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Pork shank in beer

⏱ 1440 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

This roast meat main course - cheap, tasty and simple to make - really is one of my favourites. It’s a very substantial dish which just needs some careful attention: the steps are not complicated or elaborate but there are some elements which need to be done with care, such as the marinating phase. As long as you have some patience and follow the recipe calmly, the result will be outstanding. It tastes of home, warm and cosy, perfect to be eaten as a meal in itself or even as part of a grander meal on a special occasions. Some make it with wine, but I can assure you that beer gives this meat a very special taste and aroma that will immediately transport you to Germany from the very first bite. To make this recipe flawlessly you just have to follow all the steps and take a look at the picture gallery that our chef has put together - they really will help you make a great pork shank in beer!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
52g
Carbohydrates
8g
Fat
28g
Fiber
0g

* approximate values per serving

Information
1440 minutes Total time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Do as I did: take five minutes, go down to the garden and pick lots of herbs, immerse yourself in their aroma and get in the mood: you are about to make a really unique recipe! Take the pork shank. If your shank has any rind, remove it, taking care not to cut into the meat, and set it aside - it will become really delicious crackling that will contrast with the tender pork shank. Take the spicy salt and grind it coarsely over the whole of the meat. Crush the garlic, cut it up and rub it all over the meat’s surface. Leave the shank for a moment, take a greased cake tin and line with tin foil. Place the meat in the tin and cover it with the herbs. Open the bottle of beer (you’re allowed to have a taste!) and pour it gently into the pan, so that it doesn’t rinse away the salt. If you have some, place the rind in the marinade too. Now cover with cling film and put the shank in the fridge: it will need to rest overnight. You just get up in the morning, have a cup of tea or coffee, and then turn the shank over in its marinade. The shank will need a 2 hours in the oven, so plan your cooking time ahead for either lunch or dinner. When it's time, pre-heat the oven to 190°C. While the oven is getting up to temperature the shank will need a preliminary browning in a frying pan on all sides (2 minutes per side). Replace the shank into its marinade tin, cover the pan with some more tin foil, and roast for 1.5 hours. During this time the shank will cook in its juices and its steam, and will start to become really tender. When the time is up, remove the foil covering the cake tin and put in back in the oven for half an hour so that it becomes crispy; if you have some rind, make sure this is also well exposed to the heat so that it too becomes crunchy. As soon as you take your roast from the oven, you will be overwhelmed by its aroma, and your mouth will be watering! Quickly take it to the dining table, in slices or chunks, pour over the remaining sauce in the pan and you’ll have a meal fit for a king!

Tips
This main course can be accompanied with the same beer you used for cooking the shank. Or match it with a robust red wine.
Trivia
The shank is a cut of meat rich in connective tissue which needs long, slow cooking, whether in the oven or on the hob. One also makes ‘ossobuco’ from this part of the animal, cutting across the bone.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Beer-Braised Shank with Roasted Potatoes

One of the tastiest variations of beer-braised shank is undoubtedly the one with the addition of roasted potatoes. In this preparation, the potatoes are cooked together with the shank, absorbing the flavors of the beer and aromatic herbs. To prepare this recipe, simply cut the potatoes into wedges and arrange them around the shank in the baking dish. During cooking, the potatoes will become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a perfect pairing with the tender meat of the shank. This dish is ideal for a family Sunday lunch or a dinner with friends, where every bite will be an explosion of flavors.

German-Style Beer-Braised Shank

The beer-braised shank is a typical dish of German tradition, often served on special occasions. The German preparation involves slow cooking that allows the meat to become extremely tender and flavorful. Using dark beer and a blend of spices such as black pepper and cumin, a rich and enveloping flavor is achieved. Usually, this dish is accompanied by sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, making the meal even more substantial. Preparing the German-style shank is a way to bring a piece of Germany to your table, perfect for those who love strong and decisive flavors.

Light Beer-Braised Shank without Added Fats

For those who wish to enjoy a beer-braised shank in a lighter version, it is possible to prepare a light recipe without added fats. In this variant, one can opt for a lean pork shank and cook it in the oven with a marinade of beer and spices, avoiding the use of oils and butter. Additionally, light side dishes such as grilled vegetables or a fresh salad can be served to balance the dish. This approach allows you to maintain the characteristic flavor of the shank while reducing calories and making the dish more suitable for those following a balanced diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Beer-Braised Shank and Calories

The shank is a source of high-quality protein, essential for maintaining muscle mass and for the proper functioning of the body. It also contains B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism and the well-being of the nervous system. Beer, although to be consumed in moderation, provides antioxidants and can contribute to good digestion. On average, a serving of beer-braised shank provides about 350-400 calories, depending on the preparation and ingredients used. It is important to consider portion sizes and accompany the dish with healthy sides for a balanced meal.

Can Beer-Braised Shank be Frozen?

The answer is yes, you can freeze beer-braised shank! However, it is advisable to do so only after cooking. Before freezing, make sure to cool the shank completely and store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe food bags. This way, you can keep it for up to 3 months. When you decide to consume it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven to maintain its tenderness. This option is ideal for meal planning and always having a tasty and substantial dish on hand.