If you’ve ever wondered, how do I cook a shank ham? you’re in the right place. Cooking a ham shank might sound intimidating, but with a few easy steps, you can create a juicy, flavorful centerpiece perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts. Let’s dive into a friendly, step-by-step guide that will have your oven working magic!
What Is a Ham Shank?
A ham shank is the lower part of the pig’s hind leg, just above the hock. It’s a flavorful cut with a good mix of meat and bone, often sold either fresh (uncooked) or pre-cooked. Fresh ham shanks require slow cooking to become tender, while pre-cooked ones mainly need reheating and glazing.
Choosing Your Ham Shank
When shopping, look for a shank that’s well-trimmed with some marbling (fat within the meat) to keep it juicy during cooking. Size matters too – estimate about half a pound per person to make sure you have enough to go around.
Preparing Your Ham Shank
Before cooking, preparation is key:
– Remove packaging and netting: Unwrap the ham and discard any strings or nets.
– Trim excess fat: Leave a thin layer to keep moisture but remove large chunks of fat or skin.
– Score the surface: Using a sharp knife, lightly cut a diamond pattern on the fat cap. This helps the glaze and seasonings soak in.
– Season or glaze: Brush the ham with oil or mustard (which helps the glaze stick) and season lightly – ham is already salty, so go easy on salt.
Let the ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 2 hours before roasting. This helps it cook evenly.
How to Cook a Shank Ham: Step-by-Step
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C), a moderate temperature perfect for slow roasting.
2. Place the Ham in a Roasting Pan
Put the ham shank fat side up in a roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water, broth, or juice to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
3. Cover and Roast
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Roast the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham will take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: aim for 135°F if pre-cooked or 160°F if fresh.
4. Glaze and Caramelize
About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and brush your glaze all over the ham’s surface. A classic glaze combines brown sugar and Dijon mustard – mix 1 cup brown sugar with ⅔ cup Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy finish. Return the ham to the oven uncovered and increase the heat to 425°F (220°C) to caramelize the glaze.
5. Rest Before Carving
Once done, take the ham out and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy when sliced.
6. Carve and Serve
Slice the ham thinly against the grain and arrange on a platter. Serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Tips for a Perfect Ham Shank
– Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
– Baste the ham every 30 minutes during cooking with pan juices for extra moisture.
– Score the fat to let flavors penetrate deeper.
– Reserve some glaze to warm and serve as a sauce.
– Use the bone to make flavorful soups or stocks after carving.
Easy Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze Recipe
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ⅔ cup Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons whole mustard seeds (optional, for texture and flavor)
Mix brown sugar and mustard well. Half goes on the ham before the last 30 minutes of baking, and the rest can be warmed with mustard seeds for serving.
Serving Suggestions
Ham shank pairs wonderfully with:
– Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
– Green beans or roasted vegetables
– Dinner rolls or crusty bread
– A fresh salad or coleslaw
Leftovers are fantastic in sandwiches, soups, or salads.
Cooking a shank ham is easier than you think and yields a delicious, tender result that’s sure to impress. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a savory, glazed ham perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!