German Cuisine: Pork shank, known as “Schweinshaxe” in German, is a traditional dish often associated with Bavarian cuisine. The shank is usually roasted until the skin becomes crispy, and the meat is tender and juicy. It is often served with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and mustard. Cooking pork shank in the oven can result in a delicious and tender dish. Here’s a basic recipe to guide you:
How to cook pork shank in oven
Pork shank refers to the lower leg portion of a pig. It is a cut of meat that comes from the area just above the pig's ankle. The shank is known for its flavorful and relatively tough meat, which becomes tender and delicious when cooked using slow and moist cooking methods such as braising or roasting. Pork shank is often used in dishes like osso buco, where it is typically cross-cut into thick slices to showcase the marrow in the bone and add richness to the dish. It can also be used to make hearty stews or as a flavorful addition to soups.
Ingredients
- 2 pork shanks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season the pork shanks generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the pork shanks in the skillet and sear them until browned on all sides. This will help develop flavor and create a nice crust.
- Once the shanks are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté the vegetables until they become slightly softened and aromatic.
- Deglaze the skillet by adding the chicken or vegetable broth and red wine (if using). Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits, as they add flavor to the dish.
- Return the pork shanks to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Add the fresh herbs, if desired, for extra flavor.
- Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Allow the pork shanks to cook in the oven for approximately 2 to 3 hours, or until they are tender and the meat easily pulls away from the bone. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the meat. If it easily slides in and out, the shanks are ready.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork shanks rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the pork shanks with the vegetables and juices from the skillet, which can be strained and reduced into a sauce if desired.Enjoy your oven-baked pork shanks! They pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread.
Video
Notes
When cooking pork shank in the oven, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are five things to note:
1. Cooking Temperature: Pork shank requires slow and gentle cooking to break down the tough connective tissues and achieve tender meat. Set your oven to a low temperature, around 325°F (163°C), to ensure a slow cooking process that allows the flavors to develop.
2. Seasoning: Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of pork shank. Generously season the shanks with salt and pepper before cooking. You can also use additional spices and herbs according to your preference, such as garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.
3. Searing: Searing the pork shanks before placing them in the oven adds depth of flavor and a beautiful brown crust. Heat some oil in a skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the shanks on all sides until they are nicely browned.
4. Moisture: Pork shank benefits from moisture during the cooking process to keep the meat tender and prevent it from drying out. Adding broth, wine, or a combination of both to the cooking vessel helps create a moist environment. You can also include aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, which contribute to the flavor and moisture as well.
5. Cooking Time: Pork shank requires a long cooking time to become tender. Generally, it takes around 2 to 3 hours in the oven, but the exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the shanks and your oven. It's important to cook them until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or a meat thermometer into the meat. It should glide in easily with little resistance.
By keeping these five factors in mind, you'll be on your way to cooking flavorful and tender pork shank in the oven.
Nutrition
Serving: 100g
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Lillian
Lillian loves to try her hands on new recipes. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise: food is the way to everyone's heart.
