Osso Bucco Steak is a classic Italian dish made from cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth. This rich and flavorful meal is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Although it may seem daunting to cook this traditional dish, with a little patience and the right technique, you can create a mouthwatering osso bucco steak that will impress your guests or delight your family.
Before you start cooking, it is important to know that using the right cut of meat is crucial for achieving a tender and succulent osso bucco steak. The veal shanks should be about two inches thick and have a generous amount of marrow in the center. You can ask your butcher for assistance in selecting the best cuts. Additionally, gathering all the necessary ingredients and preparing them beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
To begin, heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the veal shanks on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is essential for sealing in the juices of the meat and enhancing its flavor. Once the shanks are nicely browned, remove them from the pot and set them aside.
Next, it’s time to prepare the aromatic base for the sauce. Sauté a combination of finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the same pot until they become tender and fragrant. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to season the vegetables. This trio of ingredients, known as mirepoix, will help develop the depth of flavor in your osso bucco steak.
In addition to the mirepoix, you can also intensify the taste of the dish by adding minced garlic, fresh herbs such as thyme and rosemary, and a bay leaf. These ingredients will infuse the sauce with a delicious aroma and enhance the overall taste of the osso bucco steak.
What is Osso Bucco Steak?
Osso Bucco steak is a traditional Italian dish that consists of braised veal shanks cooked with vegetables, broth, and white wine. The term “osso bucco” translates to “bone with a hole” in Italian, which refers to the marrow-filled bone in the center of the veal shank.
The dish is typically made by searing the veal shanks in a hot pan until they are browned, then simmering them in a mixture of onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. The veal shanks are cooked slowly over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and succulent.
Ingredients
To make osso bucco steak, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks, about 2 inches thick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook osso bucco steak:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper, then dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the shanks from the pan and set them aside.
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, white wine, thyme sprigs, and bay leaf to the pan. Stir to combine.
- Return the veal shanks to the pan, nestling them into the vegetable mixture. The liquid should cover about 3/4 of the shanks; add more broth if needed.
- Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil, and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the shanks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Osso Bucco steak is typically served with a gremolata, which is a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley. Sprinkle the gremolata over the veal shanks just before serving to add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Osso Bucco Steak
To prepare osso bucco steak, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 pounds of beef shanks, cut into 2-inch-thick slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients will help you achieve a flavorful and tender osso bucco steak. Make sure to gather all the necessary ingredients before you start cooking.
Preparing Osso Bucco Steak
Osso Bucco is a traditional Italian dish made with tender veal shanks, slowly simmered in a flavorful broth. To prepare this delicious meal, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks, about 2 inches thick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the veal shanks with salt and black pepper. Dredge them in flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides. Remove the shanks from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the white wine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
- Return the veal shanks to the skillet and add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, and rosemary sprig. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the osso bucco simmer for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender and falling off the bone.
- Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and rosemary sprig. Serve the osso bucco steak with the sauce on top and enjoy!
Osso bucco steak is best enjoyed with mashed potatoes or polenta, and a glass of red wine. Bon appétit!
Cooking Osso Bucco Steak
Osso Bucco is a traditional Italian dish made with tender veal shanks that are slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The meat becomes incredibly tender and falls off the bone, creating a flavorful and delicious dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting Sunday family dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook Osso Bucco steak.
Ingredients:
- 4 veal shanks, about 1 inch thick
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef or veal broth
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Season the veal shanks with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large oven-safe pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the veal shanks and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the shanks from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the vegetables.
- Pour in the white wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- Add the diced tomatoes, beef or veal broth, bay leaf, and parsley. Stir to combine.
- Return the veal shanks to the pot and nestle them into the sauce.
- Cover the pot with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily falls off the bone.
- Remove the pot from the oven and discard the bay leaf.
- Serve the Osso Bucco steak hot, spooning the sauce and vegetables over the top.
Osso Bucco steak is traditionally served with risotto alla milanese or creamy polenta. The combination of the tender meat and the rich sauce creates a savory and satisfying dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy!
Serving Osso Bucco Steak
Once you have cooked your delicious osso bucco steak, it’s time to serve it and enjoy the flavors. Here are a few tips on how to best present your dish:
Plating
To plate your osso bucco steak, start by placing a generous portion of the braised meat on a warm plate. Then, using a spoon, spoon over some of the rich and flavorful sauce. This will help to evenly distribute the sauce and enhance the taste of the dish.
Garnish
For an added touch of elegance and freshness, consider garnishing your osso bucco steak with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme. These herbs not only add a pop of color to the dish but also complement the flavors of the meat and sauce.
You can also pair your osso bucco steak with a side dish or two. Some popular choices include creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a simple green salad. These sides will help to balance out the richness of the meat and provide additional textures and flavors to the overall meal.
If you’re serving the osso bucco steak as part of a larger meal, consider adding some crusty bread or rolls to sop up the delicious sauce. This will make sure that no flavor goes to waste!
Remember to serve your osso bucco steak with a smile and enjoy the praise that comes with cooking such a mouthwatering dish!
FAQ
What is osso buco steak?
Osso buco steak is a traditional Italian dish made with cross-cut veal shanks, braised with vegetables, broth, and white wine.
How long does it take to cook osso buco steak?
The cooking time for osso buco steak varies depending on the size of the shanks, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 hours of slow braising to achieve tender, fall-off-the-bone meat.
What ingredients do I need to cook osso buco steak?
To cook osso buco steak, you will need veal shanks, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, tomatoes, white wine, beef or veal broth, flour, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional gremolata (a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley).
What is the best way to serve osso buco steak?
Osso buco steak is traditionally served with its rich cooking sauce and a gremolata garnish. It is commonly served over a bed of risotto alla milanese, but it can also be served with polenta, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of veal for osso buco steak?
While osso buco is traditionally made with veal, you can use other meats such as beef, pork, or lamb shanks as a substitute. However, keep in mind that each meat will have a slightly different taste and texture.