The Best & Most Tender Ossobuco Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Ossobuco is a incredibly flavorful and budget-friendly cut of meat. Today, we’re sharing our favorite way to prepare this classic dish. It turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender and pairs perfectly with couscous, creamy polenta, pasta, or the traditional Brazilian rice and beans. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for the Perfect Ossobuco:

• 2.2 lbs (1kg) Beef shanks (Ossobuco);
• 2 large onions, chopped;
• 1 medium carrot, chopped;
• Fresh parsley and scallions (to taste);
• 4 garlic cloves, minced;
• 1 tsp dried rosemary;
• Salt to taste;
• Black pepper to taste;
• Chimichurri to taste;
• 1 pinch of annatto powder (or paprika);
• 2 tbsp tomato paste;
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil;
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter;
• Hot water (enough to cover the meat).

How to Prepare the Ossobuco:

1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter;
2. Sear the beef shanks on both sides until they are well browned;
3. While the meat sears, bring water to a boil in a separate kettle;
4. Transfer the pan drippings to a pressure cooker, and sauté the garlic and onion in the reserved fat;
5. Arrange the seared beef shanks in the pressure cooker;
6. Pour in any juices released by the meat while resting;
7. Add the chopped carrots, spices, and tomato paste;
8. Pour the boiling water over the meat until fully submerged (using hot water prevents the meat from tightening);
9. Adjust salt and cook under pressure for 30 minutes;
10. Once the pressure releases, check if the meat is fork-tender. If ready, remove it carefully from the pot;
11. Transfer the meat and the cooking liquid back to the original skillet or a large pot;
12. Simmer until the sauce thickens to your preference, and adjust seasoning if needed;
13. Add fresh parsley, scallions, and a few fresh onion slices for extra flavor;
14. Once the sauce reaches the perfect consistency, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy!

Pro Tips:

For a thicker, richer sauce, whisk in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour when you transfer the meat back to the skillet. To elevate the dish even further, add a splash of dry red wine during the final simmering stage.

Did You Know?

The name “Ossobuco” comes from Italian, meaning “bone with a hole.” This recipe features beef shanks which contain the marrow-filled bone. During slow cooking, this marrow melts into the sauce, providing an incredibly rich and unique flavor.

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