How To Bake A Ham Shank? 5 Easy Steps Outlined Above

Baking a ham shank is a delicious and easy way to feed a crowd. Not only is this dish economical, but it also requires minimal preparation and attention. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a family gathering, baked ham shank is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone feeling satisfied. In this blog post, we will go over a step-by-step guide on how to bake a ham shank perfectly. We will cover the preparation, cooking, and serving process so that you can enjoy a tender and juicy ham shank that will undoubtedly be the star of your next gathering.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

The first step in baking a ham shank is to preheat your oven. Preheating the oven ensures that the internal temperature of the oven is hot enough to cook the ham. Generally, you should set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius). Once your oven has reached this temperature, it’s time to place your ham shank inside and start cooking! Make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure that the temperature is consistent throughout your baking process.

Step 2: Prep the ham shank

Start by trimming any excess fat from the ham shank. You can also score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern for visual appeal, but this is optional. Next, place the ham shank in a roasting pan with the cut side facing down.

Step 3: Add flavor

For added flavor, you can rub a mixture of brown sugar and Dijon mustard over the ham’s surface. This will create a sweet and tangy glaze that will caramelize during the cooking process. You can also add a cup of chicken broth or apple juice to the roasting pan to keep the ham moist.

Step 4: Cook

Ham shank should be baked at 165°C (329°F). 20 minutes of baking time is required for every 450 grams (0.99 lb) of ham shank. Baking time may vary depending on the weight of the ham shank. To ensure that the ham shank is cooked thoroughly, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. The ideal internal temperature for ham shank is 60°C (140°F).

 

Step 5: Rest and serve

Once the ham shank has cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the ham, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish. Serve the baked ham shank with your favorite sides.

Conclusion: how to bake a ham shank

How to bake a ham shank? Baking a ham shank does not have to be complicated, and with this simple guide, you can prepare a delicious and impressive dish. Follow the five easy steps outlined above, and you will end up with a tender, flavorful ham shank that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Feel free to personalize the recipe to your liking, experimenting with different glazes and herbs.

FAQ: ham shank

Is a ham shank already baked?

Shank ham is frequently smoked or pre-cooked. Raw ham shank is sometimes referred to as “pork shank”. Some use the terms “ham shank” and “pork shank” interchangeably.

Should a ham shank be baked covered or uncovered?

Cook ham until internal temperature reaches 140 F. Keep moist by covering with foil during cook time. Add glaze within last 30 minutes of baking to caramelize.

What is the best temperature to bake a ham shank?

Bake ham shank at 325F Degrees for 1.5 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145F Degrees. Calculate cooking time at 15-20 minutes per pound. Check the temperature of ham shank, avoiding the bone.

How long do you bake a ham shank for?

Bake a fully cooked ham shank at 165°C (329°F). Cooking time is determined by weight: 20 minutes per 450 grams (0.99 lb) of meat.

Can you overbake ham shank?

Hams, just like other meats, can overcook and become dry and stringy. It is important to heat the ham to an appropriate serving temperature, usually around 120°F (49°C).

How do you keep a ham shank moist when baking?

Pour ginger ale and orange juice over the ham to add flavor and moisture. Cover the ham or the pan with foil, ensuring that it is properly sealed.

How do you tell if a ham shank is fully baked?

The USDA recommends setting oven temperature to 325°F. Raw fresh ham and ready-to-eat ham must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. A food thermometer should be used to measure the internal temperature before removing meat from the heat source.

How long to cook fully baked ham shank in oven?

Bake at 325F for 1.5 hours, or until internal temperature of 145F is reached. Cooking time per pound is estimated at 15-20 minutes.

How do you know when a ham shank is done baking?

Ham shank removed from oven. Heat thermometer used to measure internal heat of meat. Thickest part of meat should reach 75 °C (167 °F).

Do you wash a ham shank before baking?

No need to pre-wash a ham prior to baking. Baked ham is flavorful and delicious without any additional ingredients. Scoring the ham and brushing on glaze adds a pop of flavor and transforms it into a showy centerpiece.