Cooking a shank ham in the oven is a fantastic way to create a tender, flavorful centerpiece for any meal. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, baking a ham shank brings out rich, savory flavors that everyone will love. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook a shank ham in the oven, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process with easy tips and a delicious glaze recipe.
Choosing the Right Shank Ham
Start by selecting a good-quality shank ham. Look for one that is well-trimmed with a bit of marbling to ensure juiciness. The size depends on how many people you’re serving-generally, plan for about half a pound per person.
Preparing Your Ham Shank
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (about 160°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly.
- Trim excess fat from the ham, leaving a thin layer to keep the meat moist.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This not only looks attractive but helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up, leaving space around it for air circulation.
Making a Flavorful Glaze
A glaze adds sweetness and a beautiful caramelized crust to your ham. Here’s a simple and tasty glaze you can whip up:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Black pepper to taste
Mix these ingredients well until combined.
Baking Your Shank Ham
- Pour about 2 cups of water or vegetable broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist during cooking.
- Spoon half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover the scored fat.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake the ham for about 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 5-pound ham would bake for roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.
- Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the pan juices to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- When the ham is nearly done, remove the foil, brush the remaining glaze generously over the ham, and increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to let the glaze caramelize and form a delicious crust.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature-it should reach about 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked, tender ham.
Resting and Serving
Once your ham shank is out of the oven, let it rest covered loosely with foil for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and moist.
Carve the ham into thin slices against the grain and arrange on a platter. Drizzle any remaining pan juices or glaze over the top for extra flavor.
Tips for Success
– Avoid touching the bone with your thermometer to get an accurate temperature reading.
– If you want a more intense glaze flavor, apply the glaze twice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
– Save the bone after carving-it’s perfect for making flavorful soups or stews.
Serving Suggestions
Shank ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad. The rich, sweet glaze complements savory dishes beautifully, making your meal a memorable occasion.
Cooking a shank ham in the oven is easier than you think, and the results are always impressive. With a little preparation and patience, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful ham that’s sure to delight your family and guests.
Enjoy your perfectly baked shank ham!