Beef Knuckle: The Underrated Cut That Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

Why You Should Know About Beef Knuckle?

If you’ve ever walked past a massive, oddly shaped cut of beef at the butcher’s shop and wondered, What do people even do with that?—you’ve probably seen beef knuckle meat. This cut isn’t as famous as ribeye or brisket, but if you know how to handle it, it can be a game-changer in your kitchen.

Halal beef knuckle is lean, flavourful, and incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for home cooks who want high-quality beef without breaking the bank. Whether you roast it for sandwiches, slice it for stir-fry, or grind it for lean burgers, this cut can do it all.

Let’s learn everything you need to know about beef knuckle—what it is, how to cook it, and why you should be using it more often.

What Exactly Is Beef Knuckle?

Beef knuckle meat comes from the hind leg of the cow, near the round (aka the back thigh). Because this part of the animal gets a lot of exercise, it’s very lean and muscular—which means it needs the right cooking methods to bring out its best qualities.

It’s also a big cut—typically weighing between 8 to 12 pounds (3.5 to 5.5 kg)—so butchers usually break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. The knuckle beef meat  is made up of three main sections:

• Eye of Knuckle – The most tender part, great for roasting or slicing into steaks.
• Thick Flank (Knuckle Cap) – Slightly tougher, but perfect for slow-cooked dishes, stir-fries, or grinding.
• Tip Centre (Sirloin Tip Centre) – A nice balance of tenderness and flavour, great for grilling or slicing thin for sandwiches.

In short, halal beef knuckle is a butcher’s hidden gem. It is a cut that offers multiple possibilities depending on how you prepare it.

Why You Should Try Beef Knuckle?

If you’ve never cooked with halal knuckle beef before, here’s why it’s worth your time:

✔ Affordable – You get a lot of meat for your money. It’s one of the best-value cuts you can buy.
✔ Versatile – You can roast it, grill it, stir-fry it, braise it, or grind it into lean ground beef.
✔ High in Protein, Low in Fat – A great choice if you want lean meat with a lot of flavor.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – A single knuckle can be turned into multiple meals, from steak to stew to stir-fry.

How to Cook Beef Knuckle Like a Pro?

Since beef knuckle is lean, the key is not to overcook it, otherwise, it can get dry and tough. Here are the best ways to make it shine:

1. Slow Roasting (For Juicy, Tender Slices)

If you love roast beef sandwiches, this is the way to go.

How to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 250-275°F (120-135°C).
• Season the beef with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs.
• Roast it low and slow until the internal temp hits 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
• Rest it for 15-20 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.

✔ Best for:

• Roast beef sandwiches
• Meal prep
• Carving stations for gatherings

2. Stir-Frying (For Quick, Flavourful Meals)

Knuckle meat beef is perfect for stir-frying as long as you slice it thin and cook it quickly.

✔ How to do it:

• Slice it super thin against the grain (it helps to freeze it for 20 minutes first).
• Marinate with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for at least 30 minutes.
• Cook over high heat for 2-3 minutes max—it should be tender, not chewy.

✔ Best for

• Beef stir-fry
• Tacos or fajitas
• Beef bowls

3. Braising (For Fall-Apart Tenderness)

If you want meltingly soft beef knuckle meat, slow-cooking is the way to go.

✔ How to do it:

• Sear the beef first for extra flavour.
• Add broth, wine, or sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 hours.
• Cook until it’s so tender you can shred it with a fork.

✔ Best for:
 

• Beef stew
• Pot roast
• Italian-style brasato

4. Grilling (For a Lean Steak Alternative)

Some parts of the knuckle beef—especially the Tip Centre—can be sliced into steaks and grilled.

✔ How to do it:

• Cut it into ½-inch thick steaks.
• Marinate it or tenderise with a meat mallet.
• Grill over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side (it’s lean, so don’t overcook it!).

✔ Best for:

• Steak lovers who want a leaner option
• Steak salads
• Quick weeknight grilling

Beef Knuckle vs. Other Cuts – How Does It Compare?

Buying and Storing Beef Knuckle

How to Buy It

• Look for bright red meat with minimal discolouration.
• If buying whole, ask the butcher to trim and separate the muscles for easier use.
• If you want ground beef, ask the butcher to grind it fresh for you.

How to Store It

• Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Pre-slice for convenience: If using for stir-fry, slice before freezing for quick meals.

Final Thoughts – Why You Should Give Beef Knuckle a Try?

Beef knuckle might not be the star of the butcher’s case, but it’s a workhorse cut that deserves more attention. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly roast, lean steaks, or an easy stir-fry option, this cut has got you covered.

Next time you're at the butcher, don’t overlook this cut, you might just discover your new favorite way to cook beef.