We absolutely love exploring wild game recipes, and our Elk Shank Slow Cooker dish is a standout favorite for its rich, hearty flavors and tender results. Drawing from traditional American hunting traditions, this meal transforms tough elk shanks into melt-in-your-mouth goodness with minimal effort.
It’s perfect for busy days when we want a comforting dinner that practically cooks itself. By harnessing the slow cooker’s magic, we’ll show you how to create a nutritious, flavorful feast that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
In our Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker, we start with fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the rich, gamey flavors of wild elk while keeping preparation simple and nutritious. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Main Components
- 2 lbs elk shank: Trimmed of excess fat and silver skin, cut into 2-inch pieces for even cooking and tender results.
- 1 large onion: Peeled and sliced into thin rings, added first for a flavorful base.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced finely to release aromatic oils that enhance the slow cooker’s depth.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 medium carrots: Peeled and chopped into 1-inch chunks, providing natural sweetness and texture.
- 3 stalks celery: Diced into ½-inch pieces, offering a subtle crunch and fresh contrast.
- 2 bay leaves: Whole and fresh, to infuse earthy notes without overpowering the dish.
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups beef or game broth: Low-sodium preferred, poured in to cover the ingredients for moist, flavorful braising.
- 1 cup red wine: Optional but recommended for added acidity and complexity—use a dry variety like cabernet.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For umami depth, stirred in to balance the wild flavors.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Ground between fingers before adding, to release oils and boost herbal undertones.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, about 1 teaspoon each, adjusted based on the broth’s sodium content for optimal seasoning.
This selection ensures our Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker delivers a hearty, tender meal that’s both traditional and accessible.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker with minimal fuss, we rely on a few key tools that ensure everything comes together seamlessly after gathering the ingredients. These items help us achieve that tender, flavorful result by simplifying the prep and cooking process.
Here’s a list of the essential equipment we recommend:
- Slow Cooker: Our star appliance for this recipe, a 6-quart slow cooker works best to handle the 2 lbs of elk shank and vegetables, allowing for even cooking over several hours to develop rich, melt-in-your-mouth textures.
- Large Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely chopping onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, keeping our prep area organized and efficient.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for trimming and cutting the elk shank and vegetables with precision, ensuring even pieces that cook uniformly in the slow cooker.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring broth, wine, and seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and dried thyme, which are crucial for balancing the gamey flavors of the elk.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining and marinating ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker, helping us mix everything thoroughly for maximum flavor infusion.
- Tongs or Fork: For handling the hot elk shank safely when checking doneness or serving, making it easier to achieve that perfectly tender pull-apart consistency.
With these tools in hand, we can transition smoothly from prepping the ingredients to letting the slow cooker work its magic, delivering a hearty and impressive Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker every time.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through preparing our hearty Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker. We’ll break down the process into simple, foolproof steps to ensure a tender, flavorful dish every time.
Prep the Elk Shank
First, we pat dry the 2 lbs of trimmed elk shank using paper towels to remove excess moisture, enhancing its rich, gamey flavor. Next, we season it generously with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme, rubbing the spices evenly into the meat for maximum taste infusion.
While the elk rests, we prepare the vegetables: dice 1 large onion and 4 garlic cloves finely, chop 3 medium carrots and 2 celery stalks into 1-inch pieces, and gather 2 bay leaves to add aromatic depth. In a large mixing bowl, we combine 2 cups beef or game broth, 1 cup red wine, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, stirring until well blended to create a savory base that will tenderize the elk shank beautifully.
Slow Cook
We place the seasoned elk shank into our 6-quart slow cooker, arranging it at the bottom for even heat distribution. Layer the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and bay leaves around the meat, then pour the broth mixture over everything to submerge the ingredients partially, allowing the flavors to meld into a succulent, aromatic stew.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, cooking for 8-10 hours until the elk shank becomes fall-off-the-bone tender and the vegetables absorb the robust, earthy notes of the game. For a faster option, we can switch to high heat and cook for 4-6 hours, monitoring periodically to maintain that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Finish and Serve
Once the cooking time ends, we carefully remove the elk shank using tongs or a fork, transferring it to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices settle for an even more succulent bite. If desired, we skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquids and thicken the sauce on the stovetop by simmering it with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed in 2 tablespoons water for 2-3 minutes to create a glossy, flavorful gravy.
Finally, we shred the elk shank into generous portions, serve it hot alongside the vegetables and gravy, and pair it with crusty bread or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, comforting flavors, making this a standout meal for any gathering.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker is its flexibility for busy schedules—let’s break down how we can prepare this hearty dish in advance to lock in those tender textures and rich, gamey flavors without sacrificing quality.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
To streamline our cooking process, we start by prepping the key components the day before:
- Trim and season the elk shank: Begin with 2 lbs of trimmed elk shank. Pat it dry, then rub it generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. This allows the seasonings to penetrate deeply, enhancing the meat’s natural earthiness.
- Chop vegetables: Dice 1 large onion, mince 4 garlic cloves, chop 3 carrots, and slice 2 celery stalks. Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve their fresh crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Mix the liquid base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of beef or game broth, 1 cup of red wine, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 bay leaves. Stir well to blend the savory notes, then transfer to a sealed container and chill. This step ensures the flavors meld beautifully before cooking.
Assembling the Slow Cooker in Advance
For even more convenience, we can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead:
- Place the seasoned elk shank in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Surround it with the pre-chopped vegetables and pour the liquid base over everything.
- Cover the slow cooker insert with its lid or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate the assembled unit. This keeps the ingredients fresh and ready, preventing any loss of moisture or flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If we’ve cooked the Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker ahead, proper storage is key to maintaining its tender fall-apart texture and robust taste:
- Cool and store: After cooking, let the dish cool completely, then shred the elk shank and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The vegetables and gravy can be kept separately to avoid sogginess.
- Reheat safely: When ready to serve, transfer the mixture back to the slow cooker and warm on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. For a quicker option, use the stovetop over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the glossy sauce.
By following these steps, we ensure our Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker remains a flavorful, effortless meal that impresses every time.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Elk Shank Recipe Slow Cooker with us. It’s a straightforward way to savor rich wild game flavors that bring comfort to any table.
This dish shows how easy traditional cooking can fit modern routines delivering tender results every time. Give it a go and make it your go-to for gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elk Shank Slow Cooker recipe?
The Elk Shank Slow Cooker recipe is a simple, flavorful wild game dish that uses trimmed elk shank cooked low and slow for tender results. It’s perfect for busy days, drawing from traditional American hunting practices, and features a mix of vegetables, herbs, and broth for a nutritious, hearty meal.
What ingredients are needed for Elk Shank Slow Cooker?
Key ingredients include 2 lbs of trimmed elk shank, a large onion, garlic, carrots, celery, bay leaves, beef or game broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and seasonings. These high-quality components enhance the gamey flavors while keeping prep straightforward for a delicious, traditional dish.
What equipment is required for Elk Shank Slow Cooker?
You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker for even cooking, a large cutting board, a sharp chef’s knife, measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, and tongs or a fork. These tools make preparation safe and efficient, ensuring a smooth process from chopping to serving.
How do I prepare Elk Shank in a slow cooker?
Start by patting the elk shank dry and seasoning with salt, pepper, and thyme. Dice onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, then mix with broth, wine, and Worcestershire sauce. Place the seasoned meat in the slow cooker, add vegetables and liquids, and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours until tender.
Can I make Elk Shank Slow Cooker ahead of time?
Yes, prep the elk shank by trimming and seasoning it, chop vegetables, and mix the liquid base a day in advance. You can even assemble everything in the slow cooker and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
How should I store and reheat the Elk Shank dish?
Store shredded elk shank separately from vegetables and gravy in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, preserving the dish’s tender texture and rich flavors.
What are the best ways to serve Elk Shank Slow Cooker?
Serve the shredded elk shank hot with vegetables and gravy, paired with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. It’s versatile for family dinners or gatherings, enhancing the hearty flavors with simple sides to make it a standout dish.