One dish that I am particularly passionate about is smoked ham shanks. This dish is not only delicious, but it also makes for an impressive and elegant presentation.
Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner party or simply looking for a new and delicious way to prepare ham, smoked ham shanks are a perfect choice.
In this blog post, I will provide step-by-step instructions for how to make the perfect smoked ham shanks, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about the dish.
Trust me, this recipe is guaranteed to leave your taste buds singing and your guests impressed. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started on creating a truly mouthwatering dish!
Best Homemade Smoked Ham Shank Recipe
Smoked ham shanks are an absolute must-try for home cooks. It tastes great and looks nice. The smokey beef and sweet-and-tangy sauce make a delicious entrée for any occasion. This recipe is perfect for a holiday dinner party, a family supper, or a new ham recipe.
This recipe is simple but impresses guests. It’s excellent for showing off your cooking skills without spending hours in the kitchen. While hosting, let the smoker do the work.
Smoked ham shanks go well with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a mustard sauce. Making it days before your dinner gathering and warming it up before serving makes things easier.
Smoked Ham Shank Ingredients
- 2 ham shanks
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp of thyme
- 1 tsp of pepper
- 1 tsp of salt
How To Make Smoked Ham Shank
Start by preparing your ingredients. Mix together the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
Place your ham shanks in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
Using a brush, coat the ham shanks with the mixture you prepared in step 1. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the shanks.
Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place the baking dish or roasting pan with the ham shanks in the smoker. Smoke the shanks for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the shanks have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Are smoked ham shanks the same as ham hocks?
Are smoked ham shanks the same as ham hocks? while both cuts come from the leg of the pig, ham shanks are larger and meatier than ham hocks, and are ideal for smoking and braising, while ham hocks are traditionally used for soups, stews, and traditional dishes.
Smoked ham shanks and hocks are comparable but different pieces of meat.
Ham shanks, cut from the lower leg just above the ankle, are meatier and larger than ham hocks. They weigh 1-2 pounds bone-in. Ham shanks are braised, smoked, and slow-cooked. The delicious and soft meat makes them great for soups and stews.
Ham hocks are sliced from the pig’s lower leg near the ankle. Smoked or unsmoked, they are smaller than ham shanks. They flavor soups, stews, and classic foods like collard greens and black-eyed peas. Ham hocks, like ham shanks, are smoked.
Smoked Ham Shank Faq’s
Can I use regular ham instead of shanks?
While regular ham can be used, the shanks have a more robust and bold flavor that is perfect for smoking. The shanks also have a higher fat content, which makes them more suitable for smoking.
Can I use a different type of wood to smoke the shanks?
Absolutely! Different types of wood will give the meat different flavors. Some popular options include hickory, apple, and mesquite.
How long should I smoke the shanks for?
The smoking time will depend on the size of your shanks, as well as your personal preferences for doneness. Typically, smoking for 2-3 hours will result in a delicious and perfectly cooked shank.
How To Serve Smoked Ham Shank
Serving homemade smoked ham shanks has several choices.
Serve shanks as the main course with a selection of sides. For variety, serve the shanks with roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. The shanks’ smokey and flavorful aromas pair well with the mashed potatoes’ creamy texture. An acidic mustard sauce on the side will contrast the shanks’ sweet coating.
A carving station or buffet lets guests serve themselves and savor the shanks at their own speed. This is ideal for large dinner groups.
Slice the shanks and serve them as a sandwich on bread with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments. A tasty lunch or dinner sandwich.
Shred the meat and top pizzas, salads, or mac and cheese.
What is the best way to cook a ham shank?
The best way to cook a ham shank is through smoking. Smoking is a method of cooking that involves exposing the meat to low heat and smoke from wood chips. This method not only cooks the meat, but it also infuses it with a rich smoky flavor.
Smoked Ham Shank Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Knife
- Silicone Pastry Brush
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 ham shanks
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tbsp of thyme
- 1 tsp of pepper
- 1 tsp of salt
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Mix together the brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, pepper, and salt in a small bowl.
- Place your ham shanks in a large baking dish or roasting pan.
- Using a brush, coat the ham shanks with the mixture you prepared in step 1. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the shanks.
- Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the baking dish or roasting pan with the ham shanks in the smoker. Smoke the shanks for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once the shanks have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
