Beef Shank - Help What Do I Have

[TheHojo]

Went to my local butcher the other day - he said he had a beef shank for me

When I got there he had a 20 pound piece of meat waiting - looks like the entire leg of the cow.

I believe the lower narrower part is the primal shank - i was going to smoke and braise that.

But no idea what the part above the primal shank is - is this a bone in beef shoulder - and if so, assume I can smoke like the primal shank - until it hits 160 or so, then braise in a pan until meet is 205 or so/fork tender.

My buddy and I are going to separate the primal shank from the rest of the beast - but any ideas what I have above the shank would be appreciated. I don't have a picture of the meat (currently wrapped and in my freezer) - but below is a good rendition of what it looks like

https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/beef-leg-gm943814310-257847722

 

[keeperofsecrets]

Smoke it as is. Season as you would brisket. Cook low and slow, but don't wrap. It's done when it's done.
I cooked two whole shanks like that about a year or so ago. Might have posted pictures here, don't remember.
I do remember that it was awesome in the way that beef cheek is awesome...like back ribs with more meat.

 

[Titch]

I have done Beef shank here
https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259370
hope that helps a bit, great eating

 

[TheHojo]

I have done Beef shank here
https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=259370
hope that helps a bit, great eating

Thank you - those are some great pictures and recommendations. I note you said they were about 3 pounds - that is what I have normally been told they will weight (between 3 and 5 pounds)

The one I got was close to 20 pounds - that was why I was concerned i got the shank and something else - just didn't know what that something else was! Guess we will have to cook it to find out.

Thank you again

 

[Titch]

Thank you - those are some great pictures and recommendations. I note you said they were about 3 pounds - that is what I have normally been told they will weight (between 3 and 5 pounds)

The one I got was close to 20 pounds - that was why I was concerned i got the shank and something else - just didn't know what that something else was! Guess we will have to cook it to find out.

Thank you again

Its been a long time but, we used to cook whole legs on a spit,
Treat the top as a roast to be slow cooked
you have my mouth watering

 

[thirdeye]

I'm thinking you have a very generous portion of 'foreshank'. The brisket is slightly to the rear, and as you go higher you run into the chuck. The lower chuck is sometimes called a 'chuck - square cut'. In the beef chart the area labeled 'stew meat' is the additional weight as a foreshank is maybe 8 pounds.