Cooking a ham shank in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker’s low heat and moisture-rich environment break down the connective tissues in the ham, resulting in a fall-apart texture that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served alongside your favorite sides. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of cooking a ham shank in a slow cooker, including preparation, cooking times, and some tasty variations to try.
Choosing the Right Ham Shank
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right ham shank for your slow cooker. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: Look for a ham shank that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. A 2-3 pound ham shank is a good size for most slow cookers.
- Type: You can use either a smoked or unsmoked ham shank. Smoked ham shanks have a richer, more complex flavor, while unsmoked ham shanks are milder and more versatile.
- Bone-in or boneless: Both bone-in and boneless ham shanks work well in a slow cooker. Bone-in ham shanks have more flavor and texture, but boneless ham shanks are easier to slice and serve.
Preparing the Ham Shank
Before cooking the ham shank, you’ll need to prepare it by trimming any excess fat and scoring the surface. Here’s how:
- Trimming excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat from the surface of the ham shank. This will help the ham cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too greasy.
- Scoring the surface: Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham shank in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a more flavorful crust.
Cooking the Ham Shank
Now that your ham shank is prepared, it’s time to cook it. Here’s a basic recipe for cooking a ham shank in a slow cooker:
- Ingredients:
- 1 ham shank (2-3 pounds)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried cloves
- Instructions:
- Place the ham shank in the slow cooker and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, thyme, and cloves.
- Pour the glaze over the ham shank, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
- After 8 hours, remove the ham shank from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Variations and Add-ins
While the basic recipe above is delicious on its own, you can also try adding some variations and add-ins to give your ham shank more flavor and texture. Here are a few ideas:
- Pineapple and cherry: Place a pineapple ring and a cherry on top of the ham shank before cooking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Bourbon and brown sugar: Add 1/4 cup of bourbon and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Spicy: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) to the glaze for a spicy kick.
- Herby: Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme) to the glaze for a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when cooking a ham shank in a slow cooker:
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your ham shank is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for medium-rare, 150°F (65°C) for medium, and 160°F (70°C) for well-done.
- Don’t overcook: Ham shanks can become dry and tough if they’re overcooked. To avoid this, cook the ham shank until it reaches the desired internal temperature, then remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest.
- Let it rest: Letting the ham shank rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few serving suggestions for your slow-cooked ham shank:
- Sandwiches: Slice the ham shank thinly and serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
- Salads: Dice the ham shank and add it to a green salad, pasta salad, or quinoa bowl.
- Sides: Serve the ham shank alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or braised greens.
- Breakfast: Slice the ham shank thinly and serve it with eggs, pancakes, or waffles for a hearty breakfast.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham shank in a slow cooker is a great way to prepare a delicious and tender meal with minimal effort. By following the basic recipe and tips outlined above, you can create a mouth-watering ham shank that’s perfect for sandwiches, salads, or served alongside your favorite sides. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What is the ideal size of ham shank for a slow cooker?
The ideal size of ham shank for a slow cooker depends on the size of your slow cooker. A general rule of thumb is to choose a ham shank that is at least 1-2 pounds smaller than the capacity of your slow cooker. This will allow for even cooking and prevent the ham from becoming too crowded. For a standard 6-quart slow cooker, a 4-5 pound ham shank is a good size.
It’s also important to consider the shape of the ham shank. A bone-in ham shank is ideal for slow cooking, as the bone helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat. Look for a ham shank with a flat bottom, as this will help it to cook more evenly in the slow cooker.
How do I prepare the ham shank for slow cooking?
To prepare the ham shank for slow cooking, start by rinsing it under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Remove any packaging or netting from the ham shank, and trim any excess fat or skin. You can also score the fat in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze to penetrate the meat more evenly.
Next, season the ham shank with your desired spices and herbs. You can use a store-bought seasoning blend or create your own using ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, and cloves. Rub the seasonings all over the ham shank, making sure to get some under the skin as well.
What is the best glaze for a slow-cooked ham shank?
The best glaze for a slow-cooked ham shank is a matter of personal preference. Some popular options include a brown sugar and mustard glaze, a honey and Dijon mustard glaze, or a fruit-based glaze made with ingredients like pineapple juice and cherry preserves. You can also use a store-bought glaze or create your own using ingredients like maple syrup, soy sauce, and spices.
When choosing a glaze, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. If you want a sweet and sticky glaze, a brown sugar and mustard glaze is a good option. If you want a tangier glaze, a honey and Dijon mustard glaze is a good choice. You can also experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create a unique flavor profile.
How long does it take to cook a ham shank in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for a ham shank in a slow cooker will depend on the size of the ham shank and the temperature of your slow cooker. As a general rule, a 4-5 pound ham shank will take about 8-10 hours to cook on low or 4-6 hours to cook on high.
It’s also important to check the internal temperature of the ham shank to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 140°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham shank.
Can I cook a ham shank in a slow cooker on high?
Yes, you can cook a ham shank in a slow cooker on high. Cooking on high will reduce the cooking time, but it may also affect the texture and flavor of the ham shank. Cooking on high can cause the ham shank to dry out, so it’s best to check on it frequently to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
If you do choose to cook on high, make sure to check the internal temperature of the ham shank frequently to avoid overcooking. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham shank.
How do I store leftover ham shank?
To store leftover ham shank, let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the leftover ham shank for up to 3 months.
When reheating leftover ham shank, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure food safety. You can reheat it in the slow cooker, oven, or microwave, depending on your preference.
Can I use a boneless ham shank in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham shank in a slow cooker. However, keep in mind that a boneless ham shank may not be as flavorful as a bone-in ham shank. The bone helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat, so a boneless ham shank may require more seasoning and liquid to achieve the same flavor profile.
If you do choose to use a boneless ham shank, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. A boneless ham shank will typically cook faster than a bone-in ham shank, so check on it frequently to avoid overcooking.