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

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:

  • Inexpensive – Ham shanks cost a fraction compared to other ham cuts like slices or roasts. Great budget-friendly option.

  • Tender and juicy – Long slow cooking transforms the tough cut into fall-off-the-bone tender meat.

  • Big ham flavor – Curing and smoking gives ham shanks their distinctive salty smoky flavor.

  • Lots of meat – A 5-10 pound shank can feed a crowd Provides tasty leftover meat too

  • Bone for soup – Simmer the bone later to make bean, pea or lentil soup. Get extra value from your ham.

  • Easy to cook – Just rub with spices, pop in the oven and roast. Lower effort than a whole ham.

Choosing the Right Ham Shank

When buying a ham shank, look for:

  • Weight – Choose a size that suits your needs, from 2 to 8+ pounds. Estimate 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 pound per serving.

  • Pre-cooked vs. fresh – Pre-cooked just needs reheating while fresh requires full cooking. Check the label.

  • Meat distribution – Pick one with a good amount of meat, not all bone. Avoid skinny shanks.

  • Fat cap – Some fat helps keep it moist. Choose a shank with a thin layer of fat on top.

  • Brand – Opt for a reputable brand for best texture, flavor and quality.

  • Expiration date – For safety, only purchase a fresh ham shank with distant sell-by/use-by dates.

Seasoning and Preparing Ham Shank

Minimal prep work is needed before cooking your ham shank:

  • Remove packaging – Unwrap ham shank completely and remove any netting or string. Rinse if desired.

  • Trim – Use a knife to trim off any unappetizing fat or skin. Leave a thin layer for moisture.

  • Score – Lightly score fat cap and meat with criss-crossed cuts. Helps seasonings adhere.

  • Coat and season – Brush all over with oil or mustard and season as desired. Go light on salt since it’s cured.

  • Sit – Let seasoned ham shank rest for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before roasting.

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:

  • Prep pan – Place ham shank in a roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Add 1 cup broth, juice or water.

  • Cover and roast – Cover pan tightly with foil. Roast at 300°F for 15-20 minutes per pound until cooked through.

  • Uncover and glaze – Remove foil, glaze ham shank and increase heat to 425°F. Roast 15 minutes more to caramelize glaze.

  • Check temperature – Internal temperature should reach 135°F for pre-cooked or 160°F for fresh.

  • Rest – Let roast rest 15-20 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

  • Carve and serve – Carve into thin slices. Serve warm or chill leftovers to use later.

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:

  • 2-3 lb pre-cooked – Bake covered at 300°F for 30-45 minutes total

  • 5 lb pre-cooked – Bake covered at 300°F for 60-75 minutes total

  • 7-8 lb pre-cooked – Bake covered at 300°F for 105-120 minutes total

  • 10 lb fresh – Bake covered at 300°F for 180-240 minutes total

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

Tips for Roasting Ham Shanks

  • Choose quality ham shanks for the best flavor and texture

  • Let roast rest at least 15-20 minutes before carving

  • Carve across the grain into thin slices for tenderness

  • Use the bone for split pea, bean or lentil soup

  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days

  • Reheat leftover ham shank slices in the oven or microwave

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:

  • Black pepper
  • Garlic cloves
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Brown sugar

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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