Tender Braised Pork Shank for Babies
A Wholesome and Delicious Mom-Made Braised Pork Shank for Toddlers and the Whole Family
A specially crafted braised pork shank recipe for babies, featuring a tender texture and rich flavor. This healthy side dish can be enjoyed from the baby food stage and beyond.
Main Ingredients- 700g Pork Shank (Osso Buco)
- 1 bunch Scallions (green onions)
- 1 Onion
- 1 Mushroom (e.g., shiitake, king oyster)
Seasoning Ingredients- 6 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust for baby’s palate)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or honey for older babies)
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Coin Vegetable Broth Cube (or dashi broth)
- 6 Tbsp Soy Sauce (adjust for baby’s palate)
- 1 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or honey for older babies)
- 3 Tbsp Mirin (rice wine)
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Coin Vegetable Broth Cube (or dashi broth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak the pork shank in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove any blood. Pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Then, cut the pork into bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm) that are easy for babies to eat. Cutting them small ensures the flavors penetrate deeply, making them extra delicious.
Step 2
Next, prepare the vegetables. Cut the white parts of the scallions into large pieces. Slice the onion into large chunks as well. Trim the stems of the mushrooms and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Since braised dishes require long cooking times to tenderize the meat, it’s best to cut the vegetables a bit larger than usual. This way, they won’t become too mushy while the pork cooks.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning sauce! In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, corn syrup, mirin, and sesame oil. Mix well. When making this for a baby, it’s crucial to adjust the amount of soy sauce to suit their taste. If you’re concerned about it being too salty, you can add about 1 tablespoon less soy sauce initially and taste it later to add more if needed.
Step 5
Place the small, cut pork shank pieces and the prepared vegetables into a pot. Add the coin broth cube (or your preferred broth) and enough water to generously cover the ingredients. Bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat.
Step 6
Once the stew starts boiling, skim off any impurities or foam that rise to the surface using a spoon. Removing these impurities ensures a clean and pleasant broth flavor without any off-odors. Then, pour in all of the prepared seasoning sauce.
Step 7
Now, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. It’s important to cook until the pork is completely tender and the sauce has nicely coated the meat. As it cooks, a wonderful aroma will fill your kitchen – a sweet and savory scent that will surely whet everyone’s appetite!
Step 8
When the pork has developed a beautiful caramel color and the sauce has thickened slightly, turn off the heat. Serve the finished braised pork shank on a plate, portioned for your baby. If adults prefer a spicier kick, you can remove the baby’s portion first, then add some sliced Korean chili peppers (cheongyang peppers) to the remaining stew and simmer briefly for a delicious spicy and sweet braised dish. Although the photo might show a lighter color, the actual dish has a much deeper, appetizing brown hue. Isn’t it wonderful that you can make such a fantastic meal for around ten dollars? Homemade dishes are truly the best!
