Smoking Thor's Hammer: A Delicious Beef Shank Recipe

Today, I'm diving into something I've never tried before: a massive Beef Shank, affectionately known as Thor's Hammer. Smoked Thor’s Hammer is a beef shank that’s been Frenched (cut away from the bone), trimmed, and tied. It’s a colossal piece of bone and meat. You can channel your inner Viking while hauling this mammoth cut on and off the smoker.

The Low and Slow Method

To make this meat tender, you need to smoke it low and slow, just like you would with brisket or pork butt. When it’s done, you can shred the meat just like pulled pork. Trust me, the shredded beef is perfect for making delicious tacos. Let me show you how to do it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Beef Shank (mine was 7 pounds)

• BBQ Rub of your choice

• Worcestershire Sauce

• Kitchen Twine

• Aluminum Foil

  
  

Preparing the Beef Shank

Start by trimming the beef shank of any loose fat or meat. This ensures a uniform shape. Next, truss the beef using kitchen twine. Use several pieces to hold the meat together as it cooks.

Now, season it with your BBQ rub of choice. Let it hang out on the kitchen counter while you heat up your smoker to 250 degrees.

Smoking Process

Once the internal temperature reaches 160-170 degrees and you’re happy with the bark, it’s time to wrap it in foil. You’ll want to use some liquid to help the meat steam during this next step. I used some of the bone marrow liquid, along with unsalted butter and Worcestershire sauce. Wrap it tightly and return it to the smoker. Feel free to increase the smoker temperature to 300-325 degrees at this point.

Checking for Doneness

When the internal temperature reaches 200-203 degrees, it’s done! But don’t fixate solely on the temperature. Focus more on the tenderness. A toothpick or meat thermometer should slide in and out of the meat like butter. Once that happens, remove it and let it rest for at least half an hour, or even up to an hour.

Shredding the Beef

After resting, remove the foil and shred the beef. Use the smoked beef to make some delicious tacos. Add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Watch the Process

To see me prepare this recipe step by step, check out my video below.

https://youtu.be/P9aCWHzBW48

Conclusion

Smoking Thor's Hammer is a rewarding experience. The results are absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making tacos or just enjoying the beef on its own, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that smoker, and let’s get cooking!