Master the Art of Slow Cooking: How to Cook a Mouth-Watering Shank Ham in the Crock Pot

Are you tired of the same old holiday ham recipe? Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for a new, delicious way to prepare your favorite cut of pork. Look no further, as we introduce you to the mouth-watering and hassle-free method of cooking a shank ham in your crock pot. Say goodbye to dry and flavorless hams and hello to tender and flavorful perfection. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of preparing a succulent shank ham in your crock pot, making it the star dish of any meal.

Cooking a shank ham in a crock pot is not only an easy and convenient method, but it also results in a delicious and tender ham. This cooking technique is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance way of preparing a savory meal. The low and slow cooking process in a crock pot allows the flavor of the shank ham to fully develop, resulting in a succulent and moist meat that falls off the bone. If you’re looking for the perfect way to cook a shank ham, look no further than your trusty crock pot.

What is Shank Ham?

Before we dive into how to cook shank ham in a crock pot, let’s first understand what exactly shank ham is. Shank ham comes from the lower portion of the pig’s leg, specifically from the section just above the hock or ankle. It is typically sold as either whole or half hams and often comes with the bone-in. Shank ham has more connective tissue compared to other cuts of pork, making it ideal for slow cooking methods like using a crock pot.

Choosing Your Shank Ham

When selecting your shank ham, look for one with a good distribution of fat marbling throughout the meat. This fat will add flavor and moisture to your cooked ham. Also, make sure to check if there is skin attached to your shank ham. Some varieties come with skin intact – if you prefer crispy skin on your cooked ham, then this may be an option for you.

Preparing Your Crock Pot

Before starting with any recipe, it’s important to properly prepare your cooking equipment first. For this recipe, you will need a crock pot or slow cooker that can accommodate the size of your shank ham comfortably. Make sure that it is clean and in good working condition.

Gather Your Ingredients

Aside from your shank ham, you will also need a few simple ingredients to cook it in your crock pot:

– 1 cup of brown sugar
– ¼ cup of Dijon mustard
– ¼ cup of maple syrup
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing Your Shank Ham

Now that you have your ingredients ready and your crock pot prepared, it’s time to get your shank ham ready for cooking. Most shank hams come pre-cooked, so there’s no need to worry about undercooking. However, cooking it in the crock pot will infuse even more flavor into the ham.

To prepare your shank ham, score the top layer of fat in a criss-cross pattern using a sharp knife. This will allow the flavors from the glaze to penetrate the meat better. Then place the ham in your crock pot with the fat side up.

Making Your Glaze

The key to a flavorful and delicious shank ham is in its glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Pour this glaze over your shank ham in the crock pot.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Set your crock pot on low heat if you have time to spare or high heat if you’re looking for a quicker cooking time. Cooking on low heat will result in more tender and flavorful meat due to the longer cooking time.

Depending on the size of your shank ham and heat setting on your crock pot, cooking time can range from 4-6 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat. Keep an eye on your ham and check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for safe consumption.

Resting Your Shank Ham

Once your shank ham has reached the desired internal temperature, turn off your crock pot and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to become even more tender.

Serving Your Shank Ham

After resting, remove your shank ham from the crock pot and let it cool slightly before slicing. You can serve it whole or slice it into ¾ inch thick slices for easier portioning. Drizzle the remaining glaze from the crock pot over your sliced ham or place it in a separate bowl for dipping.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftover shank ham, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a little bit of water or broth, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until warmed through.

Creative Serving Suggestions

Preparing the Shank Ham

When it comes to cooking a shank ham, the preparation process is just as important as the actual cooking. To ensure a delicious and successful result, here are some steps you should follow when preparing your shank ham for crock pot cooking.

Firstly, start by selecting a good quality shank ham. Look for one that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat on it. This will help to keep the meat moist and tender during the long cooking process.

Next, remove the ham from its packaging and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board.

Trim away any excess fat from around the edges of the ham but leave a thin layer intact. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat as it cooks.

If your shank ham has a skin or rind on it, use a sharp knife to carefully score it in a criss-cross pattern. This will allow the flavors penetrate into the meat while also helping to prevent the skin from shrinking during cooking.

Now it’s time to add some flavorings to your shank ham. You can keep things simple by just seasoning with salt and pepper, or you can get creative with herbs, spices, and marinades. Just make sure to rub them all over and into any cuts you made in step 4 for maximum flavor.

Preparing Your Crock Pot

While you prepare your shank ham, get your crock pot ready for cooking too. Follow these simple steps for best results:

Start by giving your crock pot a good clean with hot soapy water. This will ensure that there are no lingering bacteria that could affect the taste or safety of your meal.

Next, place a slow cooker liner inside your crock pot if desired. This will make clean up even easier!

Now it’s time to add some liquid to the bottom of your crock pot. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out during cooking. You can use water, stock, juice, beer, or any other flavorful liquid.

Cooking the Shank Ham

Now that your shank ham is prepared and your crock pot is ready, it’s time to start cooking! Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

Place the prepared shank ham into the crock pot and cover with the lid.

Set your crock pot to low heat and cook for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time will result in a more tender and flavorful ham.

During this cooking time, you can add additional seasonings or liquids if desired. Just be sure not to open the lid too often as this will cause heat loss and increase cooking time.

Once the cooking time is up, check that the internal temperature of the ham has reached at least 145°F using a meat thermometer. If not, continue cooking until it reaches this safe temperature.

Finishing Touches

Once your shank ham is fully cooked and has reached a safe temperature, it’s ready to be enjoyed! But first, here are some helpful tips for adding the perfect finishing touches:

Carefully remove the shank ham from the crock pot using tongs or a large fork. Place it on a cutting board and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

To achieve beautifully glazed ham, transfer it to a roasting pan or baking dish and brush with a glaze of your choice (maple syrup, brown sugar-honey mustard sauce, etc). Then pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.

For an even juicier end result, let your shank ham cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.

Now all that’s left to do is carve your shank ham into slices or chunks and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Safety Notice

When it comes to cooking any type of meat, including shank ham, it’s important to always keep food safety in mind. Here are some important safety tips to follow when cooking a shank ham in the crock pot:

Always make sure the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145°F (63°C) before consuming.

Thoroughly wash any utensils or surfaces that came into contact with raw meat.

Avoid overcrowding your crock pot by making sure there is enough space between the pieces of meat for proper heat circulation.

Do not leave your crock pot unattended for extended periods of time while it’s turned on.

Enjoy your delicious shank ham with peace of mind by following these safety measures!

Q: What is a shank ham?
A: A shank ham, also known as a bone-in ham, is a cut of pork that comes from the lower section of the pig’s leg.

Q: How large should the crock pot be for cooking a shank ham?
A: To ensure there is enough space for the ham and any additional ingredients, it is recommended to use a crock pot that can hold at least six quarts.

Q: Do I need to thaw the shank ham before cooking it in the crock pot?
A: It is best to thaw the shank ham completely before cooking in the crock pot. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any food safety concerns.

Q: How long does it take to cook a shank ham in the crock pot?
A: The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the ham and your specific crock pot, but on average it takes about 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.

Q: What other ingredients can I add to my shank ham when cooking it in the crock pot?
A: You can add your choice of herbs and spices, such as garlic, thyme, or rosemary, as well as fruits like pineapple or apples for added flavor. You can also add vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes for a complete meal.

Q: Do I need to baste the shank ham while it’s cooking in the crock pot?
A: Since there is no direct heat source in a slow cooker, basting is not necessary. However, you can brush or glaze the top of the ham with your choice of sauce halfway through cooking if desired.

In conclusion, cooking a shank ham in the crock pot is an easy and convenient method that yields delicious and tender results. The most important step in this process is properly preparing the ham by trimming off excess fat and scoring the skin. From there, seasoning and adding liquid is key to infusing the meat with flavor and preventing it from drying out. The crock pot’s low and slow cooking method allows the ham to cook evenly and become fork-tender without much effort or attention required.

It is important to note that there are various ways to season a shank ham, using different spices, herbs, glazes, or even fruits. This allows for customization based on personal preference or occasion. Additionally, the use of broth or apple cider vinegar as a liquid option adds depth of flavor to the dish.

The versatility of cooking a shank ham in the crock pot also extends beyond traditional holiday meals. It can be used as a delicious protein for sandwiches, salads, pizzas, soups, or casseroles. The leftover meat can also be frozen for future use.

Overall, mastering how to cook a shank ham in the crock pot is a valuable skill that can elevate your cooking game and save time in the kitchen. With proper preparation and key ingredients such