Braised Pork Shank Recipe: A Culinary Masterpiece162

Indulge in the delectable flavors of Braised Pork Shank, a succulent dish that has captivated palates for generations. This culinary masterpiece, originating from Cantonese cuisine, combines the perfect blend of savory and tender pork, tantalizing aromas, and rich, flavorful sauce. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice home cook, this comprehensive guide will empower you to craft an exceptional Braised Pork Shank that will impress your family, friends, or patrons.

Ingredients:
1 pork shank (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 star anise
2 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick
5 cloves garlic, crushed
3 slices ginger
1 cup water

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Shank

Remove the pork shank from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Using a sharp knife, score the pork shank all around, creating deep incisions to allow the flavors to penetrate more effectively.

Step 2: Marinate the Pork Shank

In a large bowl, combine the Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, garlic, and ginger. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade. Place the pork shank in the marinade, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Step 3: Brown the Pork Shank

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove the pork shank from the marinade and discard the excess. Sear the pork shank on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. This step is essential to develop a rich and complex flavor.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Once the pork shank is browned, remove it from the pot. Pour in 1 cup of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This process, known as deglazing, infuses the sauce with the flavorful residue from the pork.

Step 5: Return the Pork Shank and Simmer

Return the pork shank to the pot and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the pork shank is tender and falls off the bone.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Once the pork shank is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Strain the remaining liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more water if desired.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the pork shank on a serving plate and drizzle with the thickened sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro, scallions, or chili peppers for an extra burst of flavor and aroma. Serve the Braised Pork Shank with rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips:
Use a larger pork shank for a more generous serving.
If you don't have Chinese cooking wine, you can substitute dry sherry or white wine.
Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your preferred sweetness level.
To enhance the richness of the sauce, you can add a small amount of tomato paste before deglazing the pot.
For a crispier skin, remove the pork shank from the pot 30 minutes before it's finished cooking and roast it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Embark on this culinary adventure and create an unforgettable Braised Pork Shank that will tantalize your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on your loved ones. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply craving a comforting and hearty meal, this dish is sure to deliver on both flavor and satisfaction.

2025-02-01

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