To bake this tasty Pork Ham Shank with Brown Sugar Glaze, just follow our step-by-step, photo-illustrated recipe. Great as a main dish, great for making sandwiches. Either way you use it, your family will absolutely love it. Printable recipe included.
Ham Shanks are a type of pork cut that you tend to see more around Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Still, you can usually find them in the meat counter of your favorite grocer all year around.
Ham Shanks are one of the least expensive cuts of pork. They’re also a quick and easy way to make a great family meal.
Bake this for your family, cut it up, and serve it with your favorite vegetables for a full meal during the week or even on Sunday. Then, and this is my favorite way to enjoy it, use any leftovers for making sandwiches. Either way, you’re going to love it.
I’m using a Pork Ham Shank that is labeled “Fully Cooked. ” It’s also been smoked for added flavor. When you buy something or have already bought something, make sure you read the label to see what you have. You may have one that is totally uncooked, or “fresh. ” Or, you may have one labeled “Ready-to-eat,” or “Heat and Serve. ”.
If you use a fresh ham shank, it will need more time to cook than what is written here. Other than that, the steps will be pretty much the same. As long as you follow the directions on the package for how long to cook something, this recipe will work right out of the box.
This link will take you to a page on the US Department of Agriculture website where you can read more about hams and food safety.
The page listed above will give you much more information than I can give you here.
If you want to try our Pork Shank Recipe, let’s go to the kitchen and… Let’s Get Cooking!
As mentioned above, this Ham Shank is listed as “Fully Cooked. “Yours might be different, so check the label and bake according to the directions on the label.”
This one weighed 8. 51 pounds. You’ll also need to know how much the ham shank weighs so you can figure out how long it needs to cook.
Note that I did not cover up the Use/Freeze By date above; it just came off when I took off the price tag the store put on it. And, just in case you’re wondering, I paid $1. 79 a pound.
Your shank may even look a bit different than this one. This particular shank has the “hock” portion removed. It depends on how it’s cut, but some of the shank you bought might have a pointier end than this one. Just saying.
Place the bigger end DOWN in the roasting pan, then give it a good coat of Mustard.
Spread a thin coat of mustard all over the shank portion, flipping it over to coat all sides.
The mustard is just going to help hold the brown sugar on the meat. Don’t be afraid to use it if you don’t like mustard because it doesn’t really add a mustard taste.
Coat the shank well with the Brown Sugar. It will start to dissolve, but cover the shank as best as you can on all sides.
Cover the whole thing lightly with aluminum foil. Just tuck it in around the tops of your pan, it doesn’t need to be sealed tightly.
Put the meat in the oven at 325F degrees for 1 1/2 hours, or until it reaches 145F degrees inside.
Check the temperature of your ham shank, being sure to not touch the bone with your thermometer.
I’ve always suggested that you purchase and use a good digital type thermometer. Any price range will have them. They’re one of the most useful things you can have in the kitchen. They’ll quickly and accurately tell you how much meat is done, so you don’t have to worry about drying it out by cooking it too long.
The shank has already reached 149F degrees, but I want to cook it up to 165F degrees.
The USDA says the minimum temperature for a bone-in-pork-shank to be cooked is at 145F degrees.
We’ll baste the shank with its own juices and then put it back in the oven to brown. This will make it cook a little more.
Get the juices from the bottom of the pan with a spoon and rub them all over the shank.
Put the shank back in the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes with the lid off so it can get a little brown.
I find it hard to wait for “leftovers. ” This is my favorite way to enjoy this baked ham shank.
Place a layer of pork on some white bread, slather with Duke’s Mayonnaise, and chow down.
Be sure to save the bone from your Pork Shank. You can use it to season food and in our Taste of Southern recipe for Ham Bone Beans.
Boiling a ham shank is a delicious way to add flavor to soups, beans, collard greens, and other dishes. When simmered for the right amount of time, ham shanks become fall-off-the-bone tender and infuse the cooking liquid with smoky, salty ham flavor. But boil a ham shank too long and it can become dry and tough. So how long should you boil a ham shank? Here’s a complete guide to boiling ham shanks, including tips for getting perfect results every time.
What is a Ham Shank?
A ham shank is the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg below the hock. It contains part of the leg bone as well as connective tissue. Ham shanks are sold fresh or cured. Cured ham shanks have been treated with salt, smoke, and sometimes sugar or other seasonings. This curing process helps preserve the meat and gives it a distinctive smoky, salty flavor.
Fresh ham shanks need to be cooked before eating, while cured ham shanks are fully cooked and just need to be heated through. Cured ham shanks are the type most often used for boiling.
Why Boil a Ham Shank?
There are several benefits to boiling ham shanks:
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It yields very tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that literally melts in your mouth
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The cooking liquid takes on rich ham flavor, making it perfect for soups, beans, greens, and more.
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It’s an easy “set it and forget it” cooking method, freeing you up to prepare other parts of the meal.
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Boiled ham shanks can be used immediately or refrigerated for later use in another dish.
So if you want deliciously tender ham that infuses its smoky flavor into your cooking liquid, boiling is the way to go.
How Long to Boil a Fresh Ham Shank
Fresh ham shanks need to be cooked before they become tender and palatable. The approximate boiling time for fresh ham shanks is:
- 1 – 2 pounds: 60 – 90 minutes
- 2 – 3 pounds: 90 minutes – 2 hours
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham has reached an internal temperature of at least 145°F. The meat should start shrinking back from the end of the bone when it’s fully cooked.
How Long to Boil a Cured Ham Shank
Since cured ham shanks are pre-cooked, they just need to be simmered long enough to heat through and become tender. Here are general guidelines:
- 1 pound or less: 45 – 60 minutes
- 1 – 2 pounds: 60 – 90 minutes
- 2 – 3 pounds: 90 minutes – 2 hours
Check for tenderness after 60 minutes. Insert a fork into the meat and twist gently. It should twist and pull away from the bone easily when fully tender.
Tips for Boiling Ham Shanks
Follow these tips for perfectly tender, flavorful boiled ham shanks:
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Use a large pot. Choose a pot that’s big enough to allow the shank to be fully submerged in liquid. This helps it cook evenly.
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Cover with cool water. Use enough cool water to cover the shank by 1-2 inches. Adding ham to already boiling water can cause the outside to overcook.
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Don’t boil. Bring the water just to a gentle simmer. Rapid boiling can make the meat tough.
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Skim foam. As the ham cooks, foam will rise to the surface. Skim this off periodically for clearer broth.
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Add aromatics. Vegetables like onion, celery, carrots, garlic, and herbs like bay leaves and peppercorns enhance flavor.
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Check tenderness. Test doneness early and often by inserting a fork. Meat should twist away easily from the bone when fully tender.
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Let rest. Once tender, remove shank from liquid and let rest 15 minutes before eating for juicier meat.
What to Do with Boiled Ham Shanks
Once you’ve boiled ham shanks to tender perfection, there are endless ways to use them:
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Make soup. The flavorful ham broth is the perfect start for bean, pea, potato, or lentil soups.
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Toss with greens. Dice or shred the meat and mix it into cooked greens like collards, mustard, or turnip greens.
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Serve over grits. The tender ham pairs perfectly with cheesy grits for a comfort food feast.
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Add to rice. Dice the ham and stir it into rice pilafs, jambalaya, or dirty rice.
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Make sandwiches. Pile sliced ham on biscuits or sandwiches with mustard and pickles.
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Freeze for later. Allow ham to cool fully, then freeze in portions to add to future recipes.
No matter how you use your boiled ham shanks, their rich smoky flavor and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness is sure to please. Just be sure not to overcook them, and you’ll have the perfect ham shanks every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I boil a frozen ham shank?
Frozen ham shanks take longer to boil since they must first thaw and come up to temperature before the real cooking begins. For a 1-2 pound frozen ham shank, plan on boiling for 2-3 hours total. Check tenderness after 2 hours.
Can I boil a whole ham?
Yes, you can boil a whole, bone-in cured ham. Plan on simmering for 18-24 minutes per pound. A 10-15 pound ham may take 4-6 hours to become tender. Monitor temperature and tenderness closely.
Should I boil ham shanks in broth or water?
Water is best, as broth can make the ham overly salty. You can add aromatics like onions, carrots, and herbs to the water for flavor. The ham will impart its flavor to the cooking liquid.
Can I boil a ham shank in the Instant Pot?
Yes, the Instant Pot can quickly tenderize ham shanks. For a 1-2 pound shank, cook at high pressure for 30-40 minutes then allow the pressure to release naturally. Check for doneness.
How do I know when a ham shank is done boiling?
Check for tenderness by inserting a fork and giving it a twist. It should rotate easily and the meat should start separating from the bone. Use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
What cut of ham makes the best ham shanks?
The hind leg or rump portion of the pig yields ham shanks with the best mix of meat, fat, and connective tissue. Always choose ham shanks from this portion of the pig for optimal flavor and texture after boiling.
So now you know exactly how long to boil ham shanks for perfect tender, flavorful results every time. Follow these guidelines, watch your cooking time carefully, and check for doneness. Soon you’ll be a pro at boiling ham shanks to add signature flavor to all your favorite dishes.
