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Braised Pork Shank
Meats
Nutri-ScoreA

Braised Pork Shank

Sus scrofa domesticus

Clinical Encyclopedia

Braised pork shank is a flavorful cut of meat that is slow-cooked to tenderness, often resulting in a rich, savory dish. It is commonly enjoyed in various cuisines around the world.

Also known as:
Pork HockPork Knuckle
Scientific NameSus scrofa domesticus
Region of OriginGlobal

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories250 kcal
Water
60%
Fiber0g
Total38.0g
Protein
20g(53%)
Fats
18g(47%)
Carbohydrates
0g(0%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.7 mg (58%)
Vitamin b2 (riboflavin)0.2 mg (15%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)5.5 mg (35%)
Vitamin b5 (pantothenic acid)0.8 mg (16%)
Vitamin b6 (pyridoxine)0.5 mg (38%)
Vitamin B120.7 µg (29%)
Choline70 mg (13%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DV
Folate: 5 µg

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Iron1.5 mg (8%)
Magnesium20 mg (5%)
Phosphorus200 mg (29%)
Potassium300 mg (6%)
Zinc2.5 mg (23%)
Copper0.1 mg (11%)
Manganese0.1 mg (5%)
Selenium30 µg (55%)
Minerals with less than 2% DV
Calcium: 10 mg

Health Benefits

Rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
Contains important vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!High in saturated fats; excessive consumption may contribute to heart disease.

How to Prepare & Consume

Slow-cooking or braising in liquid enhances flavor and tenderness. Pair with vegetables for a balanced meal.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose pork shank that is pink with a small amount of marbling for flavor.

How to Store

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days.

Medicinal Profile & Bioactive Compounds

Therapeutic properties, key bioactive compounds, and clinical applications of this food.

Medicinal Properties
Rich in collagen, beneficial for joint health.
Main Applications
Culinary use in stews and soups
Traditional dishes in various cultures
Bioactive Compounds
Collagen

Supports skin elasticity and joint health.

How to Consume
Braised, Stewed, Grilled
Did you know?

"Pork shank is often used in traditional dishes like German Eisbein and Italian Stinco."

Myths vs Realities

MythPork is unhealthy and should be avoided.
RealityPork can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
MythBraised pork shank is too fatty to be nutritious.
RealityWhile it contains fat, it also provides essential nutrients and can be enjoyed in moderation.
MythAll pork must be cooked well-done.
RealityPork can be safely cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal flavor.

Healthy Recipes

Herb-Infused Braised Pork Shank with Quinoa Salad

This dish features tender braised pork shank infused with fresh herbs, served alongside a refreshing quinoa salad packed with vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. 2. In a large oven-safe pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the pork shank on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. In the same pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened. Add thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Return the pork shank to the pot, add vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Cover and transfer to the oven for 2.5 hours.
  5. 5. Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and mix in cherry tomatoes and parsley.
  6. 6. Once the pork is tender, serve it over the quinoa salad.

Spicy Asian Braised Pork Shank with Bok Choy

This Asian-inspired dish features braised pork shank with a spicy soy glaze, served with sautéed bok choy for a nutritious twist.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups bok choy, chopped
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Green onions for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, combine soy sauce, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and chicken broth. Add the pork shank and bring to a simmer.
  2. 2. Cover and braise on low heat for 3 hours until tender.
  3. 3. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil and sauté bok choy until wilted. Add rice vinegar and stir.
  4. 4. Serve the braised pork shank over the bok choy and garnish with green onions.

Mediterranean Braised Pork Shank with Chickpeas

A hearty Mediterranean dish featuring braised pork shank served with spiced chickpeas and a side of roasted vegetables.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. 2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the pork shank. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini until soft. Add chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Return the pork shank to the pot, add vegetable broth, cover, and braise in the oven for 2 hours.
  5. 5. Serve the pork shank with the chickpea mixture and roasted vegetables.

Citrus Braised Pork Shank with Sweet Potato Mash

This vibrant dish features braised pork shank with a citrus glaze, paired with creamy sweet potato mash for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 2 oranges, juiced and zested
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. 2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the pork shank. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add orange juice, zest, and chicken broth. Return the pork shank to the pot.
  4. 4. Cover and braise in the oven for 2.5 hours.
  5. 5. Meanwhile, boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper.
  6. 6. Serve the pork shank over the sweet potato mash.

Braised Pork Shank Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These flavorful tacos feature tender braised pork shank topped with a fresh avocado salsa for a healthy twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 8 corn tortillas
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, season pork shank with chili powder, salt, and pepper, then add chicken broth and braise for 3 hours.
  2. 2. In a bowl, combine diced avocados, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa.
  3. 3. Once the pork is tender, shred it and serve in corn tortillas topped with avocado salsa.

Braised Pork Shank with Lentils and Spinach

A nutritious dish featuring braised pork shank served over a bed of protein-rich lentils and fresh spinach.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 2 cups spinach, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the pork shank. Remove and set aside.
  2. 2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add lentils, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Return the pork shank to the pot, add vegetable broth, and braise for 2.5 hours.
  4. 4. Stir in spinach before serving over the lentils.

Braised Pork Shank with Cauliflower Rice

This low-carb dish features tender braised pork shank served over a bed of cauliflower rice for a healthy alternative.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 1 head cauliflower, grated into rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the pork shank. Remove and set aside.
  2. 2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Return the pork shank to the pot and braise for 3 hours.
  4. 4. In a separate pan, sauté grated cauliflower until tender. Serve the pork shank over cauliflower rice.

Braised Pork Shank with Apple Cider Glaze

This dish features a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze on tender braised pork shank, served with roasted Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. 2. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the pork shank. Remove and set aside.
  3. 3. Sauté onion and garlic until soft, then add apple cider and chicken broth.
  4. 4. Return the pork shank to the pot and braise for 2.5 hours.
  5. 5. Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20 minutes. Serve the pork shank with the sprouts.

Braised Pork Shank with Root Vegetable Mash

A comforting dish featuring braised pork shank served with a creamy mash of root vegetables for a hearty meal.

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs pork shank
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
  • 1 potato, peeled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the pork shank. Remove and set aside.
  2. 2. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the pork shank and braise for 3 hours.
  3. 3. Boil carrots, parsnips, and potato until tender, then mash with Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4. Serve the pork shank over the root vegetable mash.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is braised pork shank?

Braised pork shank is a cut of pork that is slow-cooked in liquid until tender.

How long does it take to braise pork shank?

Typically, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to braise pork shank until tender.

What are the best seasonings for braised pork shank?

Common seasonings include garlic, onion, thyme, and bay leaves.

Can I use a slow cooker for braised pork shank?

Yes, a slow cooker is an excellent method for braising pork shank.

What dishes can I make with braised pork shank?

You can use it in tacos, sandwiches, or serve it with mashed potatoes.

Is braised pork shank healthy?

In moderation, it can be part of a healthy diet, providing protein and essential nutrients.

How do I store leftover braised pork shank?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze braised pork shank?

Yes, it can be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's well-wrapped.