Crispy Braised Pork Shanks
- Level: Intermediate
- Yield: 4 servings
- Total: 3 hr 10 min
- Prep: 10 min
- Inactive: 50 min
- Cook: 2 hr 10 min
Ingredients
Peanut oil, for deep frying
6 cloves garlic, peeled
2 ribs celery, halved
1 onion, quartered
3 pork hind shanks
2 tablespoons kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup dry white wine
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinot noir, for serving
Fried Caper and Lemon Gremolata, recipe follows
Prepared chimichurri sauce, for serving, optional
Fried Caper and Lemon Gremolata:
1/3 cup golden raisins
2 tablespoons honey
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/3 cup capers, drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Juice of 1 lemon
2 medium shallots, finely diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
- Coat a large pot or Dutch oven with peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, celery and onions. Cook until the vegetables are browned, about 5 minutes. Add the shanks to the pot along with the salt, peppercorns, bay and thyme. Pour in the chicken broth and wine, then add enough water to just barely cover the shanks. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Remove the shanks from the pot and set on a wire rack over a sheet tray. Allow the shanks to drain and cool, 25 to 30 minutes. If you have time, you can also place the shanks in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 2 to 3 hours (this will really help dry the outsides of the shanks so that when you fry them they will get super crispy and also won't splatter as much).
- Pat the cooled and drained shanks dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat 3 inches of peanut oil in a deep, heavy pot, such as a Dutch oven or tall stock pot, to 350 degrees F. Working in batches, carefully add the shanks to the pot, skin-side down. Cover and leave slightly ajar until the oil settles. Cook, turning once, until the shanks are golden brown and crispy, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and season with salt. Repeat with the remaining shanks. Serve crispy fried pork shanks with the Fried Caper and Lemon Gremolata and chimichurri sauce if using.
Fried Caper and Lemon Gremolata:
- Place the golden raisins in a bowl of hot water with 1 tablespoon of the honey and gently squeeze them with the back of a spoon to plump them back up. Rehydrate for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1/2-inch oil to 350 degrees F in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Fry the capers for 30 to 45 seconds. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, shallots, garlic, remaining 1 tablespoon honey, fried capers and raisins in a mixing bowl and stir. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and set aside to allow the flavors to come together, 10 to 15 minutes.
Cook’s Note
If using a pressure cooker, follow the same directions but cut the braising time in half. Do not overcrowd the pot when frying the pork. It's best and safest to work in as many batches as you need to prevent a grease fire in the kitchen.