🥩 What is veal shank?

Veal shank is meat from the lower part of a calf's leg, characterized by a high amount of collagen and a delicate flavor. It is one of the most valued cuts of meat for braising, roasting, and cooking in broths. Thanks to the high connective tissue content, after long cooking, it becomes extremely tender and juicy, and the natural sauce it produces adds depth of flavor to dishes.

✅ Collagen-rich meat – excellent for joints and skin
✅ Perfect for slow cooking, braising, and roasting
✅ Juicy and tender texture after preparation
✅ A classic choice for Italian ossobuco and broths

🍽 Nutritional Value

Veal shank is a complete source of protein, containing valuable nutrients that support the body's health. It is particularly noted for its high collagen content, which is essential for healthy joints and skin.

How many calories does veal shank have?

In 100g of veal shank there are:

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Protein: 21 g
• Fat: 4 g
• Collagen: high content
• Iron: 2.5 mg
• Zinc: 3 mg

🏋️‍♂️ Health Benefits

• Rich in collagen – supports joint health, improves skin appearance, and strengthens hair
• Source of complete protein – essential for muscles and body recovery
• Contains iron and zinc – components supporting immunity and red blood cell production
• Easy to digest and delicate – great for those on a light diet

🤔 Interesting Facts About Veal Shank

1️⃣ Classic ossobuco originates from Milan and literally means "hollow bone" because the center of the shank is filled with aromatic marrow.
2️⃣ In French and Italian cuisine, veal shank is often used to prepare rich broths and demi-glace, which serve as a base for many sauces.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

• How best to prepare veal shank?
It is best suited for slow cooking or braising in wine, broth, or tomato sauces. Long cooking makes the meat soft and juicy.

• Is veal shank suitable for grilling?
Due to the high amount of collagen, it's not the best choice for grilling – it is better suited for braised and roasted dishes.

• How long to braise veal shank?
Depending on temperature and method, about 2.5-3 hours, until the meat becomes completely tender.

• Is veal shank caloric?
It is not very caloric – it contains about 120 kcal per 100g, making it a relatively light meat.

🍲 Recipe for Veal Shank – Ossobuco alla Milanese

This is a classic Italian dish, where veal shank is braised in an aromatic sauce of white wine, vegetables, and tomatoes. Citrus gremolata adds freshness and enhances the delicate flavor of the meat.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty level: Medium

Ingredients:

• 2 pieces of veal shank
• 1 onion
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of white wine
• 1 cup of broth
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt, pepper, bay leaf
• Lemon zest + parsley (for gremolata)

Method:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan. Sear veal shank on both sides until golden brown.
2. Transfer the meat to a plate, and sauté onion, carrot, celery, and garlic in the same pan.
3. Pour in white wine and cook for a few minutes until the alcohol evaporates.
4. Add tomatoes, broth, and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper.
5. Return the meat to the pot and stew on low heat under a lid for 2.5 hours.
6. Prepare gremolata by mixing chopped parsley with lemon zest.
7. Serve ossobuco with gremolata, best with risotto alla Milanese or mashed potatoes.

👉 Tip: During stewing, occasionally baste the meat with sauce to keep it evenly juicy.

✨ Summary

Veal shank, or veal knuckle, is a tender, collagen-rich meat perfect for stewing and baking. It pairs wonderfully with wine, vegetables, and aromatic spices. It's a great choice for elegant dishes like ossobuco, but also for broths and slow-cooked meals. If you appreciate meat that melts in your mouth after long cooking – this is for you! 🥩🔥