant Pot! With pressure cooking, beef shank transforms into fall-off-the-bone tender meat in a fraction of the time. This guide will walk through everything you need to know to cook beef shank to tender perfection in your Instant Pot.
We’ll cover
- Selecting the best beef shank cuts
- Prep tips for maximum tenderness
- Pressure cooking times based on size
- Step-by-step Instant Pot cooking instructions
- How to create flavorful braising liquid
- Serving suggestions to enjoy this economical cut
- Common mistakes and troubleshooting
Follow these Instant Pot beef shank tips and you’ll enjoy melt-in-your-mouth meaty goodness any night of the week!
Choosing the Best Beef Shank for Instant Pot
Look for meaty beef shank cross cuts when selecting shanks for the Instant Pot. The cross cut refers to slices across the leg bone, rather than lengths of the whole bone. Cross cuts contain a high ratio of tender meat to collagenous connective tissue.
Opt for shanks around 1 1⁄2 to 2 inches thick for the best results. Thinner cuts may overcook and dry out. Avoid super large 3-4 inch cuts which can take too long to become tender.
Grass-fed or organic beef shank provides excellent moist flavor. Look for shanks with a nice marbling of fat throughout for the most succulence.
Prepping Beef Shank for Maximum Tenderness
Proper prep is key to ensuring beef shank cooks evenly and becomes fall-apart tender in the Instant Pot:
-
Rinse shanks and pat dry with paper towels.
-
Trim off any excess surface fat, sinew or silver skin.
-
Lightly score the meaty side of shanks in a crosshatch pattern to help absorb flavors.
-
Season generously with salt and pepper. Rub seasoning into the scored sides.
-
For convenience, tie shanks crosswise with cooking twine to maintain shape.
-
Allow seasoned shanks to sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking Time Based on Beef Shank Size
Beef shank size determines how long to cook in the Instant Pot. For 1 1⁄2 inch thick shanks, cook for:
- 35 minutes on HIGH pressure for 2 pounds
- 40 minutes on HIGH for 3 pounds
- 50 minutes on HIGH for 4 pounds
For 2 inch thick shanks, increase cook times by 5-10 minutes. Remember cook times start after coming to pressure.
Always use natural pressure release, which is crucial for tender shanks. Be patient and allow at least 15 minutes for pressure to come down gradually.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Beef Shank Directions
Follow these simple steps for foolproof Instant Pot beef shank:
-
Prep shanks as directed and season all over with salt and pepper.
-
Select Saute setting on Instant Pot and heat 1 Tbsp oil. Add shanks in a single layer and brown for 2-3 minutes per side.
-
Add onions, garlic, herbs and spices to pot. Saute 3 minutes until fragrant.
-
Pour in broth, wine or other braising liquid to cover shanks halfway.
-
Pressure cook shanks using recommended time for thickness. Allow 15+ minutes natural release.
-
Carefully remove shanks to a platter. Strain and defat braising liquid for sauce.
-
Serve shanks topped with sauce, vegetables and garnish of choice. Enjoy!
Tips for Flavorful Braising Liquid
The braising liquid is what gives beef shank its characteristic fall-off-the-bone tenderness while also imparting flavor. Try these tasty options:
- Beef broth enhanced with a splash of red wine
- Onion, carrots, celery, garlic and tomatoes
- Bold spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin or coriander
- Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley
- Soy sauce, Worcestershire, balsamic vinegar
- Dry spices like bay leaves, peppercorns, cloves
Get creative mixing and matching liquid ingredients to complement the beefy flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Beef Shank
Instant Pot beef shank makes a hearty, satisfying one-pot meal. Serve it:
- On top of creamy polenta to soak up the delicious braising sauce
- With buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- Over hot cooked rice for an easy twist on osso buco
- Shredded on sandwiches topped with the sauce and peppers
- In tacos with salsa, queso fresco and cilantro
- On salad greens for a protein-packed lunch
Pair this economical cut with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or microbrew beer. Round out the meal with steamed veggies or a fresh salad.
Avoid Common Pitfalls for Instant Pot Beef Shank Success
To achieve optimal results, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Skipping natural pressure release which causes dry, stringy meat
- Adding too much liquid which dilutes flavor rather than concentrating it
- Cooking too many shanks crowded together inhibiting even cooking
- Neglecting to trim shanks of excess fat or silver skin
- Not allowing cooked shanks to rest before serving
With proper Instant Pot techniques, beef shank cooks to fork-tender perfection every time.
The Takeaway
With the right prep and cook time, beef shank easily becomes meltingly tender in the Instant Pot. Take advantage of this inexpensive cut to enjoy rich, meaty flavor any night of the week.
The hands-off convenience of the Instant Pot makes braising beef shank an easy weeknight dinner option. So grab a bag of shanks on your next grocery run to expand your Instant Pot recipe repertoire.
Recipe: Pressure Cooker Beef Shank (Osso Bucco)
Inspired By: Lorna Sass Pressure Perfect
- The pressure cooker needs to be at least 6 quarts. I use my huge Kuhn Rikon 12-quart pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Beef Shank (Osso Buco)
FAQ
How long does beef shank take to get tender?
How long to cook meat in Instant Pot?
Does beef get tender in instant pot?
How many minutes pressure cooker beef?
|
Meat, Poultry
|
Cook Time, (minutes)
|
|
Beef, pot roast, rump, round, chuck, or brisket, 3 to 4 lbs. (1.4 to 1.8 kg)
|
45-60 (15 mins per pound)
|
|
Beef, ribs, short, for grilling
|
15
|
|
Beef, ribs, short, for stewing
|
25
|
|
Chicken breasts, with bones, 2 to 3 lbs. (0.9 to 1.4 kg)
|
8-10
|
How long to cook beef shank in Instant Pot?
Return the beef shank to the Instant Pot, along with the bay leaves and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for about 90 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10-15 minutes.
How long do you Pressure Cook beef shank?
Generally, it is recommended to pressure cook beef shank for around 60-75 minutes on high pressure to ensure it becomes tender and fully cooked. What are some delicious recipes using beef shank in an Instant Pot?
How do you cook beef shanks in a crock pot?
Place the beef shanks in the cooker. Cook/sear both sides for 3-5 minutes per-side or until brown. Remove the shanks and set aside. Add onions, carrots, celery and cook for 2-3 minutes or until onions become translucent. Add garlic, sauté ~30 seconds or until fragrant. Pour red wine in the cooker and deglaze the bottom of the cooker for 2 minutes.
How to cook beef in Instant Pot?
Place your Instant Pot on the sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Sear the beef shank on all sides until browned. This will help seal in the flavors and keep the meat juicy. Remove the beef from the Instant Pot and set it aside. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, carrot, and celery to the Instant Pot.