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Crispy roasted German Schweinshaxe with golden skin and flavorful gravy.

Crispy German Pork Knuckle

This authentic German Schweinshaxe recipe teaches you how to achieve perfectly crispy skin and tender meat using simple techniques and ingredients.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: German
Calories: 800
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pork Knuckle
  • 1 large pork knuckle, about 1.2 to 1.6 kg Ensure the skin is on for maximum crispiness.
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons coarse salt, plus extra for the skin Salt helps achieve crispy skin.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seeds, optional A traditional German seasoning.
  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 medium onion, roughly chopped Helps to flavor the drippings.
  • 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, roughly chopped, optional
  • 500 to 750 ml beer or broth for the roasting pan A malty lager for beer flavor, or broth for cooking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the pork knuckle dry with paper towels.
  2. Score the skin with shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern.
  3. Rub salt all over the pork knuckle, especially into the skin cuts.
  4. Add pepper and caraway seeds if desired.
Roasting
  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
  2. Place the chopped onions, carrots, and celery in the roasting pan. Pour in the beer or broth.
  3. Set the pork knuckle on a rack or directly onto the vegetables in the pan.
  4. Roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours, adding more liquid if the pan looks dry.
  5. Increase the oven temperature to 230°C (450°F) and roast for an additional 20 to 40 minutes, or until the skin is deep golden and crispy.
Resting and Serving
  1. Let the pork knuckle rest for 10 to 15 minutes before cutting.
  2. If desired, strain the pan juices, simmer and reduce for a gravy.

Notes

Serve with sides that can soak up the drippings, like sauerkraut, German potato dumplings, or red cabbage. Beer or sparkling water with lemon pairs well.