5 Delicious Ham Shank Leftover Recipes

As the holiday season wraps up, many of us are left with an array of leftover ingredients from our festive feasts. Ham shank, with its rich, smoky flavor, can be a versatile component for an array of creative dishes. Instead of just reheating slices for the umpteenth time, why not turn those leftovers into exciting new meals? Let's explore some delicious recipes that make the most out of your leftover ham shank!

Ham Shank and Potato Soup

Why You'll Love It: This soup is the epitome of comfort food, utilizing the savory taste of ham shank to infuse depth into a creamy, hearty soup perfect for chilly evenings.

Ingredients:

• 1 leftover ham shank
• 6 cups of water or low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup of diced celery
• 1 cup of diced carrots
• 2 cups of diced potatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place the ham shank in a large pot with water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the meat is tender.
2. Remove the shank, cool, then shred or chop the meat. Strain the broth and set aside.
3. In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add celery, carrots, and potatoes, cooking for a few minutes.
4. Pour in the strained broth, and cook until vegetables are tender.
5. Stir in the shredded ham, then add the cream, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with parsley before serving.

🍲 Note: If your ham shank has skin on it, consider removing it before cooking to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

Ham Shank Eggs Benedict

Why You'll Love It: Reimagine a classic breakfast favorite with a savory twist. The rich ham shank adds a depth of flavor that elevates this timeless dish.

Ingredients:

• Thick slices of leftover ham shank
• English muffins or bread of your choice
• Eggs
• Hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Spinach or other greens for a refreshing touch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the muffins or bread until crisp.
2. Heat the ham shank slices in a skillet to warm through and slightly crisp the edges.
3. Poach eggs to your desired doneness.
4. Assemble your Benedict by placing ham on the bread, followed by a poached egg, and then a generous drizzle of Hollandaise.
5. If using, add a small handful of spinach or other greens between the ham and egg for a fresh twist.

🥚 Note: For a speedy Hollandaise sauce, try the blender method which involves blending egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter together.

Ham Shank Fried Rice

Why You'll Love It: Transform your leftover ham into a quick, flavorful meal that's perfect for using up other odds and ends in your fridge.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of cold, cooked rice
• 1 cup of diced leftover ham shank
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp of soy sauce
• Sesame oil for flavor
• Green onions for garnish
• Chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Add onion and garlic, stir-frying until aromatic.
2. Add mixed vegetables, cooking until tender.
3. Push everything to the side, then pour in the eggs, stirring until they form small curds.
4. Mix everything together, then add the cold rice, breaking up any clumps.
5. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and ham shank, stir-frying until well combined and heated through.
6. Garnish with green onions and serve with a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.

🌾 Note: For best results, use rice that has been chilled as this helps in creating that perfect fried rice texture without making it mushy.

Ham Shank Quiche

Why You'll Love It: A quiche is a great way to repurpose leftovers, combining them with cheese and eggs to create a dish that can be served for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup of diced ham shank
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cheese (Swiss or cheddar work well)
• 1 onion, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup of milk or cream
• 3 large eggs
• Nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste
• Broccoli or spinach, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit into a 9-inch quiche or pie dish.
3. Sauté the onions until soft, then spread ham, onions, cheese, and any optional greens over the bottom of the crust.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Pour over the filling.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool slightly before serving.

🍽️ Note: Quiche is incredibly versatile; you can add almost any cooked vegetable or leftover meat, making it an excellent dish for creativity.

Ham Shank Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Why You'll Love It: Elevate your salad game with this refreshing combination of flavors, showcasing the ham shank in a new light.

Ingredients:

• Shredded or sliced ham shank
• Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
• Segments of oranges or mandarins
• Sliced radishes
• Shaved carrots
• For the vinaigrette:
  • Juice of one orange
  • Zest of half an orange
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Layer your greens, ham shank, and vegetables on a plate.
2. In a jar, combine the vinaigrette ingredients, shake well, then drizzle over the salad.
3. Toss gently to combine and enjoy immediately.

🍊 Note: The citrus in this vinaigrette adds a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly balances the smokiness of the ham.

Your leftover ham shank from the holiday meal doesn't have to be dull. With these five recipes, you can turn that flavorful meat into delicious, varied meals. From the comforting warmth of soup to the freshness of a citrus salad, these dishes highlight how versatile and tasty leftovers can be. Every bite is an opportunity to enjoy the rich flavors of ham shank in exciting new ways, proving once again that leftovers are not just about reheating but about reimagining.