Osso Buco Recipe

Cook Time: 2 hours 50 minutes  

   Prep Time: 35 minutes

Osso Buco Ingredients

Osso Buco Instructions

  1. Pat the veal shanks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Spread the all-purpose flour on a plate and dredge each veal shank in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the butter is foaming.
  4. Add the veal shanks to the pot in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned shanks to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery to the same pot. Sauté, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes.
  6. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the vegetables and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Pour in the dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  8. Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes and chicken stock to the pot, stirring to combine.
  9. Return the browned veal shanks to the pot, nestling them into the sauce in a single layer.
  10. Add the thyme sprigs, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves to the pot, tucking them into the sauce around the shanks.
  11. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, turning the shanks once or twice, until the meat is very tender and nearly falling off the bone.
  12. While the osso buco simmers, prepare the gremolata by combining the lemon zest, finely chopped parsley, and finely minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  13. When the veal is tender, remove the shanks from the pot and discard the herb sprigs and bay leaves. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken to your desired consistency.
  14. Return the veal shanks to the pot to warm through, spooning the sauce over the top.
  15. Serve the osso buco hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of gremolata over each shank just before serving.

Estimated Calories: 450, Servings: 4

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Osso Buco Tips

The aroma of a homemade Osso Buco recipe fills the kitchen with rich, savory notes-slow-cooked veal shanks release their marrow, infusing the sauce with a deep, meaty essence. For the best results, sear the meat until golden brown; this step is key for developing a complex, caramelized flavor that defines an authentic Italian Osso Buco. The texture should be fork-tender, with the meat nearly melting into the sauce, while the marrow offers a buttery, luxurious mouthfeel.
A quick tip for a truly delicious and easy Osso Buco: deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine to lift the fond and add brightness. The perfect recipe balances acidity and sweetness, so don't skip the classic gremolata topping-its fresh lemon zest and parsley cut through the richness, making each bite lively and tasty. For a simple yet impressive presentation, serve over creamy polenta or risotto to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.
To make your Osso Buco stand out, use the best quality ingredients you can find. Fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs are essential for building layers of flavor. If you're wondering how to make this dish even more special, try simmering gently and patiently; low and slow is the secret to a perfect, fall-off-the-bone texture. These tips ensure your easy, authentic Osso Buco recipe is both comforting and unforgettable.

About Osso Buco Recipe

If you're searching for the best and most authentic Osso Buco recipe, you've come to the right place! This classic Italian dish is renowned for its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a homemade masterpiece that's both easy and quick to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner, you'll love how this recipe brings out the delicious, hearty taste that makes Osso Buco so special. Let me show you how to make this tasty dish with some of my favorite tips for the perfect result every time.
One of the secrets to the best Osso Buco is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The combination of tender veal shanks, aromatic vegetables, and a savory tomato-based sauce creates a flavor explosion that's truly unforgettable. This easy recipe doesn't require any complicated steps-just follow along, and you'll see how simple it is to achieve that authentic Italian taste at home. If you're wondering how to make your Osso Buco even more delicious, don't forget to add a sprinkle of gremolata on top for a zesty finish!
What I love most about this homemade Osso Buco recipe is how quick it is to put together, yet it tastes like you've spent hours in the kitchen. With my tips and tricks, you'll have the perfect dish to impress your family and friends. Serve it with creamy risotto or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the tasty sauce. If you're looking for the best, most authentic, and easy Osso Buco recipe, this is the one you'll want to make again and again. Give it a try and experience the delicious flavors of Italy in your own home!

Osso Buco Quick Mistake Fixes

When the seasoning tips too far into the salty realm, Osso Buco can lose its delicate balance and overwhelm the palate. The best Osso Buco should have a savory depth, but too much salt masks the subtle sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the braised meat. A good way to recover is to add a splash of unsalted stock or a handful of diced tomatoes, which can quickly mellow the saltiness and restore harmony. The aroma should remain inviting, not sharp or briny, and the final taste ought to be delicious and comforting, not harsh.
Overcooking is a common pitfall with Osso Buco, turning what should be a tender, succulent dish into something stringy and dry. The best texture is one where the meat yields easily to a fork, moist and infused with the flavors of the braising liquid. If the meat becomes tough or the marrow dries out, the dish loses its luxurious mouthfeel and the experience is diminished. A great Osso Buco is both hearty and healthy, with the slow-cooked meat retaining its juices and the sauce thickening just enough to coat each bite.
Balancing flavors at the last minute can elevate Osso Buco from good to truly memorable. A quick squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of gremolata just before serving can brighten the dish, cutting through the richness and adding a fresh, aromatic lift. This easy finishing touch ensures the flavors are layered and complex, making each mouthful both satisfying and lively. The best Osso Buco is not just about deep, slow-cooked notes, but also about that final, fast burst of freshness that makes the recipe feel complete and delicious.

Osso Buco Story

The first time I prepared this dish, the kitchen filled with a savory aroma that seemed to wrap around every corner of the house. My grandmother, who had always been the best cook in our family, wandered in, drawn by the scent. She watched as I followed the recipe, her eyes lighting up with memories of her own youth. The texture of the meal, tender and rich, mirrored the warmth in her voice as she shared stories of her childhood. That evening, we sat together, savoring each bite, and I realized how food can be a bridge between generations, connecting us in ways words sometimes cannot.
On a rainy evening, I invited a friend over for dinner, hoping to impress with something both delicious and healthy. The dish was easy to prepare, and the process was surprisingly quick, allowing us to spend more time talking and less time fussing in the kitchen. As we ate, the flavors unfolded slowly, each mouthful a new discovery. The meal became a backdrop for laughter and honest conversation, and by the end of the night, we both agreed it was one of the best dinners we had shared. The experience reminded me that sometimes, the simplest gatherings can create the greatest memories.
A few months later, I found myself cooking for a stranger who would soon become a close friend. We bonded over our mutual love for good food and the joy of a fast, home-cooked meal. The dish's aroma filled the air, inviting curiosity and anticipation. As we tasted the first bites, the flavors sparked a conversation about our favorite recipes and the comfort of a well-cooked meal. That evening, the meal was more than just sustenance; it was the beginning of a friendship, proof that sharing something delicious can turn a simple dinner into a lasting connection.

Storage Tips

When considering storage, the best approach for Osso Buco is to let the dish cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. The rich, aromatic sauce and tender meat benefit from being stored together, as the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making for an even more delicious experience the next day. A good seal keeps the savory aroma locked in, ensuring the recipe remains as inviting as when it first left the pot, with the marrow's essence infusing every bite.Shelf life is a key factor for this healthy and hearty Italian classic. Osso Buco keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, maintaining its robust flavor and silky texture. For a quick and easy meal later, you can freeze portions for up to two months, and the dish will still deliver a great, comforting taste when thawed and reheated. The slow-cooked vegetables and meat hold up beautifully, making this a fast favorite for make-ahead meals.Reheating Osso Buco is best done gently, allowing the aromas of wine, herbs, and braised meat to bloom once more. Warm it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even temperature and to preserve the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This method helps the recipe retain its depth and complexity, so every spoonful is as satisfying and easy to enjoy as when it was first served, making leftovers a truly delicious encore.