Cooking a ham shank might seem intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think! Whether you have a smoked, precooked, or raw ham shank, this flavorful cut of pork can be transformed into a tender, juicy meal with just a few simple steps. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know-from preparation to cooking techniques-to help you make the most of this affordable and tasty cut.
What Is a Ham Shank?
A ham shank is the lower part of a pig’s leg, just above the hock. It contains a portion of bone surrounded by rich, flavorful meat. Ham shanks can be bought either precooked (often smoked) or raw, with the cooking time varying accordingly. This cut is prized for its deep pork flavor and is perfect for roasting, braising, or slow cooking until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender.
Preparing Your Ham Shank
Before cooking, some simple prep work will ensure your ham shank turns out perfectly:
– Remove packaging and netting. Unwrap the ham shank and discard any plastic or string.
– Trim excess fat and skin. Use a sharp knife to remove most of the thick fat cap and any pork rind, but leave a thin layer of fat to keep the meat moist.
– Score the skin. Lightly cut the fat or skin in a criss-cross diamond pattern to help seasonings stick and to promote even cooking.
– Season lightly. Since ham shanks are often cured or smoked, go easy on salt. Brush the meat with mustard or oil and sprinkle with herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, black pepper, and a little salt.
– Let it rest. Allow the seasoned ham shank to sit for 30 minutes to 2 hours to absorb the flavors.
How to Cook a Ham Shank: Step-by-Step
Oven-Baked Ham Shank
One of the easiest and most popular methods is baking your ham shank in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham shank in a roasting pan. Add about ½ to 1 inch of water, broth, or juice to the bottom of the pan to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Cover tightly with foil. This traps steam and helps the ham stay juicy.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes per pound. For a typical ham shank, this usually means around 1.5 to 2 hours. If it’s precooked, you’re mainly reheating it; if raw, cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Prepare a glaze. While the ham cooks, mix brown sugar with Dijon mustard or other favorite glaze ingredients.
- Glaze and finish baking. Remove the foil, brush the ham shank with the glaze, and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Bake uncovered for another 15-30 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and the skin crisps up.
- Rest before slicing. Let the ham rest for 5-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before carving thin slices.
Braised Ham Shank in a Dutch Oven
For a richer, more succulent ham shank, braising with vegetables is a fantastic option:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Score the skin and season as above.
- Place the ham shank skin-side up in a Dutch oven.
- Add a flavorful liquid mix such as chicken stock, white wine, and tomato paste to the pot, keeping the skin above the liquid.
- Cover and braise for 2 hours. This slow cooking breaks down connective tissue, making the meat tender.
- Add chopped vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and garlic seasoned with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Baste the ham and bake covered for another 30 minutes.
- Uncover and roast at 450°F (232°C) for 15-30 minutes to crisp the skin, basting halfway through.
- Rest and serve. Let the ham rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. The bone should separate easily when done.
Tips for Perfect Ham Shank Cooking
– Use a meat thermometer. For safety and best texture, cook raw ham shanks to 160°F and precooked ones to 135-145°F.
– Don’t skip resting. Resting keeps the meat juicy and easier to carve.
– Save the bone. Ham shank bones are great for making flavorful soups and stocks.
– Adjust glaze flavors. Try adding honey, mustard seeds, cloves, or orange zest to your glaze for extra zing.
– Serve with sides. Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or greens complement ham shank beautifully.
Why Cook a Ham Shank?
Ham shanks are an economical cut packed with flavor, perfect for family dinners or holiday meals. Their rich taste and tender texture when cooked right make them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the leftovers can be repurposed into soups, stews, or sandwiches, offering great value and versatility.
Cooking a ham shank is straightforward, rewarding, and delicious. With a little prep and patience, you’ll have a meal that’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time.
Enjoy your cooking adventure!