This popular bar snack is a nice alternative to wings. Tender braised pork shanks are deep-fried until crisp and brown, then served slathered with a spicy apple-root beer sauce.
Preparation Time
15 mins
Cooking Time
2 hr
Total Time
2 hr 15 mins
Calories
378 Calories
Recipe Instructions
Step 1
Cover pork shanks with water in a large pot over medium heat; bring to a boil.
Step 2
Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and gently simmer pork shanks until tender, about 2 hours. Skim foam that forms on the surface of water as pork cooks; pour in more water as needed. Drain pork shanks and allow to cool, about 15 minutes. Remove surface moisture with paper towels.
Step 3
Pour root beer into a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to 4 cups, about 20 minutes.
Step 4
Stir apple butter and hot sauce into root beer; reduce heat to low and simmer to keep warm, stirring occasionally, while frying shanks.
Step 5
Heat vegetable oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 6
Gently lower pork shanks into hot oil, 2 or 3 at a time, and deep-fry until meat is crisp and brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 7
Serve pork shanks slathered with hot apple butter sauce.
