Quality and Value – Exploring Beef Shanks at Costco

When it comes to tasty, affordable meat options, Costco is a prime destination. The warehouse club offers an impressive selection of high-quality beef cuts, often at prices lower than your average grocery store. One particular cut that Costco shoppers love is beef shank. If you enjoy cooking bone-in meat for soups, stews, and braises, you’re probably wondering – does Costco sell beef shank? Let’s find out!

Overview of Beef Shank

Beef shank refers to the leg of beef, particularly the upper part between the knee and shoulder It contains lots of connective tissue and marrow inside the bones, which results in rich flavor and tenderness when cooked low and slow with moist heat methods. Common names for cuts of beef shank include

Whole beef shank
Cross-cut shanks
Top and bottom round shanks
Hind shanks

Beef shank is ideal for dishes like osso buco, beef bourguignon, pho, and Italian wedding soup. The collagen melts into the surrounding broth or sauce, lending body along with beefy depth.

Availability of Beef Shank at Costco

The good news is yes, Costco does sell beef shank! Both whole hind shanks and cross-cut slices can be found in the fresh meat department at most locations.

When in stock, Costco typically carries choice grade beef shank from cattle raised in the US. The shanks are cryovaced for freshness and come in packs ranging 2-4 pieces weighing around 3 pounds each.

Supply fluctuates based on seasonal availability and demand. Beef shank may be absent for periods if insufficient quantities can be sourced from meat processors. Check with your local warehouse for current inventory.

Price Comparison of Beef Shank at Costco

Part of Costco’s appeal lies in the savings compared to traditional supermarkets. Here are some average per pound prices:

Costco beef shank – $2.99 to $3.99/lb
Grocery store beef shank – $4.49 to $5.99/lb
Butcher shop beef shank – $6.49 to $7.99/lb

As you can see, Costco offers significant value on beef shank, with prices up to 50% cheaper than other outlets. Lower retail overhead and economies of scale allow them to pass dramatic savings to members.

Buying and Cooking Tips for Costco Beef Shank

When purchasing beef shank at Costco, keep the following tips in mind:

Look for shanks that are brightly colored and firm with at least a thin layer of fat. Avoid any with dry, cracked surfaces.
Estimate 1 pound per person when buying. The bone weight accounts for 30-40% of total weight.
For best results, choose whole hind shanks over cross-cut slices.
Store wrapped shanks on the bottom shelf of the fridge for up to 4 days.
Trim off any dried outer membrane before cooking for better presentation.
Braise shanks for at least 1 1/2 hours until fork tender. Add veggies the last 30 minutes.
Natural gelatin from the bones gives great body to the braising liquid for gravy.
Shred leftover cooked beef and mix with the defatted braising liquid for ragu, stew, or tacos.

With proper preparation, those inexpensive Costco beef shanks become meltingly tender and full of richness.

Popular Beef Shank Recipes

Beef shank transforms into magical meals with lengthy braising. Here are some top-rated dishes to try:

Red Wine Braised Beef Shanks

Browned shanks braised in red wine, broth, and aromatics for 2 hours until tender. The perfect cold weather meal!

Osso Buco with Gremolata

Classic osso buco made by braising veal or beef shanks in white wine and vegetables, finished with a zesty gremolata garnish.

Pho Soup with Beef Shank

Traditional Vietnamese pho gets incredible flavor from charred onions, warm spices, and beef shank that simmers for hours.

Italian Wedding Soup

Mini meatballs and tender beef shank come together in this hearty soup with spinach and pasta. A cozy, comforting crowd-pleaser.

Belgian Beef Carbonnade

Beef shank simmers for hours in Belgian beer until meltingly tender, served over buttery egg noodles.

With minimal work, beef shank transforms into the ultimate comfort food. Try new global flavors with shanks from Costco’s quality meat department.

Is Costco Beef Shank Worth Buying?

At the end of the day, is Costco’s beef shank worth including in your shopping cart? The unanimous verdict is a resounding yes! Here’s why:

Significant savings – Prices are far lower than other stores.
Trusted quality – Sourced from major US beef suppliers.
Minimal prep – Cryovaced packs reduce handling.
Deep, rich flavor – Long cooking coaxes out the best beefiness.
Fork-tender texture – Collagen melts into succulent shreds.
Nutritious ingredients – Packed with protein, minerals like iron and zinc.
Easy meals – Braises and simmers with minimal fuss.
Bold global recipes – Inspires cuisines from around the world.
Satisfying portions – Feeds a crowd at family-friendly costs.

For budget-conscious home cooks seeking new inspiration, Costco’s beef shank delivers on all fronts. Stop by your local warehouse and grab a pack today for tender, soul-warming meals all week long.

Costco Beef Shank / Costco 2024 / Beef Shank Recipe / Osso Buco Recipe / Costco Meat / ASMR Cooking

FAQ

What is beef shank called in the store?

The shank cross cut is the only real cut, but it goes by different names. These include the beef fore shank and the beef Osso Bucco cut. Shank meat is generally cut horizontally in thin slices. The cut resembles a steak with a leg bone circle.

What meat is closest to beef shank?

Although other tough cuts braise nicely, chuck roast is the most affordable, and widely available which makes it the perfect substitute. You might even look for a bone-in chuck roast to stand in for the shank if you want to get the additional flavor and nutritional value that comes from bone-in cuts.

Is beef shank a cheap cut?

Perhaps one of the most affordable cuts of beef available, the shank doesn’t sell well as other cuts for one simple reason: It’s very tough. The shank is sourced from the forearm of the cow, just between the brisket and the short plate.

Can you get a beef shank?

Shanks are one of the cheapest cuts of beef and can be found at any basic grocery store or butcher. Easy to make. You only need one Dutch oven or soup pot to make this dish.

Where can I buy beef shank?

A piece of beef shank comes from each leg of the steer, meaning that each cow yields four pieces of shank. In the US, the beef shank is usually unavailable at smaller grocery stores and supermarkets. However, it can be easily found in stores with larger meat sections and at butcher shops.

Is Costco a good place to buy flank steak?

Buy a pack off each and see for you it if it’s worth it in the future to buy the prime. The cost of a flank steak at Costco is under $10 a pound which is better than a lot of other grocery store. There is no other cut of beef I now that soaks up a marinade as well as a flank steak. Just like the top sirloin, they are good for broiling as well.

Does Costco have already cooked meat?

Costco does carry some already cooked meat. You can find it close to the raw meat department, in the same place you would look for cheese. Both skirt steak and tri-tip are available at some Costco stores as already seasoned meat. Let me list for you some options I have seen. These may or may not be in your store.

Does Costco sell Lamb racks?

Lamb is one of those meats that taste so good, but a lot of people don’t pencil it into their weekly eating schedules too often. Lamb has a gamier flavor than a lot of other varieties of meat, but that robustness is what makes it special. If you find yourself in need of some lamb in your life, Costco sells Rastelli Grass Fed Frenched Lamb Racks.