BEEF SHANK FOR SOUP RECIPES

Steps:

• For the beef stock: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add the oxtails, neck bones, and shank bones. Return the water to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Drain into colander and rinse the bones thoroughly under cold running water. Rinse the pot and return the oxtails, neck bones, and shank bones to the pot. Add water, slowly bring to a simmer, and cook for at least 6 hours. Meanwhile, roast the onion and ginger on a rimmed baking sheet for 40 minutes.
• Add the roasted onion and ginger to the simmering stock, along with the cinnamon, star anise, clove, cardamom pod, pepper, and palm sugar. Add the beef brisket and cook for 30-45 minutes; remove and allow the stock to continue to simmer, skimming off any scum that rises to the top. After 6-8 hours, remove pot from the heat and use a slotted spoon to discard the large solids. Strain the stock into soup pot through a fine-mesh sieve. (Note: To store, let cool completely; then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Makes 6 quarts.)
• For the soup: Thinly slice the top round and use the back of your knife to tenderize the meat slices; set aside. Slice the cooked brisket against the grain in thin slices; set aside. Blanch the bean sprouts in hot water; set aside. Season the stock with a few pinches of salt and fish sauce to taste.
• Warm a serving bowl in hot water. Place the dried rice noodles in fine-mesh sieve; submerge the sieve in hot water and gently stir with tongs, 5–10 seconds. Place the cooked noodles in the warmed serving bowl. Top with brisket; then add a few slices of the top round and some chopped scallions and cilantro. Ladle the hot broth into the bowl, being careful not to submerge the top round. Serve immediately, accompanied by optional garnishes.

Steps:

• Lightly coat beef Shank Cross Cuts with flour. Heat 1-1/2 teaspoons oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Brown half of beef shanks on all sides; remove from stockpot. Repeat with remaining 1-1/2 teaspoons oil and shanks. Pour off drippings. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
• Add onion, carrot and celery to stockpot; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add wine; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until browned bits attached to stockpot are dissolved. Cook an additional 5 to 8 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes.
• Return beef to stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2 to 3 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
• Meanwhile, prepare Gremolata. Place parsley, orange peel and garlic in food processor or blender container. Cover; process until finely chopped, stopping and scraping side of container as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Remove cross cuts. Cut beef from bones; set aside. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Bring cooking liquid to a boil and cook 5 to 10 minutes or until reduced to 2 cups. Season with salt, as desired. Return beef to cooking liquid. Serve with creamy polenta; garnish with Gremolata.