Ham hock is an underappreciated cut of pork that becomes meltingly tender and packed with flavor when prepared in a slow cooker. This inexpensive cut transforms into a delicious hearty meal with just a few easy steps. Read on to learn how to unlock the full potential of ham hock using a slow cooker.
Why Cook Ham Hock in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking ham hock in a slow cooker offers some major advantages:
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Convenience – Just toss in the ingredients and let it cook, no need for monitoring.
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Tenderizing – The low gentle heat breaks down tissues over time, resulting in succulent pull-apart meat.
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Deeper flavor – Slow cooking draws out and melds flavors for a rich, complex taste.
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Economical – Ham hock is an affordable cut that yields impressive results.
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Versatile – Shredded ham hock can be used in many recipes like soups, sandwiches etc.
Choosing the Right Ham Hock
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Select a meaty, fresh ham hock around 1-2 lbs. Avoid ones with excessive fat or skin.
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Soak it in water beforehand to remove excess salt, at least 8 hours or overnight.
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Pat dry thoroughly before placing in the slow cooker.
Prep the Aromatics
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Dice 1 onion and 2 cloves garlic.
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Chop 2 ribs celery and 1 large carrot.
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Add to slow cooker to provide a flavorful base.
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You can sauté the veggies first for deeper flavor.
Season Generously
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Ham hock benefits from bold seasoning to liven up its flavor.
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Use 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp each of thyme and pepper.
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Also add salt, more herbs like sage or rosemary.
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Get creative with spices like paprika, cumin or Italian seasoning.
Add Liquid
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Pour in enough chicken or veggie broth to cover halfway.
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For extra richness, use bone broth. About 2 cups is needed.
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You can also use water, wine or beer. The hock will impart flavor.
Set and Forget
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Cook on low for 8-10 hours until fork tender.
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Avoid opening the lid which lets heat escape.
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If using a bigger 3-4 lb hock, increase time to 10-12 hours.
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The meat should shred easily when fully cooked.
Finish with Flair
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Remove hock and let rest 10-15 minutes before shredding meat.
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Strain broth into a saucepan to create an ultra-flavored sauce.
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Serve shredded ham hock over rice, greens, grits, roasted veggies etc.
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Drizzle reduced cooking liquid over everything for a savory flavor boost.
Ham Hock Perfection in 3 Simple Steps
Follow this easy 3-step method for foolproof ham hock every time:
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Prep – Soak, season generously, add veggies and broth.
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Slow Cook – 8-12 hours on low until fall-apart tender.
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Finish – Shred meat, reduce broth for an instant sauce.
The modest ham hock transforms with the slow cooker’s help into a mouthwatering meal. Now that you know how simple it is, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Frequently Asked Ham Hock Questions
What size ham hock should I use?
1-2 lbs is ideal, 3-4 lbs max. The meat won’t get tender if the hock is oversized.
Do I need to soak it first?
Yes, at least 8 hours removes excess salt. Overnight is best. Rinse before cooking.
What seasoning works best?
Bay leaves, thyme, sage and black pepper are classic. Onion, garlic, paprika, cumin etc also work.
How much liquid is needed?
Enough broth or water to cover halfway, around 2 cups typically. The hock releases liquid too.
Can I check doneness before time’s up?
Avoid lifting the lid before time as it loses heat and increases cook time. Rely on the time.
How do I know when it’s done?
It should shred easily with just two forks. If not, re-cover and cook longer.
What are some serving ideas?
Shredded ham hock is great in soups, stews, over grits, rice, greens, beans, with roasted veggies etc.
Incredible Ham Hock Slow Cooker Recipes
Take your ham hock game up a notch with these tasty slow cooker recipes:
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Ham Hock and Navy Bean Soup – Hearty and comforting
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Ham Hock Collard Greens – Southern classic flavor
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Split Pea and Ham Soup – Cozy and protein-packed
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Ham Hock and Potato Stew – Rustic one-pot meal
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Ham Hock and Chicken Gumbo – Spicy and robust
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Ham Hock and Vegetable Soup – Healthy and vibrant
The possibilities are endless! Use shredded ham hock in any soup, stew, rice dish, sandwich or casserole.
Satisfying and Simple Slow Cooked Ham Hock
Ham hock is a wallet-friendly cut that delivers impressive results when slow cooked to fall-off-the-bone doneness. For tender, robust pork flavor, just toss the ingredients in a slow cooker and walk away.
In just a few hassle-free steps, you’ll unlock the full potential of humble ham hock. It makes a delicious addition to many dishes.
So grab a ham hock next time you shop. Once you discover how easily it transforms into a succulent masterpiece, it will become a pantry staple!
More Delicious Recipes and Uses for Your Slow Cooker Ham Hock
Once you know how to slow cook ham hock, why not try some more delicious recipes that use this skill? From hearty stews to comforting soups, ham hock does a lot of different things well. For example, Learn to Craft the Perfect Ham Hock and White Bean Soup is a great way to spend a cozy evening. Explore Southern Cooking with Ham Hock and Collard Greens is another great book that you should check out. It will bring a taste of the South into your home. For people who like to try new things, the Bring the Caribbean to Your Kitchen with Ham Hock and Rice adds tropical flavors to a classic dish, making it a one-of-a-kind way to eat. Each recipe provides a fantastic way to refine your slow cooking techniques while delivering mouth-watering meals. Want to share your experiences cooking ham hock in a slow cooker? Join the discussion in the.
Delicious and Tender: Cooking Ham Hock in a Slow Cooker
The ham hock is a tasty and versatile cut of meat that can be used to make many delicious dishes. Setting it to cook slowly is one of the best ways to bring out its rich flavors and make it tender. This method allows the meat to slowly simmer, resulting in a deliciously savory and succulent outcome.