What is Pork Knuckle?

Pork knuckle, also known as pig knuckle, pork shank, or pork hock, is a cut of meat from the upper part of the pig’s leg. It is a meaty, flavorful cut that is often used in traditional German dishes such as Schweinshaxe (Crispy German Pork Knuckle).

Pork knuckle is a versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be roasted, braised, or smoked. When cooked properly, pork knuckle is tender and juicy with a crispy, flavorful skin.

Nutritional Value of Pork Knuckle

Pork knuckle is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. A 3-ounce serving of cooked pork knuckle contains:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 26 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
• Sodium: 100 milligrams
• Potassium: 300 milligrams
• Iron: 3 milligrams
• Vitamin B12: 2 micrograms
• Niacin: 6 milligrams
• Vitamin B6: 1 milligram

Health Benefits of Pork Knuckle

Pork knuckle is a good source of several nutrients that are essential for good health. These nutrients include:

• Protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues. It is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells. It is also important for the nervous system and brain function.
• Niacin: Niacin is important for the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also important for the health of the skin, nerves, and digestive system.
• Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is important for the metabolism of amino acids. It is also important for the production of red blood cells and the function of the nervous system.

How to Cook Pork Knuckle

Pork knuckle can be cooked in a variety of ways. The most popular methods are roasting, braising, and smoking.

Roasting: To roast pork knuckle, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork knuckle on a roasting rack in a baking pan. Roast for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Braising: To braise pork knuckle, brown the meat in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pork knuckle to a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Add enough liquid to cover the meat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender.

Smoking: To smoke pork knuckle, preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork knuckle on the smoker grate. Smoke for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Cooking Pork Knuckle

• Choose a pork knuckle that is meaty and has a good amount of fat. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.
• Season the pork knuckle generously with salt and pepper. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
• Cook the pork knuckle slowly and at a low temperature. This will help to prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Let the pork knuckle rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will help to redistribute the juices and make the meat more tender.

Pork Knuckle Recipes

There are many delicious pork knuckle recipes available. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Crispy German Pork Knuckle (Schweinshaxe)
• Braised Pork Knuckle with Sauerkraut
• Smoked Pork Knuckle with BBQ Sauce

Pork knuckle is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. When cooked properly, pork knuckle is tender and juicy with a crispy, flavorful skin.