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The Best Osso Buco

This classic Italian osso buco uses pancetta instead of olive oil for enhanced flavor. The slow-braised veal shanks become tender and flavorful, finished with bright gremolata.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:13 GMT
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A white dish contains three seared meat pieces topped with parsley and garlic, surrounded by carrots and a savory broth. Pin it
A white dish contains three seared meat pieces topped with parsley and garlic, surrounded by carrots and a savory broth. | zestplate.com
    Want to master the perfect Osso Buco recipe? After countless tries, I've perfected this homemade Osso Buco that's surprisingly easy to make. This Italian classic transforms veal shanks into the most tender meat you've ever tasted, swimming in a rich sauce that's pure comfort food magic.

The Story Behind The Name

    My easy Osso Buco recipe stays true to tradition - "hole in the bone" is what it means, and that hole holds the treasure! While the meat slowly cooks, that rich marrow melts into the sauce creating something so incredible you'll want to scrape the bones clean.

Let's Make Magic

    This homemade Osso Buco starts with a twist - pancetta instead of oil for browning the meat. The secret to this easy Osso Buco recipe is letting those flavors build slowly. Once the meat's browned, those vegetables go right into the pan soaking up all those delicious bits. Top it all with fresh gremolata for that perfect finish.

Mix It Up

    While traditional Osso Buco recipe calls for veal shanks, I've made this with beef, lamb, even pork. The key to perfect homemade Osso Buco is getting that center-cut shank. Each meat brings something special but they all get melt-in-your-mouth tender with this method.

Plan Ahead

    The best part about this easy Osso Buco recipe? It gets better overnight! Make your homemade Osso Buco a day ahead - those flavors deepen beautifully. Just warm it gently with some stock when you're ready to serve. Perfect for stress-free entertaining!

Perfect Partners

    Every Osso Buco recipe needs the perfect side dish. That rich sauce begs for creamy polenta, but try it with mushroom risotto or garlic mashed potatoes too. Any side that soaks up that amazing sauce from your homemade Osso Buco works perfectly.
A close-up of bone marrow dishes garnished with chopped herbs, diced vegetables, and served in a rich, savory broth. Pin it
A close-up of bone marrow dishes garnished with chopped herbs, diced vegetables, and served in a rich, savory broth. | zestplate.com

Save Some For Later

    Made too much of this easy Osso Buco recipe? It freezes beautifully! Let your homemade Osso Buco cool completely, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly with extra stock until it's warm and tender once again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What does osso buco mean?

"Hole of bone," referring to the marrow inside the shank.

→ Can I substitute the meat?

Yes, use beef, lamb, pork or moose shanks.

→ Can I make it ahead?

Yes, tastes even better next day. Reheat gently at 325°F.

→ What should I serve with it?

Polenta, risotto, mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice.

→ Can I freeze it?

Yes, up to 3 months in airtight container.

Best Osso Buco

A rich Italian braised veal shank dish featuring pancetta for extra flavor. Perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
150 Minutes
Total Time
180 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings (1)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Veal shanks.
02 Pancetta (or olive oil).
03 Vegetables (onion, carrot, celery).
04 White wine.
05 Stock.
06 Herbs.
07 Gremolata:.
08 Parsley.
09 Lemon zest.
10 Garlic.

Instructions

Step 01

Brown pancetta in Dutch oven.

Step 02

Sear veal shanks until browned.

Step 03

Cook vegetables in pancetta fat.

Step 04

Add wine and stock, braise until tender.

Step 05

Prepare gremolata garnish.

Step 06

Serve hot with gremolata.

Notes

  1. Use marrow spoon if available.
  2. Can make ahead - better next day.
  3. Don't skip the gremolata.
  4. Freezes well up to 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Dutch oven.
  • Marrow spoon (optional).
  • Sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • None.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~