A ham shank — more accurately known as a pork shank — is a bone-in cut from the front leg. Although it's often referred to as a ham hock, hocks are a different cut and are typically cured, whereas shanks are often available fresh.
Pork shanks are inexpensive and flavorful, though they could turn out unpleasantly chewy unless they're cooked slowly in liquid.
Video of the Day
Video of the Day
Read more: The Best Ways to Bake Thin Pork Chops
Step 1: Season Your Ham
Season the pork shank all over with salt, pepper and your choice of seasonings, such as minced garlic cloves or chopped fresh herbs like rosemary.
Be aware that many seasonings are high in sodium. The American Heart Association recommends a daily intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or a large, oven-safe pot, using approximately 4 tablespoons of oil for one 1 1/2- to 2-pound pork shank. Add the pork shank and brown it on all sides for approximately 15 minutes, using tongs to turn the meat.
Step 3: Add Some Veggies
Push the pork shank to the side of the pot and add chopped onions and chunked vegetables such as onions, carrots or celery, if desired. Saute the vegetables briefly. Arrange the vegetables evenly around the pork shank.
Step 4: Add Your Liquid
Pour in approximately 2 cups of liquid for a 1 1/2- to 2-pound pork shank, choosing from wine, broth, beer, water or a combination. Put the pot's lid in place, or cover the pot securely with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Cook the Dish
Place the covered pot into an oven that has been heated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the pork shank and vegetables to cook for approximately three hours, using the tongs to turn the shank over halfway through the cooking time.
Step 6: Check the Temperature
Remove the pot from the oven when the meat is tender and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the shank registers at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit — the minimum safe internal temperature according to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Discard the bone and serve the meat and vegetables with whole-wheat pasta, polenta or brown rice.
Read more: How to Make Oven-Baked Boneless Pork Chops
Things You'll Need
Fresh pork shank
Seasonings, such as salt, pepper, minced garlic or fresh herbs
Olive oil
Dutch oven or large, oven-safe pot
Tongs
Chopped vegetables, such as onions, celery and carrots (optional)
Liquid, such as water, broth, wine, beer or combination
Aluminum foil, optional
Meat thermometer
Tip
Plan on a 1 1/2- to 2-pound pork shank being enough to serve three to four people, as recommended by the USDA.
To serve the pork shank with a sauce made from the accumulated pan juices, put the pot on the stove top after removing the meat and vegetables, bring the liquid to a boil and whisk in 1 or more tablespoons of flour.
Try oven-roasting the pork shanks with rinsed and drained sauerkraut for a German-inspired dish.
Warning
Don't confuse a ham or pork shank with a bone-in smoked shank portion ham cut. A shank ham cut ranges between 5 and 10 pounds and is usually glazed, oven-heated and served to groups for large dinners.
Was this article helpful?
150 Characters Max
0/150
Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your feedback!