Best Easy Ossobuco alla Milanese Recipe

Cross-cut veal shanks braised until meltingly tender with gremolata — Milan's gift to the world. This high protein mediterranean dish is perfect for a family dinner and naturally supports a carnivore diet.

Cook 180 min Difficulty NORMAL 675 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • veal shanks, cross-cut 4 pieces
  • all-purpose flour 0.5 cup
  • onion, finely chopped 1 cup
  • carrot, finely chopped 0.75 cup
  • celery, finely chopped 0.75 cup
  • canned diced tomatoes 0.75 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 4 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • dry white wine 1 cup
  • beef stock 2 cups
  • lemon zest, finely grated 1 tbsp
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • fresh parsley, chopped 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 16 g 9%
Protein 46 g 27%
Fat 46 g 64%
Serving size 400g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Pat veal shanks dry, then season them with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.

  2. 2

    Dredge each veal shank in flour, shaking off any excess. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, then brown the shanks for 3–4 minutes per side — do not overcrowd the pan.

  3. 3

    Remove browned shanks and set aside. Lower heat to medium; add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened and lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes.

  4. 4

    Deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up the flavorful bits, and simmer for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes to reduce excess moisture.

  5. 5

    Return veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the vegetables. Pour in beef stock until the shanks are mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat, then cover and braise in the oven for about 2 hours, turning the shanks halfway through.

  6. 6

    While the veal cooks, prepare gremolata: mix finely grated lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped parsley in a small bowl.

  7. 7

    Once meat is fork-tender and sauce has thickened slightly, remove shanks to a platter. Simmer sauce uncovered on the stovetop over medium heat if further reduction is needed.

  8. 8

    Serve veal shanks with generous spoonfuls of sauce, finishing with a sprinkle of gremolata for brightness.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the crucial ingredients for authentic Ossobuco alla Milanese flavor?
The key ingredients defining Ossobuco alla Milanese are cross-cut veal shanks, which yield tender, rich flavor when braised, and the classic trio of onion, carrot, and celery (soffritto) that forms the aromatic base. Adding gremolata—a mix of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley—before serving provides signature brightness and a fresh finish.
Q. What’s the most important cooking step for ensuring fork-tender veal shanks?
Braising at a gentle simmer and maintaining oven heat around 325°F for about two hours is essential. Turning the veal shanks halfway through ensures even cooking and prevents dryness. Monitoring moisture and topping up with beef stock if needed also guarantees the meat stays tender.
Q. How can I prevent my Ossobuco from becoming dry or tough?
Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning the shanks, as this helps achieve a proper sear. During braising, ensure the liquid nearly covers the veal and keep the pot tightly covered. Check for doneness with a fork; if not tender, extend braising time in 10-minute intervals. Proper moisture management is key to succulence.
Q. What’s the calorie and macronutrient breakdown per serving for this recipe?
Each serving of Ossobuco alla Milanese contains approximately 675 kcal, with 46g protein (27% of calories), 46g fat (64%), and 16g carbohydrates (9%). This profile highlights its high protein and moderate carbohydrate content.
AI 채팅 아이콘