Braised Pork Shank

Braised Pork Shank is a hearty, slow-cooked dish featuring a meaty pork leg (shank) simmered until tender in a rich, savory sauce. The key ingredients typically include the pork shank itself, soy sauce, aromatics like ginger and garlic, and often a combination of star anise, cinnamon, and rock sugar for depth and sweetness. It is a classic comfort food found in various forms across many cuisines, particularly in German (Schweinshaxe) and Chinese culinary traditions.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates unless a sugary glaze or starchy sides are included. It is a good source of B vitamins, iron, and collagen from the connective tissue, and a typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories depending on the cut and preparation method.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	30 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	3 g
Sodium	850 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Phosphorus	250 mg
Zinc	6 mg
Iron	3 mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)	0.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Selenium	30 mcg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the long braising process transforms a tough, economical cut into a tender centerpiece, symbolizing patience and transformation in home cooking. Nutritionally, the slow cooking helps break down collagen into gelatin, which is beneficial for joint and gut health, making it a nourishing choice in many traditional diets.