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Raw Ostrich Shank
Meats
Nutri-ScoreA

Raw Ostrich Shank

Struthio camelus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Ostrich shank is a lean cut of meat that is rich in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for meat lovers. It is known for its unique flavor and tenderness when cooked properly.

Also known as:
Ostrich LegOstrich Drumstick
Scientific NameStruthio camelus
Region of OriginAfrica

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories143 kcal
Water
75%
Fiber0g
Total32.0g
Protein
29g(91%)
Fats
3g(9%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin B122.4 µg (100%)
Niacin6.2 mg (39%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron2.5 mg (14%)
Zinc4 mg (36%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

High in protein, ostrich shank supports muscle growth and repair, making it an excellent choice for athletes and active individuals.
Low in fat compared to traditional meats, it helps in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B12 and iron, which are crucial for energy production and immune function.
Contains a good amount of zinc, which plays a vital role in immune health and wound healing.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Improper cooking can lead to foodborne illnesses; ensure it is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
!Individuals with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should consult a healthcare provider before consumption.

How to Prepare & Consume

Best cooked through methods like braising or slow cooking to enhance tenderness and flavor. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose ostrich shank that is bright red in color with minimal fat. Avoid any pieces that appear discolored or have an off smell.

How to Store

Store raw ostrich shank in the refrigerator at 32°F to 40°F (0°C to 4°C) and use within 1-2 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight packaging.

Myths vs Realities

MythOstrich meat is tough and chewy.
RealityWhen cooked properly, ostrich meat is tender and flavorful, similar to beef.
MythOstrich meat is unhealthy due to its red color.
RealityOstrich meat is lean and low in fat, making it a healthy choice despite its red color.
MythYou can eat ostrich meat raw like sushi.
RealityOstrich meat should always be cooked to a safe temperature to avoid foodborne illness.

Healthy Recipes

Ostrich Shank Stir-Fry with Quinoa

A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender ostrich shank, colorful vegetables, and protein-packed quinoa, perfect for a healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 500g raw ostrich shank, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 carrots, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3. Add ostrich shank slices and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
  4. 4. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots, stir-fry for another 5 minutes.
  5. 5. Pour in soy sauce and mix well, serve over quinoa and garnish with cilantro.

Herbed Ostrich Shank Salad

A refreshing salad combining marinated ostrich shank with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette.

Ingredients
  • 300g raw ostrich shank, cubed
  • 4 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Marinate ostrich shank cubes in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
  2. 2. Grill or pan-sear the marinated ostrich shank until cooked through.
  3. 3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
  4. 4. Top the salad with the cooked ostrich shank and serve immediately.

Ostrich Shank Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Delicious tacos filled with seasoned ostrich shank and topped with fresh avocado salsa for a healthy twist.

Ingredients
  • 400g raw ostrich shank, shredded
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook shredded ostrich shank in a skillet with cumin and salt until heated through.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine avocado, red onion, lime juice, cilantro, and salt to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable.
  4. 4. Fill each tortilla with ostrich shank and top with avocado salsa before serving.

Ostrich Shank and Vegetable Skewers

Grilled skewers of marinated ostrich shank and seasonal vegetables, perfect for a healthy barbecue.

Ingredients
  • 500g raw ostrich shank, cubed
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, cubed
  • 1 red onion, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Skewers
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Add ostrich shank and vegetables, toss to coat, and marinate for 1 hour.
  3. 3. Thread ostrich shank and vegetables onto skewers.
  4. 4. Grill skewers over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.

Ostrich Shank Curry with Cauliflower Rice

A flavorful curry made with ostrich shank and served over healthy cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Ingredients
  • 500g raw ostrich shank, diced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 head cauliflower, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat olive oil in a pot, add onion, garlic, and ginger, sauté until soft.
  2. 2. Add diced ostrich shank and cook until browned.
  3. 3. Stir in curry powder and coconut milk, simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. 4. In a separate pan, sauté grated cauliflower until tender to make cauliflower rice.
  5. 5. Serve ostrich curry over cauliflower rice.

Ostrich Shank Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of ostrich shank, brown rice, and spices for a nutritious meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 400g raw ostrich shank, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine shredded ostrich shank, brown rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Stuff each bell pepper half with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
  4. 4. Top with shredded cheese if desired and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Ostrich Shank and Spinach Frittata

A protein-packed frittata featuring ostrich shank and fresh spinach, perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients
  • 300g raw ostrich shank, cooked and diced
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté spinach until wilted.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Add cooked ostrich shank and sautéed spinach to the egg mixture.
  5. 5. Pour into a greased baking dish and top with cheese, bake for 25-30 minutes until set.

Ostrich Shank Lettuce Wraps

Light and crunchy lettuce wraps filled with seasoned ostrich shank and fresh vegetables for a healthy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients
  • 400g raw ostrich shank, ground
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
  • Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, cook ground ostrich shank until browned.
  2. 2. Stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. 3. Assemble wraps by placing a spoonful of ostrich shank in each lettuce leaf.
  4. 4. Top with grated carrot, cucumber, and chopped peanuts before serving.

Ostrich Shank Bolognese with Zucchini Noodles

A healthy twist on classic Bolognese using ostrich shank and served over spiralized zucchini noodles.

Ingredients
  • 500g raw ostrich shank, ground
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 zucchinis, spiralized
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
  1. 1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  2. 2. Add ground ostrich shank and cook until browned.
  3. 3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. 4. In a separate pan, sauté spiralized zucchini until tender.
  5. 5. Serve Bolognese sauce over zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How should I cook ostrich shank?

Ostrich shank is best cooked slowly at low temperatures, such as braising or stewing, to ensure tenderness.

Is ostrich meat healthy?

Yes, ostrich meat is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy alternative to beef or pork.

What is the best way to season ostrich shank?

Marinating with herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus can enhance the flavor of ostrich shank.

Can I eat ostrich meat raw?

It is not recommended to eat ostrich meat raw due to the risk of foodborne pathogens; always cook it thoroughly.

How does ostrich meat compare to beef?

Ostrich meat is leaner than beef, with lower fat content and fewer calories, while still providing a rich flavor.

Where can I buy ostrich shank?

Ostrich shank can be found at specialty meat markets, some grocery stores, or online retailers that specialize in exotic meats.

How long can I store raw ostrich shank?

Raw ostrich shank can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days or frozen for up to 6 months.

What are the nutritional benefits of ostrich meat?

Ostrich meat is rich in protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, contributing to overall health and energy levels.