Italian Osso Buco Recipe That Will Make You Smack Your Lips

Osso buco is actually pretty easy to make. If you want to try it, just follow this osso buco recipe:

Ingredients

- 4 veal shanks, about 1.5 inches thick

- Salt and black pepper

- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 medium onion, finely chopped

- 1 carrot, finely chopped

- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 cup dry white wine

- 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes

- 2 cups beef or veal broth

- 2 bay leaves

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

- Zest of 1 lemon

- Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Pat the veal shanks dry using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off any extra flour so the crust stays thin.

2. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Place the veal shanks in the pot and brown them slowly on both sides. This step builds flavor, so do not rush it. Once browned, remove the meat and set it aside.

3. In the same pot, add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for several minutes while stirring until the vegetables soften and release their aroma. Add the garlic and cook briefly, making sure it does not burn.

4. Pour in the white wine and gently scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes until the sharp alcohol smell fades.

5. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth sauce. Return the veal shanks to the pot, making sure they are partly covered by the liquid.

6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the osso buco cook slowly for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Turn the meat once or twice during cooking so it cooks evenly and stays moist.

7. When the meat is very tender and nearly falling off the bone, remove the bay leaves. Sprinkle lemon zest and fresh parsley over the dish before serving to add brightness and balance.

Making a great osso buco recipe is easier when you focus on technique rather than extra ingredients. The tips below help improve texture, flavor, and presentation without adding complicated steps.

1. Tie the veal shanks with kitchen string before cooking. This helps the meat keep its shape during long cooking and prevents it from falling apart too early.

2. Brown the meat in small batches if needed. Crowding the pot lowers the heat and causes steaming instead of browning, which reduces flavor.

3. Use a heavy pot with a tight lid. This keeps heat steady and moisture inside, allowing the meat to cook evenly and stay juicy.

4. Keep the simmer very gentle. Strong boiling can make the meat tough, while slow bubbling helps break down connective tissue properly.

5. Turn the veal carefully using tongs. Rough handling can separate the meat from the bone too soon.

6. Skim excess fat from the surface during cooking if needed. This keeps the sauce balanced and not too heavy.

7. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and coat the meat better.

Knowing how to handle leftovers is important when making an osso buco recipe, especially because this dish often tastes even better the next day. Proper storage keeps the meat tender and the sauce rich without losing quality.

To store osso buco, let it cool completely before placing it in airtight containers. In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. Make sure the meat is fully covered with sauce to prevent dryness and freezer burn.

When reheating, warm osso buco slowly over low heat on the stove. Add a small amount of broth or water if the sauce is too thick. Stir gently and turn the meat carefully to avoid breaking it apart. You can also reheat it in the oven at low temperature, covered, until heated through.

A well-chosen side dish can make an osso buco recipe feel complete and balanced. The sides below pair well with the rich sauce and tender meat without overpowering it.

1. Creamy polenta

2. Mashed potatoes

3. Risotto Milanese

4. Buttered egg noodles

5. Steamed green beans

6. Roasted carrots

7. Garlic sautéed spinach

8. Soft parmesan mashed cauliflower

9. Crusty Italian bread

10. Lemon herb rice

11. Roasted asparagus

12. Simple mixed green salad