Pressed knuckle

Cookinero 1 March 2025

Pressed knuckle is a meat delicacy prepared at home. All over the world, pork knuckle is in great demand, although it contains almost no meat. The product mainly consists of tendons, ligaments and fat. The knuckle differs from other parts of pork. Its meat is slightly darker, and its taste is richer. A standard test will help determine the freshness of the product - press your finger on the knuckle: if the dent quickly recovers, then you can safely buy it.

How to cook Pressed knuckle

Step 1

Pressed knuckle

Boil the pork knuckle. Place the knuckle in the multicooker bowl, add cold water to cover the meat completely. Add onion, carrot, peppercorns and allspice. Salt and cook in the "soup" mode for 120 minutes. Then add the bay leaf and cook for another 30 minutes.

Step 2

Pressed knuckle

Rub the cooked knuckle with spices. Remove the cooked knuckle from the water and cool. Make a cut on the side and carefully remove the bone. Distribute the chopped garlic evenly over the meat. The knuckle should lie skin side down. Sprinkle with paprika, grain mustard and black pepper, rub them into the meat.

Step 3

Pressed knuckle

Form a "rectangle" of pork. Take a container of a suitable size and put the knuckle in it, add a couple of spoons of the broth in which the knuckle was cooked. Disposable foil forms or, for example, a plastic container will do. Cover with a flat board or lid of a suitable size. You can put another container or form on top. Then press down the resulting structure with a weight and put it in the refrigerator. Keep the knuckle under pressure for 24 hours.

Pressed knuckle - FAQ About Ingredients, Baking Time and Storage

Yes, you can use a large pot on the stove. Simmer the knuckle over low heat for the same duration, ensuring the water stays at a gentle boil and the meat is fully submerged.
Pork shoulder or shank are good alternatives, though cooking times may vary slightly. For a leaner option, try chicken thighs or legs, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
Pressed knuckle keeps well for up to 3–4 days when tightly wrapped or in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it (see freezing tips).
For a vegetarian version, replace the knuckle with firm tofu or seitan. Simmer in vegetable broth with the same spices, press, and season, but reduce pressing time to 6–8 hours.
Slice and warm it gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water, or microwave on low power with a damp paper towel over it.
Yes! Wrap slices or the whole portion tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serve sliced cold as a charcuterie item, or warm with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. It also works well in sandwiches or atop salads.
Reduce paprika and black pepper for mildness, or add cayenne, cumin, or coriander for extra depth. Adjust garlic to taste.
While 24 hours yields the best texture, you can press it for 6–8 hours with heavier weights (like canned goods) for a firmer result.
Yes, but bone-in knuckle adds flavor. If using boneless, shorten boiling time by 30 minutes and ensure the meat is tightly rolled before pressing.

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