Ham hocks are a wonderfully flavorful and budget-friendly cut of pork that can elevate your meals with their rich, smoky taste. Whether you want to add depth to soups, stews, or enjoy them as a main dish, cooking ham hocks is easier than you might think. In this article, I’ll walk you through simple, effective methods to cook ham hocks that bring out their best qualities.
What Is a Ham Hock?
A ham hock is the lower portion of a pig’s leg, just above the foot and below the ham. It’s a tough cut with lots of connective tissue, skin, and some meat, usually cured and smoked. Because of this, ham hocks need slow cooking to become tender and to release their deep, smoky flavor into dishes.
How to Cook a Ham Hock: Three Popular Methods
1. Boiling Ham Hocks
Boiling is the classic way to cook ham hocks, especially when you want to make a flavorful broth or stock.
– Preparation: Rinse the ham hocks under cold water to clean them.
– Cooking: Place the hocks in a large pot and cover with water. Add aromatics like onions, celery, garlic, peppercorns, and salt to boost flavor.
– Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 2 to 4 hours. The meat is done when it starts to fall off the bone.
– Use: Remove the hocks, shred the meat, and use it in soups, stews, or with vegetables. The cooking liquid makes a rich stock perfect for beans or greens.
2. Roasting Ham Hocks
Roasting gives ham hocks a crispy, caramelized exterior and tender meat inside.
– Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Score the skin in a crisscross pattern and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices.
– Roast: Place the hocks in a roasting pan with about an inch of water at the bottom. Add vegetables like onions or potatoes if you like.
– Cook: Roast for 3 to 4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is tender.
– Serve: This method pairs beautifully with potatoes and sauerkraut for a hearty meal.
3. Slow Cooker Ham Hock
Using a slow cooker is a hands-off way to get incredibly tender ham hocks with minimal effort.
– Ingredients: Combine ham hocks with chicken stock, diced celery, onions, carrots, garlic, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
– Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 8 to 10 hours until the meat falls off the bone.
– Finish: Remove the hocks, shred the meat, and serve with sides like coleslaw and sweet potatoes.
– Bonus: The cooking liquid can be seasoned and served as a flavorful broth.
Tips for Cooking Ham Hocks Perfectly
– Soak Before Cooking: If your ham hocks are very salty or cured, soak them in cold water for a few hours to reduce saltiness.
– Skim Fat and Scum: When boiling, skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface for a cleaner broth.
– Use the Stock: Don’t discard the cooking liquid! It’s packed with flavor and makes a great base for soups or sauces.
– Remove Skin and Fat After Cooking: The skin and fat can be tough, so remove them after cooking and enjoy the tender meat.
– Pair with Classic Sides: Ham hocks go well with collard greens, black-eyed peas, potatoes, sauerkraut, or legumes for a comforting meal.
Delicious Ham Hock Recipe Idea: Marmalade-Glazed Ham Hocks
For a sweet and savory twist, try glazing your cooked ham hocks with a mixture of marmalade, honey, and grainy mustard.
– After simmering the ham hocks until tender, remove the skin but leave some fat.
– Mix 5 tablespoons each of marmalade and honey with 2 tablespoons of mustard.
– Spread the glaze over the ham hocks and roast at 220°C (430°F) for 20-30 minutes until caramelized.
– Serve with roasted oranges and fresh watercress for a vibrant, flavorful dish.
Why Cook Ham Hocks?
Ham hocks are economical, flavorful, and versatile. They add a smoky richness to dishes without overwhelming them with meatiness. Their collagen-rich tendons and skin melt down during slow cooking, creating a velvety texture in broths and stews that’s hard to beat.
Ham hocks might not be the flashiest cut of pork, but with the right cooking method, they transform into a delicious, comforting ingredient that can star in many dishes. Whether you boil, roast, or slow cook them, you’ll enjoy their rich flavor and tender texture every time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with ham hocks – they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!