How to Cook a Ham Shank Perfectly – A Step-by-Step Guide

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There is no better way to use a boneless ham hock from the store than in this Roasted Ham Shank Recipe. This ham recipe is simple (only 4 ingredients), but the glaze makes the ham taste even better.

You can use this holiday ham recipe for a bone-in ham too, but the spiral cut ham will take a little longer to cook to the right temperature inside. But I promise you, this whole ham recipe is worth the wait.

This is a great dish to make for any holiday or special occasion, like Easter dinner. You can also keep it simple for Sunday dinner with your family. You can also eat this recipe, which is the best ham recipe, the next day because you will have that much ham left over.

Ham shanks make for a delicious and inexpensive cut of meat. The tapered lower portion of the pig’s hind leg is packed with flavor. When cooked properly ham shanks become fall-off-the-bone tender and juicy.

Follow this comprehensive guide to learn everything you need to know about cooking ham shanks, from choosing the right shank to roasting and serving.

What is a Ham Shank?

A ham shank refers specifically to the lower part of a pig’s leg, above the hock. It contains part of the femur bone surrounded by quality leg meat.

Ham shanks are available both uncooked and fully cooked. An uncooked or “fresh” ham shank requires more extended cooking whereas a pre-cooked one just needs reheating.

Benefits of Cooking Ham Shanks

There are many good reasons to cook ham shanks at home:

Choosing the Right Ham Shank

When buying a ham shank, look for:

Seasoning and Preparing Ham Shank

Minimal prep work is needed before cooking your ham shank:

Your ham shank is now ready to cook!

How to Cook a Ham Shank – Step by Step

Follow these easy steps for baking your ham shank:

The bone can be used to make soups. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Cooking Times for Ham Shanks

Ham shank sizes and cook times can vary. Follow these estimates:

The meat’s internal temperature is the best test for doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Tips for Roasting Ham Shanks

With this simple roasting method, you’ll get tender, juicy ham shanks every time. Enjoy delicious leftovers in sandwiches, pastas, soups and more.

how to cook ham shank

Spice and seasonings to add to this country ham recipe:

Side dishes to serve with this ham shank recipe:

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how to cook ham shank

BEST Slow-Roasted Ham Shank Recipe (HOW to Cook Ham Shank in the Oven with Garlic)

FAQ

How long do you cook a fully cooked shank ham?

Heat oven to 325ºF. Remove all packaging materials and place ham on its side, fat side up, on rack in shallow roasting pan; cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound until heated through. Remove ham from oven and let stand, covered, 20 minutes before serving.

Do you cook a shank ham with cut side down?

Let it sit before baking: Let the ham come to room temperature before cooking to ensure juicer, more evenly cooked meat. Cook it cut-side down: Place the ham cut-side down in your pan to prevent it from drying out while baking.

Do you need to soak a ham shank before cooking?

If necessary, soak the gammon (ham) in cold water to reduce saltiness, according to butcher or packet instructions (most do not need this anymore as curing methods have changed). Weigh to calculate the cooking time. Place in a large pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil.

Is ham shank a good cut?

The shank end (or leg portion) sports that classic ham profile, so it’s a good choice for a picture-perfect table . The meat tends to be leaner and it has one long bone, which makes carving easier. The butt end (the top half of the ham) has more tender, fattier meat, lending a richer flavor.

How long do you cook a ham shank?

Roast for 15-30 minutes, depending how crispy you want the skin. Baste after 15 minutes. After cooking, remove the ham shank from the pot and let it rest 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Braise fresh ham shank at 325F (163C), then quickly roast it at 450F (232C) to crisp the pork crackling.

Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?

The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.

Should you soak a shank portion Ham before cooking?

**Soaking the shank portion ham before cooking is not necessary**, as it is already a **cured and fully cooked meat**.However, if you prefer to **reduce the saltiness**, you can soak it in cold water for

Is a ham shank smoked?

Shank ham is often smoked or otherwise precooked. Raw ham shank is often called “pork shank,” though some use the terms “ham shank” and “pork shank” interchangeably. How to cook a shank ham depends on whether the pork is raw or smoked. Today, you’ll learn how to cook a ham shank in the oven that’s raw and also one that’s cooked.

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