Italian Osso Buco Recipe

Why You’ll Love This osso buco

• Melts in your mouth with tender, slow-braised veal shanks.
• Rich, savory flavors that warm your soul.
• Perfectly paired with zesty gremolata for a fresh finish.
• Impressive enough for special occasions yet easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful osso buco experience!

• 4 veal shanks – about 1 1/2 inches thick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
• All-purpose flour – for dredging
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – for cooking
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for richness
• 1 medium onion – finely chopped
• 1 carrot – finely chopped
• 1 celery stalk – finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves – minced
• 1 cup chicken stock – in place of wine
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes – with juices
• 1 1/2 cups beef or veal stock – for depth of flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf – for aroma
• Zest of 1 lemon – for brightness
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for garnish

How to Make osso buco

This classic osso buco recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 1.5 to 2 hours to cook. Allow some extra time for resting before serving. Get ready for a deliciously tender dish!

Step 1: Pat and Season

Pat the veal shanks dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Dredge

Dredge each shank in flour, shaking off any excess.

Step 3: Brown the Shanks

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the shanks and brown on all sides, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Reduce heat to medium, add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Deglaze

Pour in the vegetable broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits; simmer until reduced by half.

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Herbs

Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juices, stock, thyme, and bay leaf; bring to a simmer.

Step 7: Return Shanks

Return the veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until meat is very tender.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce

Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs, transfer shanks to a serving platter, and keep warm. Increase heat and reduce the sauce slightly if needed, then stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley.

Step 9: Serve

Spoon the sauce over the shanks and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Recipe Snapshot

Pro Tips for Making osso buco

• Choose well-marbled veal shanks for maximum tenderness.
• Brown the meat thoroughly for rich flavor before braising.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth as a wine substitute for depth.
• Let the dish rest after cooking to enhance the flavors.
• Serve with fresh gremolata for a bright, zesty finish.

How to Serve this osso buco

• Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting base.
• Pair with a side of garlic mashed potatoes for extra indulgence.
• Top with fresh gremolata for a zesty finish.
• Accompany with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a pop of color.
• Offer crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Serve with a refreshing arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
• For a non-alcoholic drink, try sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing and enjoying your osso buco later is easy!

Storing Leftovers

• Let the osso buco cool to room temperature.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
• Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
• Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

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Final Thoughts

As you savor your homemade osso buco, let the tender veal shanks and zesty gremolata transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. So gather your loved ones, share stories, and enjoy every delicious bite. You’ve earned it!