Discover the Best Way to Cook a Ham Shank
IMO, the most incredible way to prepare a ham shank is by slowly braising it in the oven. It results in a tender and juicy meat with a crispy skin that is simply divine!
If you have a fresh and uncooked ham shank, braising is the way to go. However, if you have a precooked shank ham, glazing and baking it for a shorter time will give you exceptional results.
Bake a Ham Shank with Bone for Optimal Flavor
When considering how to cook a ham shank with bone, braising is the perfect method when dealing with raw pork. Braising ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender and succulent without the need for a ham shank marinade or sauce. Trust me, the result is a dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy!
Here are the step-by-step instructions for cooking pork shank:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163C).
- Use an exacto knife or utility knife to loosen the skin from the bottom of the pork shank, leaving a layer of fat on the meat. Leave the cut skin as flaps on each side.
- Score the skin with the knife into a 1-inch diamond pattern, making sure not to cut into the flesh. Pat the skin dry with paper towels.
- Brush the skin with vinegar and sprinkle with dried sage, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together chicken stock, wine, and tomato paste, and pour this mixture into a small enameled cast iron Dutch oven. Place the ham shank skin-side up in the Dutch oven.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let the ham shank braise in the oven for 2 hours. Meanwhile, chop carrots, onion, and celery into small pieces. Chop potatoes into larger pieces and mince the garlic. Season the veggies with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- After two hours, add the seasoned vegetables into the pot, baste them, and bake covered for an additional 30 minutes.
- Remove the cover, take out the vegetables, increase the oven temperature to 450F (232C), and baste the ham shank. Roast for 15-30 minutes or until the skin reaches your desired level of crispiness. Baste the ham shank after 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove the ham shank from the pot, let it rest for 5-10 minutes, and then slice and serve.
Ham Shank Temperature and Cooking Time
To achieve perfect results, braise fresh ham shank at 325F (163C) and then roast it quickly at 450F (232C) to achieve a crispy skin. Although the skin won’t get as crispy as pork belly due to the braising, you should still get some deliciously crispy strips. Discard any skin that remains beneath the cooking liquid, as it won’t crisp up.
As for the cooking time, the ham shank takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours. This affordable cut of meat is ideal for special dinners or holiday meals when cooked slowly and at a low temperature.
Ingredients for Our Mouthwatering Ham Shank Recipe
To make this delectable cooked ham shank recipe, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs. raw ham shank, bone-in, with skin on (907 grams, not smoked)
- ½ tablespoon white vinegar
- ¾ cup chicken stock (reduced sodium or no added salt)
- ¼ cup red wine
- ½ tablespoon double-concentrated tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ cup sliced carrots
- ¼ cup onion
- ¼ cup celery
- ½ potato (choose a variety with thin skin)
- 2 minced cloves of garlic
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For this recipe, you’ll also need a small cast iron Dutch oven with a lid, an exacto knife, a pastry brush, and a whisk. Since the pork cooks for an extended period, a meat thermometer is not necessary.
Where to Buy Ham Shank Near You
At Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we offer high-quality smoked ham shanks that are perfect for this recipe. You can find them at most major grocery stores in the US, especially around Easter and Christmas. We recommend the Smithfield ham shank portion, a country ham that’s a classic choice. If you’re searching for a different option, you may also come across butt ham, which is cut from the upper leg portion of the ham.
If you’re looking for raw pork shank, we suggest reaching out to a pork farmer or butcher for this specific cut. Alternatively, you can conveniently purchase fresh pork ham shanks online at US Wellness Meats here.
Let’s Carve it Up!
Wondering how to cut a ham shank? Watch the instructional video below on carving a shank half or portion ham. Don’t worry too much about achieving perfection; as the instructor mentions, there’s no wrong way to do it!
Some people prefer using an electric knife for carving meats, while others opt for regular knives. Go with whichever option you are most comfortable with. For ultimate convenience, choose a spiral-cut ham where the carving work has already been done for you.
Cooking a Fully Cooked Shank Ham
We’ve covered how to cook raw ham shank, but what if you have a smoked ham shank? Here’s a simple recipe for a honey-glazed ham shank:
- Preheat the oven to 325F (163C). Place a large smoked shank ham, cut-side down, in a shallow roasting pan. Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake the ham for 20-25 minutes per pound until heated through. Half an hour before it’s done, uncover the ham and brush on the glaze. Heat the uncovered, glazed ham for an additional 25-30 minutes.
- To prepare the glaze, mix equal parts honey, melted butter, and brown sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat on the stovetop until it becomes a syrup.
- Let the glazed ham shank rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
More Exciting Ways to Enjoy Ham Shank
Wondering what to do with ham shanks? Our ham shank recipe is great when served with vegetables for added flavor. Try pairing it with mushy peas, mashed potatoes, cabbage, or a salad.
Ham shank also shines in soup recipes. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Ham shank and potato soup
- Ham shank and split pea soup
- Lentil rice soup with ham shanks
- Ham shank and bean soup
Another option is to enjoy ham shank with eggs, incorporate it into a stir fry, or even make a delicious ham sandwich with mustard and cheese. Let your imagination run wild!
Safety First: Ham Shank Safe Temperature
According to the USDA, uncooked fresh ham shank should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145F (63C). After cooking, let the ham rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
For precooked hams, treat them like leftovers and reheat to a minimum internal temperature of 165F (74C).
Leftover Ham Shank: Tips for Reheating
Unfortunately, the crispy skin on ham shank doesn’t reheat well. If you have leftover cooked ham shank, store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, try using an air fryer at 400F (200C) for 3-5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave the ham shank leftovers on high for 1½-2 minutes.
You can also freeze cooked ham shank (without the skin) by storing it in a freezer bag with the air pressed out.
The Nutritional Value of Ham Shank
Here is the nutrition information for fresh ham shank per a 4-ounce serving (112 grams):
- Calories: 286
- Total fat: 17g
- Saturated fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 92mg
- Sodium: 54mg
- Total carbohydrate: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Vitamin A: 0.2% DV
- Vitamin C: 0% DV
- Calcium: 1% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
Please note that this nutritional information is specific to the ham shank only. The vegetables and delicious broth in the pot can also be enjoyed, and the collagen-rich broth can be used as the base for a flavorful gravy. Just thicken it with some flour or cornstarch if desired.
Ham shank is naturally low in carbs, keto-friendly, dairy-free, and gluten-free. However, smoked or preserved ham shanks may contain added sugar and allergens. Always check the nutrition facts panel for detailed ingredient information.
Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This recipe is considered a level 3 recipe suitable for weight maintenance and active lifestyles. As for whether ham shank is healthy or not, it depends on your specific dietary needs and preferences.
Ham shank is slightly leaner than butt portion ham but still contains a significant amount of saturated fat. If you’re looking for lean protein, pork tenderloin is a better choice. Leaner ham options also have fewer calories, making them a better option for weight loss.
On the other hand, ham shank is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including phosphorus, zinc, and various B vitamins. It is also a high-quality protein that can be used in a wide range of dishes.
For a healthier option, choose fresh, uncooked ham shank instead of smoked and cured ones. Smoked hams tend to be higher in sodium and may contain added sugar and other additives you may want to avoid. Additionally, the smoking process of ham can create potentially harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as in other preserved meats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Where can I find more delicious pork recipes?
A: If you’re searching for more pork dinner recipes, give these a try:
- Air Fryer Pork Roast (Boston Butt)
- Pork Belly Air Fryer Recipe
- Chorizo Recipe
- Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
For those interested in cuts of meat similar to shank, don’t miss our Sous Vide Osso Buco recipe featuring beef shank.
Q: Is ham shank tasty?
A: Absolutely! That’s a resounding yes from us. But why not try it for yourself and discover its deliciousness firsthand?
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The Disclaimer…
Please remember that all recipes on this website may or may not be suitable for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. It’s always wise to consult with a registered dietitian or physician to determine the best dietary plan for you.
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and should be used as a courtesy. It may vary depending on the brands and specific ingredients you use. Calorie information on food labels can be wildly inaccurate, so don’t worry too much about the numbers.
For more information on how different recipe levels can assist with weight management goals, refer to our overnight oats no sugar post. Now, let’s get cooking!
Enjoy Your Flavorful Ham Shank at Hook’d Up Bar and Grill
With our easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll master the art of cooking a delectable ham shank. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or dining at Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, fire up that oven, and get ready to savor the mouthwatering flavors of our amazing ham shank recipe!
For more information about Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, visit our website here.