Instant Pot Osso Buco with Saffron and Gremolata

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender braised veal shanks cooked quickly in the Instant Pot with saffron and finished with a bright gremolata for a classic Italian main. This italian-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes pairs veal shanks, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 veal shanks with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then dredge in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess. Set Instant Pot to sauté and heat 3 tbsp olive oil. Brown shanks in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 cup dry white wine, scraping up browned bits, and cook 2 minutes until reduced by half. Add 2 cups beef broth, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm water, and 2 bay leaves. Return veal shanks to pot, nestling them in the liquid.
  4. Step 4: Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes. Allow natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp lemon juice to make gremolata.
  6. Step 6: Serve veal shanks with sauce spooned over and sprinkled with gremolata for a fresh, bright finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Instant Pot Osso Buco with Saffron and Gremolata take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (20 min prep + 60 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Instant Pot Osso Buco with Saffron and Gremolata?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep veal shanks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Osso Buco with Saffron and Gremolata?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Instant Pot Osso Buco with Saffron and Gremolata for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Instant Pot Osso Buco with Saffron and Gremolata?

Italian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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