Place clean pork shank in a large pot, pour hot water or broth over it so it is covered entirely. Cover pot with lid, bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 hours until the shank meat is tender.
20 minutes before it is ready, add bay leaf and peppercorns. Let the shank cool in the broth for about 20 minutes.
Take out of liquid, dry it in a paper towel. Make a clean cut along the central bone. Separate meat and skin from bones (there are 2 bones). Separate the meat and cut it into small pieces or shred for pulled pork.
Optional Steps - Add minced garlic, salt and pepper the skin and meat. Pour spices, garlic, mix. Toss shredded meat with salt, pepper and minced garlic. Place into a casserole or baking dish.
In a separate bowl, mix honey and soy sauce. Spread the mixture on all sides of the shin. Bake the dish until browned, in a preheated oven at 350 F for about 20-25 minutes.