ngau4 zin2牛𦟌
Jyutpingngau4 zin2
Yalengàuh jín
Definition
Beef shank; the muscle of a cow's leg.
colloquialfooddim sum
How it's used
Beef shank is a prized cut in Cantonese cuisine specifically for its texture, which features distinct layers of connective tissue that become gelatinous when braised. It is almost exclusively associated with dishes like five spice braised beef or cold sliced beef appetizers. You will rarely see it prepared in stir-fry dishes because it requires long, slow cooking to break down the tough muscle fibers.
Measure word
gau6嚿gauhExamples
The braised beef shank made by this shop is very flavorful.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with general beef cuts like 牛腩, but they are distinct; 牛腩 is brisket, which has a higher fat content and a different texture compared to the leaner, tendon-rich shank.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
