Cooking a delicious ham shank in a roaster oven is easier than you think! With the right techniques you can make this savory cut of meat juicy, flavorful, and impressive. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to cook ham shanks perfectly in a roaster oven.
What is a Ham Shank?
A ham shank is the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg. It contains a round bone surrounded by rich, flavorful meat. Ham shanks are tougher than other ham cuts but become tender and juicy when cooked slowly over low heat. Their intense pork flavor makes them ideal for soups, stews, and braising.
Benefits of Using a Roaster Oven
Roaster ovens are great for cooking large cuts of meat like ham shanks. Here are some of the benefits:
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Even heating: The enclosed design allows the heat to circulate evenly around the meat. This prevents drying out and promotes tender, juicy results.
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Moisture retention: A roaster oven traps in moisture released by the meat as it cooks. This steaming effect keeps the meat deliciously succulent.
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Hands-free cooking: Once your ham shank is in the roaster, it requires minimal supervision. The enclosed heat cooks the meat low and slow with no risk of burning.
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Space saving: Roaster ovens are much smaller than conventional ovens. You can cook a sizable ham shank without monopolizing your whole oven.
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Portability: Roaster ovens have handles and are lightweight enough to move to different locations. You can start your ham shank at home then transport it to a party or potluck.
Tips for Choosing a Ham Shank
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Look for a shank that is 1 1⁄2 to 3 pounds. This provides plenty of meat without being unwieldy.
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Choose a shank with white to pink meat without dark spots. Dark spots indicate bruising.
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Make sure the outer skin is dry and intact, not torn or slimy.
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Avoid shanks with an off-putting aroma. Fresh ham shanks have a mild pork smell.
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Check the expiration date. Use ham shanks within 5-7 days of purchase.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for ham shank success:
1. Prepare the Roaster Oven
Preheat your roaster oven to 300°F. If your roaster did not come with a rack, place chopped vegetables like onions, carrots and celery in the bottom to elevate the ham shank.
2. Prepare the Ham Shank
Rinse the ham shank under cool water and pat dry with paper towels. Score the skin and fat cap in a diamond pattern. Be careful not to cut into the meat.
3. Season the Ham Shank
For fantastic flavor, rub the scored skin liberally with a spice blend. Good options include brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder and black pepper. Massage the spices into the nooks and crannies.
4. Brown the Ham Shank
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ham shank and brown for 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelization adds a lovely complexity.
5. Add Liquid
Place the seared ham shank in the preheated roaster oven. Add 1 cup broth, apple cider, wine or water to the bottom of the roaster. The liquid prevents burning and helps moisturize the meat.
6. Cover and Cook
Cover the roaster oven and cook the ham shank for about 20-25 minutes per pound. Check occasionally and add more liquid if evaporating.
7. Test for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone. Ham shanks are done at 145°F.
8. Make a Pan Sauce
Once cooked, transfer the ham shank to a platter and cover loosely with foil. Make a flavorful pan sauce by adding aromatics like garlic and herbs to the roaster drippings.
9. Rest and Carve
Let the ham shank rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to reabsorb. Use a sharp knife to cut around the bone and slice the tender meat.
And that’s it! Your roaster oven has transformed a tough ham shank into a succulent centerpiece.
Cooking Times
To ensure your ham shank turns out moist and tender, follow these cooking time guidelines:
| Ham Shank Weight | Uncovered Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 1 – 1 1⁄2 pounds | 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours |
| 1 1⁄2 – 2 pounds | 2 – 3 hours |
| 2 – 3 pounds | 3 – 4 hours |
*Note: Cooking times vary based on the specific roaster oven. Always use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked results.
Roaster Oven Temperature
The ideal roaster oven temperature for ham shanks is 300°F. This slower, lower heat tenderizes the tough meat over time.
Higher temperatures like 325°F will shorten the cooking time but may cause the exterior to dry out before the inside is done.
If your recipe calls for a higher heat, tent foil over the ham shank to prevent over-browning.
Internal Temperature
Cook the ham shank until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Temperatures between 145-155°F will result in a tender, juicy interior.
Be sure to insert your instant-read thermometer into the thickest section of meat avoiding the bone. This ensures an accurate reading.
Resting
Always let a cooked ham shank rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
This resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. Skipping this step can lead to dryness.
Tent the ham shank loosely with foil while resting so it stays warm. The meat will continue to cook a bit more as it sits.
Carving Tips
Follow these tips for carving your roaster oven ham shank like a pro:
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Use a sharp carving knife to neatly slice the meat.
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Cut the meat across the grain for tenderness.
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Angle the knife towards the bone to separate the meat.
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Slice only the amount needed and refrigerate the rest.
Serving Suggestions
Tender, juicy ham shanks are delicious served:
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On a platter with mustards and pickles
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Added to beans, soups or stews
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Over creamy grits or polenta
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Stirred into hash with potatoes and veggies
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In sandwiches stacked high with cheese
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Diced up in omelets and frittatas
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On top of hot biscuits or cornbread
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Tossed with pasta and robust sauces
The possibilities are endless! Get creative with your roaster oven ham shanks.
Glazing Ideas
Glazes provide flavor, moisture, and eye-appeal. Try these yummy glaze ideas:
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Brown sugar and mustard – Combine 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons mustard, and 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey. Spread over ham shank last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Coke and orange – Boil 1 cup cola, 1⁄4 cup orange juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, and 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper until thickened. Brush over ham shank periodically during cooking.
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Bourbon and peach – Simmer 1 minced shallot, 1⁄2 cup bourbon, 1⁄2 cup peach preserves, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and pinch of cayenne pepper. Glaze ham shank during last 20 minutes.
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Cherry cola – Puree 12 ounces cherry cola, 1⁄4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1⁄4 teaspoon cloves. Glaze ham shank in the last 30 minutes.
Feel free to get creative and come up with your own glazes!
Roaster Oven Ham Shank Recipe
Now that you’re a pro at cooking ham shanks in a roaster oven, try out this mouthwatering recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (2 pound) smoked ham shank
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
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Preheat roaster oven to 300°F. Scatter onion in bottom of roaster.
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Rinse ham shank and pat dry. Make cuts in skin and fat.
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Mix spices in a bowl. Rub spice blend all over ham shank.
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Place ham shank in roaster oven on top of onions. Pour in chicken broth.
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Cook covered for 3-4 hours until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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Remove ham shank, tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before carving.
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Serve with pan sauce from roaster oven drippings.
This easy roaster oven ham shank is sure to be a hit! The spices, broth and low heat result in fork-tender meat and incredible flavor.
Troubleshooting
Having issues with your roaster oven ham shanks? Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: Ham shank is undercooked or tough when tested.
Solution: Increase cooking time, checking temperature periodically. Roaster ovens can cook slower than conventional ovens. Add more liquid if evaporating.
Problem: Ham shank is overcooked or dry.
Solution: Avoid cooking at high temperatures for prolonged times. Tent with foil if exterior is getting too brown before center is done.
Problem: Ham shank skin is tough.
Solution: Remove skin after cooking and cooking. The collagen doesn’t break down enough during roasting.
Problem: Ham shank is bland.
Solution: Be generous with spices, glazes and seasonings. Baste periodically for more moisture and flavor.
Problem: Ham shank has an off or sour flavor.
Solution: Avoid cooking meat past its expiration date. Discard ham shanks with an off smell or sliminess.
FAQs
Got questions about roasting ham shanks? Here are some commonly asked questions:
Can you cook a frozen ham shank in a roaster oven?
Yes, but it is best to thaw frozen ham shanks for even cooking. Add extra cooking time if starting from frozen.
Do you need to add liquid to the roaster oven?
Adding some liquid is recommended to prevent burning and help keep the meat moist. Use broth, wine, cider or water.
What size ham shank fits best in a roaster oven?
Aim for a 1 1⁄2 to 3 pound ham shank. Larger cuts won’t cook as evenly. Smaller cuts may dry out.
Can you use a roaster oven to reheat leftover ham shank?
Absolutely! Roast leftover ham shank pieces in broth or cider to warm throughout without drying out.
What are the best side dishes with roaster oven ham shanks?
Creamed greens, mac and cheese, roasted potatoes and glazed carrots are all excellent pairings.
Can you cook it faster at a higher temperature?
It’s possible but not ideal. Higher heat dries out the exterior before the inside cooks through. Keep temperatures around 300°F.
Get Creative with Ham Shanks
Now that you know how to perfectly cook juicy, flavorful ham shanks in a roaster oven, get creative with this underrated cut! Experiment with different spice rubs, glazes and serving ideas. Ham shanks make budget-friendly meals and are ideal for feeding a crowd. Impress your family with your roaster oven ham shank cooking skills. Just follow the tips above for finger-licking results every time.