Pork Knuckles with Beer and Honey Glaze
This delicious and hearty dish features tender pork knuckles simmered and then roasted to perfection with a flavorful beer and honey glaze. The combination of tender meat and a crispy, caramelized crust makes this dish a memorable meal for anyone who loves robust and savory flavors. The pork knuckles are first boiled with aromatic vegetables and spices, infusing them with a rich taste. Meanwhile, a glaze of beer, honey, and a medley of spices is prepared, adding a final layer of complex flavor during roasting. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal. The aroma alone will make your mouth water, but the taste will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pork knuckles
- Water
- 3 onions
- 3 carrots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spices for Boiling:
- 2 tbsp caraway seeds
- 2 bay leaves
Beer and Honey Glaze:
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 2 tsp marjoram
- 100 g beer
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Preparation Time
Total Time: 200 minutes (Preparation: 40 minutes, Cooking: 160 minutes)
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Place the pork knuckles in a large pot filled with boiling water. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Add whole, cross-scored onions with skins, carrots, a piece of celery root, garlic, bay leaves, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the pork knuckles on low heat for approximately two hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by blending all the spices together and then mixing in the liquid ingredients to form a smooth mixture.
- When the pork knuckles are tender, remove them from the pot and place them on a baking tray greased with vegetable oil.
- Score the skin of the pork knuckles shallowly in a criss-cross pattern and brush with the prepared beer and honey glaze.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
- Bake in the preheated oven, basting every 15 minutes with more glaze as the skin begins to brown.
- Repeat the glazing step four times to ensure a crisp and flavorful crust.
- For the final touch, switch the oven to grill mode to achieve a perfectly caramelized and crispy skin.
Tips
- **For extra flavor**, marinate the pork knuckles in the glaze overnight.
- If you prefer a spicier glaze, add chili flakes to taste.
- **Use a meat thermometer** to ensure the internal temperature of the pork reaches at least 75°C.
Variations
- For a **sweeter dish**, increase the honey to taste.
- Substitute chicken for pork if preferred, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
- Use non-alcoholic beer for an alcohol-free version.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables.
- Serve with a side of sauerkraut or a fresh green salad.
Best Places
- The Pork House - Known for its exceptional pork dishes. Location: 123 Gourmet St, Vienna, Austria.
- Bierhaus Porkery - Offers unique flavors with authentic beers. Location: 78 Bratwurst Blvd, Munich, Germany.
- Knuckle's Delight - A must-visit for pork lovers. Location: 42 Delicious Rd, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Rustic Roast - Cozy atmosphere and hearty meals. Location: 99 Autumn Ln, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Porcine Perfection - Specializing in pork delicacies. Location: 157 Savory Sq, Budapest, Hungary.
- The Glazed Boar - Known for their savory glazes. Location: 300 Flavor Ave, Krakow, Poland.
- Bavarian Bites - Traditional Bavarian pork knuckles. Location: 56 Beer Garten, Dortmund, Germany.
- Golden Hog - Fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Location: 10 Culinary Ct, Warsaw, Poland.
- Meaty Moments - Offers a wide variety of pork dishes. Location: 89 Tenderloin St, Oslo, Norway.
- Crackling Cuisine - Famous for crispy pork skin. Location: 67 Sizzle Dr, Helsinki, Finland.
**Enjoy your meal!**