The ham shank is a tasty piece of meat from the pork leg that can be used to season soups, stews, beans, and other foods. Their smoky, salty flavor adds a wonderful depth and savoriness to dishes.
But like any fresh meat, ham shanks don’t last forever. So what’s the best way to store ham shanks to extend their shelf life? Can you freeze ham shanks? And if so, how long do they last in the freezer?
In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about freezing ham shanks, including
- How to tell if a fresh ham shank is still good
- Can you freeze raw ham shanks?
- How long do cooked ham shanks last in the fridge?
- Step-by-step instructions for freezing ham shanks
- How long ham shanks last in the freezer
- Tips for thawing and cooking frozen ham shanks
Let’s get cooking!
How to Tell if a Fresh Ham Shank is Still Good
When buying fresh ham shanks at the grocery store or butcher shop, inspect them closely before purchasing. Signs of freshness include
- Pink or reddish-pink color
- Firm, glossy fat cap
- No strong odors
- Packaged ham shanks should be cold to the touch
When you get home, wrap fresh ham shanks tightly and put them in the fridge for three to five days. Cook within that timeframe for best flavor and texture.
Discard ham shanks that smell sour or look slimy. These are signs they’ve spoiled.
Can You Freeze Raw Ham Shanks?
Yes, absolutely! Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of fresh ham shanks.
Raw, uncooked ham shanks freeze especially well compared to other raw meats. The curing process helps preserve them.
For best quality, freeze raw ham shanks within the recommended 3-5 day fridge life. But you can safely freeze them up to 2 weeks after the sell by date if they still look and smell fresh.
How Long Do Cooked Ham Shanks Last in the Fridge?
Once cooked, ham shanks will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
To extend their shelf life longer, cooked ham shanks can be frozen for optimal quality and flavor.
How to Freeze Ham Shanks
Follow these simple steps for freezing ham shanks:
-
Allow cooked ham shanks to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer paper. This prevents freezer burn.
-
For extra protection, overwrap the plastic-wrapped shanks in aluminum foil.
-
Place wrapped shanks in freezer bags, removing excess air.
-
Label bags with contents and freeze date.
-
Freeze raw shanks up to 4 months; cooked shanks up to 3 months.
-
For quick portions, freeze broth with shanks in freezer-safe containers.
Pro Tip: Freeze shanks standing up to minimize air exposure and freezer burn.
How Long Do Ham Shanks Last in the Freezer?
Frozen properly, ham shanks can safely be frozen for the following timeframes:
- Raw, uncooked ham shanks: 4 months
- Cooked ham shanks: 3 months
Ham shanks frozen longer may still be safe but the quality declines over time. Flavor and texture suffer due to prolonged freezer time.
For best taste and performance, use frozen ham shanks within the recommended time limits.
Tips for Thawing Ham Shanks
Thaw frozen ham shanks safely using one of these methods:
-
Fridge thawing: Place wrapped shanks in a bowl or pan to catch drips. Thaw 24 hours per pound.
-
Cold water thaw: Submerge wrapped ham shank in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes. About 30 minutes per pound to thaw.
-
Microwave: Use the defrost setting based on weight. Cook immediately; don’t allow ham shanks to sit after microwave thawing.
-
Pressure cooker: Add frozen ham shank to recipes. Pressure cooking safely thaws and cooks ham shanks.
Do not thaw ham shanks at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to grow.
Cook thawed ham shanks within 3-5 days. Do not refreeze.
Cooking and Using Thawed Ham Shanks
Ham shanks impart amazing flavor to dishes but require long, moist cooking methods to become tender.
Great choices include:
- Bean or pea soup
- Split pea soup
- Lentil soup
- Ham and bean stew
- Navy bean soup
- Simmering in sauce or gravy
- Braising collard greens, cabbage, or Brussels sprouts
Cook thawed ham shanks until fork tender, about 1-2 hours. If using in soup, simmer a full 2 hours.
Remove meat from the bone when cooked through, then dice or shred ham shank meat as desired.
Freezing Ham Shanks: Key Tips
- Raw, uncooked shanks last 4 months; cooked shanks 3 months
- Allow cooked shanks to fully cool before freezing
- Double wrap in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn
- Thaw frozen shanks 24 hours per pound in the fridge
- Cook thawed shanks within 3-5 days; don’t refreeze
With proper freezing and thawing methods, ham shanks can be enjoyed months after purchasing. Keep this guide handy for storing ham shanks at peak quality.
Ham Freezing and Storing
FAQ
Is a 2 year old frozen ham still good?
How long can you keep a precooked ham in the freezer?
How long does ham hock last in the freezer?
Can you freeze a ham in the original packaging?
How long can a ham be frozen?
The type of ham you want to freeze will affect how long you can store it in the freezer. To keep it simple, cured and cooked hams such as honey baked, spiral, and deli sliced can be frozen for up to 2 months. Uncooked hams that haven’t been cured can be frozen for up to four months.
Can you freeze a ham bone?
Save the bone! You can also tightly wrap and vacuum seal your ham bone for later use in Ham Bone, Greens, and Bean Soup or Slow-Cooker Ham Bone Soup . Store in your freezer!
Can you freeze a sliced ham?
Yes, but it can be hard to determine the best way to freeze it. If the ham is unopened, you can freeze it in its original packaging. When freezing leftover ham (whole or sliced), here are some tips to follow: Make sure the ham is cooled and dry (to prevent ice crystals). Wrap in plastic wrap or a freezer bag and then tightly cover with foil.
How do you store a frozen ham?
Here are some guidelines to follow: Double Wrapping: To provide extra protection against freezer burn, consider double-wrapping your frozen ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring there are no air pockets. Then place it in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container.