Paula Deen's 3-Step Ham Shank Recipe Magic

Ever since Paula Deen stepped into the kitchen with her signature Southern flair, home cooks around the world have tried to capture the essence of her heart-warming dishes. Today, we're going to dive into Paula Deen's Ham Shank Recipe, a three-step process that transforms a humble piece of meat into a centerpiece for your holiday feast or a comforting meal for your loved ones. Let's explore how you can master this magic!

Why Choose a Ham Shank?

Before we get into the how-to, let's talk about why you should choose a ham shank:

• Flavor: The shank has rich, deep flavors due to the bone and higher fat content, making your dish succulent and delicious.
• Cost-Effective: Ham shanks are often less expensive than other ham cuts, providing an economical yet tasty option.
• Ease of Cooking: The cooking process is relatively simple, even for novice cooks.
• Versatility: This meat can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to glazes, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients for Ham Shank

To start, gather these ingredients:

• 1 large ham shank
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cups of chicken or ham stock
• 2 oranges (for zest and juice)

Step 1: Preparing Your Ham Shank

Here's how you begin:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the ham shank into a roasting pan.
3. Create slits on the surface of the ham with a sharp knife to help the flavors seep in.
4. Rub the ham with black pepper and minced garlic, ensuring to get into the slits.
5. Pour stock into the bottom of the roasting pan to create a flavorful cooking environment.
6. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during the initial cooking phase.

Step 2: Glazing and Baking

Now let's add some sweetness and zest:

1. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange zest, and juice until well combined.
2. Remove the ham from the oven after about 1.5 hours. Carefully uncover it to brush the glaze all over the ham.
3. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 30-45 minutes, basting occasionally to ensure a caramelized coating.

🍽️ Note: Basting the ham frequently will help develop a rich, delicious glaze while keeping the meat moist.

Step 3: Resting and Serving

The final step is critical for flavor and texture:

1. Once the glaze has caramelized beautifully, remove the ham from the oven.
2. Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes, tented loosely with foil to keep warm but not continue cooking.
3. Slice and serve with your favorite sides, or use it in recipes for soups, sandwiches, or salads.

The magic of Paula Deen's Ham Shank Recipe lies not just in the succulent, flavorful meat but in the simplicity of the process. You've taken a humble ham shank, enhanced its inherent qualities with a sweet and tangy glaze, and presented a dish that's perfect for any festive occasion or a simple family dinner. Whether you're following the recipe exactly or adapting it to your taste, the result is always a delicious homage to Southern cooking.

Can I use a spiral ham instead?

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Yes, you can use a spiral ham, though the cooking time will differ. Adjust the glaze amount to cover the exposed areas and keep an eye on the ham as it cooks, basting regularly.

How do I store leftovers?

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Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Ensure to slice or carve the ham first for easier portioning later.

What sides pair well with ham?

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Classic Southern sides like macaroni and cheese, collard greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and cornbread all complement this ham beautifully. For a lighter touch, try asparagus or a mixed green salad with citrus dressing.

Can I prepare the ham shank in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare the ham shank up to the point of glazing. You can glaze and cook it later, or even cook it the day before and reheat, glazing at the end for that fresh caramelized flavor.

What makes the glaze special?

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The glaze’s unique combination of sweet brown sugar, rich honey, tangy mustard, and citrusy orange zest creates a complex flavor profile that complements the ham’s richness.