Cooking a shank half ham might seem intimidating, but with the right approach, it’s actually quite straightforward. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, holiday feast, or just a comforting meal, a baked shank half ham with a flavorful glaze can be a showstopper. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide on how to cook a shank half ham perfectly every time.
What Is a Shank Half Ham?
A shank half ham comes from the lower portion of the pig’s leg and is typically sold bone-in. It’s known for its rich flavor and tender meat when cooked properly. Because it has a good amount of connective tissue and fat, slow cooking helps break down these parts, resulting in juicy, flavorful slices.
Preparing Your Shank Half Ham
1. Remove Packaging and Trim Excess Fat
Start by removing all packaging materials from the ham. Use a sharp knife to trim off most of the excess fat cap and any pork rind if present. This helps the glaze stick better and prevents overly fatty bites. Don’t worry about removing every bit of fat-some fat adds flavor and moisture during cooking.
2. Score the Surface (Optional)
For a beautiful presentation and to help the glaze penetrate, you can score the ham’s surface in a diamond or checkerboard pattern. Just cut lightly through the outer skin layer without cutting too deep into the meat.
Cooking Your Shank Half Ham
Oven Temperature and Time
– Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
– Place the ham fat side up in a shallow roasting pan.
– Add about ½ inch of water to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist during cooking.
– Cover the pan tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent drying out.
Cooking Duration
Cook the ham for about 18-20 minutes per pound. For example, an 8-10 pound ham will take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
Making and Applying the Glaze
A brown sugar and mustard glaze is a classic choice that adds a sweet and tangy finish.
Ingredients for the Glaze
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ⅔ cup Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons whole mustard seed (optional for serving glaze)
How to Prepare the Glaze
– Mix the brown sugar and Dijon mustard until well combined.
– Reserve half of the glaze for serving later.
Applying the Glaze
– About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil.
– Spread the glaze evenly over the top, sides, and back of the ham.
– Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes to let the glaze caramelize and set.
Resting and Serving
Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat moist and easier to carve.
Slice the ham thinly against the grain and arrange on a platter. For extra flavor, warm the reserved glaze with mustard seed in the microwave until the sugar dissolves and serve it alongside the ham as a dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Shank Half Ham
– Don’t skip the water in the pan: It helps keep the ham moist during the long cooking process.
– Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your ham is cooked perfectly without drying out.
– Glaze timing is key: Applying the glaze too early can cause burning; too late and it won’t caramelize properly.
– Rest before slicing: This step is crucial for juicy, tender slices.
Cooking a shank half ham is a rewarding experience that yields delicious results with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautifully glazed, tender ham ready to impress your family and friends.
Enjoy your meal!