Best-Pork-Osso-Buco-Recipe: Our Top Picks
What To Know
- This delectable dish combines the richness of pork shanks braised in a symphony of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a velvety wine sauce, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that will leave you craving more.
- Return the pork shanks to the skillet and add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender.
Embark on a culinary journey with our meticulously crafted best pork osso buco recipe, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dining experience. This delectable dish combines the richness of pork shanks braised in a symphony of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and a velvety wine sauce, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 4-6 pork shanks (about 3 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Gremolata (for garnish):
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 1/4 cup chopped lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Pork Shanks
Generously season the pork shanks with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the shanks on all sides in olive oil.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Remove the shanks from the skillet and set aside. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Deglaze the Pan with Wine
Pour in the white wine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the wine to simmer until reduced by half.
4. Add the Remaining Ingredients
Return the pork shanks to the skillet and add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the pork is fall-off-the-bone tender.
5. Remove the Shanks
Once the pork shanks are tender, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Strain the sauce into a separate bowl.
6. Thicken the Sauce
Bring the strained sauce to a boil in a saucepan. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sauce until thickened.
7. Reassemble the Dish
Return the pork shanks to the sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the gremolata over the pork osso buco and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for the Best Pork Osso Buco:
- Choose meaty pork shanks with plenty of bone marrow.
- Brown the shanks thoroughly to develop flavor and caramelize the meat.
- Use a high-quality dry white wine for the best flavor.
- Simmer the pork shanks for at least 2 hours to ensure tenderness.
- Don’t overcook the sauce, as it will become bitter.
- Serve the pork osso buco with a side of creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Variations on the Classic:
- Pork Osso Buco with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pork Osso Buco with Olives: Add a handful of pitted olives to the sauce.
- Pork Osso Buco with Peppers: Add diced bell peppers to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pork Osso Buco with Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or marjoram.
The Art of Making Gremolata:
Gremolata is a refreshing and flavorful herb mixture that adds a vibrant touch to pork osso buco. To make gremolata, simply combine chopped parsley, basil, and lemon zest in a bowl. You can adjust the proportions to your personal preference.
Frequently Discussed Topics
1. Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use beef shanks or veal shanks instead of pork shanks.
2. How long can I store the leftover pork osso buco?
Leftover pork osso buco can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze the pork osso buco?
Yes, you can freeze the pork osso buco in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
4. What are some good side dishes to serve with pork osso buco?
Creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables are all excellent side dishes for pork osso buco.
5. Can I make the pork osso buco in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make the pork osso buco in a slow cooker. Place the browned shanks and vegetables in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.