Osso buco—"marrow bone" in Italian—is an iconic Milanese dish: beautiful slices of veal shank, simmered in tomato sauce until meltingly tender, with their generous marrow at the center. The dish is then finished with a fresh lemon gremolata. An elegant and comforting dish. Here is the authentic recipe.
What cut of meat should I use for osso buco?
Osso buco is prepared exclusively with AVS-certified veal shank , cut into thick slices (3 to 4 cm) with the marrow bone in the center. The bone and its marrow are what make the dish: they flavor the sauce and melt during cooking. Choose even, meaty slices. Allow one generous slice per person.
AVS veal shank
AVS certified halal veal shank, with marrow bone, the essential piece for a melting and fragrant osso buco.
Commander →See all our halal veal →What is gremolata?
Gremolata is the finishing touch that defines Milanese osso buco: a raw mixture of finely chopped lemon zest, garlic, and parsley , sprinkled over the dish just before serving. Its tangy freshness cuts through the richness of the braised meat and adds a vibrant touch. Never cook it: its bright, lemony flavor is what makes it so special.
How do you cook osso buco so that it's melt-in-your-mouth tender?
Start by lightly flouring and browning the shank slices (tie them with kitchen twine to help them keep their shape). Sauté a mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), add tomatoes, stock, and a splash of white grape juice, then return the meat to the pot. Simmer, covered, over low heat for 1½ to 2 hours , until the meat is falling off the bone. Baste occasionally to keep it moist.
What should you serve with osso buco?
The traditional Milanese accompaniment is risotto alla milanese (with saffron), whose creaminess pairs perfectly with the sauce. If unavailable, plain risotto, fresh pasta, creamy polenta, or white rice work wonderfully. Don't forget the small spoon to enjoy the marrow: it's the best part of the dish!
A beautiful veal shank with its marrow bone, slow-cooked with tomato and finished with a lemony gremolata: osso buco is an Italian dish that is as refined as it is comforting, and impresses without difficulty.
